We launched my BFI Classics book on A Hard Day’s Night at the BFI Southbank last night with a screening, which I introduced. I’ll be speaking at more screenings and book festivals all round the UK in the weeks ahead.But thought I’d share the brief speech I made at the book launch:
I thought my first book was going to be about Mary Whitehouse! But once I realised I needed to pull together the story of this remarkable film as a moment of groundbreaking social change there was no stopping me. It was a joy to write.
My thanks dive backwards in time..
Starting with the BFI and Benugo team for hosting tonight. All of you who’ve spoken up for the book and me – too many to name.
Everyone who spoke to me FOR the book – especially David Janson – the Boy – who’s here tonight with his family.
Mark Lewisohn for his scholarship and advice, and Chris Shaw – whose Eggpod podcast was key to me realising there was a book to write.
Rebecca Barden – a dream editor, who commissioned my pitch and offered the perfect notes. I didn’t disagree with a single one!
Sophie Contento for her remarkable fact checking and copy editing. My two favourites are spotting that ‘Allo ‘Allo! the sitcom had an exclamation mark and that Cliff Richard’s character in Expresso Bongo is called Bongo Herbert not Harry.
The whole marketing team at Bloomsbury especially Mollie Broad for their hard work backing the book.
Mark Swan for designing such an exquisite cover..
On sale in the BFI Southbank bookshop
My literary agent Catherine Clarke from Felicity Bryan for being my guardian through this whole process.
My agent of 25 years Sue Ayton and the whole team at Knight Ayton for always being my champions.
Philip Lawford for, amongst other things, taking me to visit Stowe School!
My family especially – Mum (Lalita Ahmed) for being one of those pioneering career women in tv, and my brother Salim for introducing me to the Beatles.
The Beatles of course. But a special thank you to the director Richard Lester – an immigrant who loved Britain, and defying authority, and who captured the Beatles with such style and joie de vivre. Let’s raise a glass to Richard Lester.
