Chart Throb
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Chart Throb
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Narrated by:
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Glen McCready
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By:
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Ben Elton
About this listen
The ultimate pop quest. Ninety-five thousand hopefuls. Three judges. Just one winner. And that’s Calvin Simms, the genius behind the show.
Calvin always wins, because Calvin writes the rules. But this year, as he sits smugly in judgement upon the mingers, clingers, and blingers whom he has pre-selected in his carefully scripted ‘search’ for a star, he has no idea that the rules are changing. The ‘real’ is about to be put back into ‘reality’ television, and Calvin and his fellow judges (the nation’s favourite mum and the other bloke) are about to become ex-factors themselves.
Ben Elton, author of Popcorn and Dead Famous returns to blistering comic satire with a savagely hilarious deconstruction of the world of modern television talent shows. Chart Throb. One winner. A whole bunch of losers.
©2006 Ben Elton (P)2009 Random House AudioListeners also enjoyed...
Would you listen to Chart Throb again? Why?
I have listened to this story multiple times, with various time inbetween each listen. It takes the Pop Star format and 'exposes' it as the manipulated and manufactured commercial invention that it is, but in a way that makes you crack up with laughter at every twist and turn.What other book might you compare Chart Throb to, and why?
Any of Ben Elton's books compare to this book. It has that sarcastic and brilliant commentary that makes his books stand out and keep you interested.What does Glen McCready bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?
Glen brings the characters to life, and injects that extra level of drama and sarcasm that only an experienced narrator can bring, without getting in the way of the story.Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
There are laughs and shocks around every corner of this story, right up to the final scene. You will find yourself thinking 'Of course, that is so spot on' when hearing the insights and 'behind the curtain' scenes that unpick the format of the 'find a popstar' genre.Any additional comments?
This is not for everyone, i.e. if you are easily offended or a die-hard fan of pop-star tv shows, or are not a particular fan of bad language. However, a highly recommended listen for anyone else, it will put a smile on your dial.Sarcastic, cutting, and funny
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Fabulous but flawed
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😊👍
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Really well done
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Would you try another book written by Ben Elton or narrated by Glen McCready?
I love Ben Elton and have read all his books. This is the first I have listened to, I think maybe it is better to read his work.What will your next listen be?
Something that doesn't try to be funnyWhich character – as performed by Glen McCready – was your favourite?
The wannabe contestantsDid Chart Throb inspire you to do anything?
don't be silly, what an odd question!Any additional comments?
When listening there is too much repetition, which would work being read, but not so much heard. Yes judges on these shows do say "you owned that", and it is as puerile here as it is on those shows, None of the characters are likeable, though some depth is given to some of them. I think comedy needs to be read not listened to, I love Ben Elton but I did not think much of Chart Throb. Too easy to mockJust what you think it will be
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Fits My Own Narrative of Reality Shows Perfectly
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Hilarious
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Ben Elton at his best
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Decent expose/comedy of talent show crap shows
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oh my god
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