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By Robert Llewellyn - The Man in the Rubber Mask (Reprint) (1994-05-31) [Paperback]
In a recent poll the robotic Kryten was noted by viewers as their favourite of the four main characters in "Red Dwarf". In this book actor and alternative comedian Robert Llewellyn, who plays the part in the series, tells the inside story of life as Kryten.
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 1994
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About the author
Robert Llewellyn
56 books75 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads data base.
Robert Llewellyn is an English actor, presenter, and writer. He is best known for his roles as presenter of Scrapheap Challenge, and as the android Kryten in the hit sitcom Red Dwarf.
Robert Llewellyn is an English actor, presenter, and writer. He is best known for his roles as presenter of Scrapheap Challenge, and as the android Kryten in the hit sitcom Red Dwarf.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
August 9, 2016
The Man in the Rubber Mask chronicles Robert Llewellyn's career, from a struggling stage actor to a struggling actor playing Kryten on Red Dwarf.
Red Dwarf is one of my top ten favorite shows of all time and I'm on series 3 of my latest re-watch. One of Robert Llewellyn's novels popped up in my recommendations so I decided to read this instead.
While Kryten isn't my favorite character on Red Dwarf, I do feel his addition to the crew in the beginning of the third series was what took the show to the next level for me. While reading the book, I had Kryten's voice in my head.
The Man in the Rubber Mask talks about Robert's early days as a stage actor and comedian but most of the book focuses on Red Dwarf, and rightly so. Although he's had success with Scrapheap Challenge/Junkyard Wars, Red Dwarf will go down as the work he's most remembered for.
The behind the scenes stories of working on Red Dwarf were pretty entertaining, though the makeup process to transform Robert into Kryten sounds like torture. Llewelyn's comedic timing makes the book a joy to read. The failed American version of Red Dwarf sounds like it would have been a train wreck and I'm glad it wasn't picked up.
Like a lot of biographies, it felt a little thin. I could have used more entertaining anecdotes from the making of Red Dwarf. For a huge Red Dwarf fan, this is a fun read. I don't think I'd recommend it to anyone who wasn't a fan of the show, though. Three out of five stars.
Red Dwarf is one of my top ten favorite shows of all time and I'm on series 3 of my latest re-watch. One of Robert Llewellyn's novels popped up in my recommendations so I decided to read this instead.
While Kryten isn't my favorite character on Red Dwarf, I do feel his addition to the crew in the beginning of the third series was what took the show to the next level for me. While reading the book, I had Kryten's voice in my head.
The Man in the Rubber Mask talks about Robert's early days as a stage actor and comedian but most of the book focuses on Red Dwarf, and rightly so. Although he's had success with Scrapheap Challenge/Junkyard Wars, Red Dwarf will go down as the work he's most remembered for.
The behind the scenes stories of working on Red Dwarf were pretty entertaining, though the makeup process to transform Robert into Kryten sounds like torture. Llewelyn's comedic timing makes the book a joy to read. The failed American version of Red Dwarf sounds like it would have been a train wreck and I'm glad it wasn't picked up.
Like a lot of biographies, it felt a little thin. I could have used more entertaining anecdotes from the making of Red Dwarf. For a huge Red Dwarf fan, this is a fun read. I don't think I'd recommend it to anyone who wasn't a fan of the show, though. Three out of five stars.
August 2, 2018
Being a Red Dwarf fan of course I wanted to pick up ‘Kryten’s’ own book about the show as well as his own life and the rest of the crew. I expected nothing less, as soon as I got it I instantly started reading it and it was just so interesting. I loved learning more about the actors as well as behind the scenes about the show.
It’s a good read if you’re just getting into the show or are a life long fan! If you haven’t watched it, it’s a great British science fiction comedy from the 80s that is still coming out today and it’s still very good! Just give it a watch!
It’s a good read if you’re just getting into the show or are a life long fan! If you haven’t watched it, it’s a great British science fiction comedy from the 80s that is still coming out today and it’s still very good! Just give it a watch!
September 27, 2015
Well as you can see I not only found the book but was able to finish it - which for me is no small feat considering I am not really a biography person. This book covers the years of Robert Llewellyn from his early days at the Edinburgh fringe to the completion of Red Dwarf series 10 and as such covered off one of my favourite science fiction comedy shows. The book contains anecdotes and observations of his adventurers and experiences through his life and career in the style you know he has made his own.
I should point out that comedy and science fiction are two uncomfortable bedfellows. It seems all too easy to stand there and laugh at science fiction - ridiculing it and belittling it (I have seen it and experienced it all too often) however to laugh with it, to highlight the absurdities that it can contain and to show that a fool is a fool what ever era you set him it - Red Dwarf excelled at this and became one of my all time favourite shows (and I know I am not alone in this appreciation).
But back to the book. For once the challenge here is not that I do not want to give the storyline away since the majority of the book consists of observations related to events very much conducted in the public eye but rather these observations are his own and are best said in his own words - so much so that to paraphrase the here would not give them justice - as like Sean Connery making a Russian Submarine Captain Scottish (Hunt for Red October??) Robert Llewellyn made Kryten in his own image - mannerisms and all, but the thing is that reading this book you realise how much of Robert there is in Kryten and how funny the man is even without the rubber mask on.
For us Brits Mr Llewellyn has become a household name (and if not a name certainly a voice and a face) - from Red Dwarf to Scrapheap Challenge, and many projects in-between, he has been there and done that - but reading his book you realise how self deprecating he is and surprised he is that he has been able to achieve so much - (and yes for once I will paraphrase) " I thought it was all over after series 3 back in 1989, so I am keeping my options open"
This book was both entertaining and insightful and I hope to see more of Mr Llewellyn's exploits - in fact we will since they are already filming series 11 and 12. And I must say at this point the reason why I was able to read this book was that I actually met the man at Em-Con this year and had him sign it for me and I can from personal experience he is as genuine as he sounds.
I should point out that comedy and science fiction are two uncomfortable bedfellows. It seems all too easy to stand there and laugh at science fiction - ridiculing it and belittling it (I have seen it and experienced it all too often) however to laugh with it, to highlight the absurdities that it can contain and to show that a fool is a fool what ever era you set him it - Red Dwarf excelled at this and became one of my all time favourite shows (and I know I am not alone in this appreciation).
But back to the book. For once the challenge here is not that I do not want to give the storyline away since the majority of the book consists of observations related to events very much conducted in the public eye but rather these observations are his own and are best said in his own words - so much so that to paraphrase the here would not give them justice - as like Sean Connery making a Russian Submarine Captain Scottish (Hunt for Red October??) Robert Llewellyn made Kryten in his own image - mannerisms and all, but the thing is that reading this book you realise how much of Robert there is in Kryten and how funny the man is even without the rubber mask on.
For us Brits Mr Llewellyn has become a household name (and if not a name certainly a voice and a face) - from Red Dwarf to Scrapheap Challenge, and many projects in-between, he has been there and done that - but reading his book you realise how self deprecating he is and surprised he is that he has been able to achieve so much - (and yes for once I will paraphrase) " I thought it was all over after series 3 back in 1989, so I am keeping my options open"
This book was both entertaining and insightful and I hope to see more of Mr Llewellyn's exploits - in fact we will since they are already filming series 11 and 12. And I must say at this point the reason why I was able to read this book was that I actually met the man at Em-Con this year and had him sign it for me and I can from personal experience he is as genuine as he sounds.
May 19, 2018
If your a Red Dwarf fan you need to read to read this smegging book now with43.17% more smeg from Kryten himself such a luvvie lots of smegging funny bits!
February 3, 2015
For the uber-fans only. But this is Red Dwarf - and you either don't like it or absolutely love it - I don't really know any casual fans. Llewellyn knows this, and concentrates on everything Red Dwarf. He comes across, well, nicely. He's a terribly nice middle class guilt ridden boy-done-good don'tchewknow. He can't quite believe he's done so well out of Kryten - but yes, it's engaging fun, and has the ability to transport you back to scenes that, well, it turns out you can quote better than he can (his inability to learn lines is oft-repeated throughout (sometimes above and beyond the call). He skips past most non-Red Dwarf activities quickly.
Anyway, it's fun, and Llewellyn is such a gentle, nice soul (barely a bad word about anyone - I wonder if an update after production has well and truly finished would be slightly different) that there's little frustration, or negativity about anything - including the failed US pilot (which is interesting). He captures the cameraderie on set well with the others speeches (although the outtakes videos really show this up).
Fun, but lightweight fun. I doubt he'd complain.
Anyway, it's fun, and Llewellyn is such a gentle, nice soul (barely a bad word about anyone - I wonder if an update after production has well and truly finished would be slightly different) that there's little frustration, or negativity about anything - including the failed US pilot (which is interesting). He captures the cameraderie on set well with the others speeches (although the outtakes videos really show this up).
Fun, but lightweight fun. I doubt he'd complain.
January 4, 2016
This is a quick read and an entertaining way to spend a couple of hours in Red Dwarf nostalgia-land for fans of the series. Llewellyn writes with an honest and open style that is amusing and engaging. He also does a pretty good job of capturing the voices of the other cast members, particularly Craig Charles. I found the account of the attempt to start a US version of the show interesting. Llewellyn does a good job of assessing the situation without seeming bitter about it (perhaps he simply isn't). I'm fairly sure there's a pretty entertaining one-man show in here somewhere if Llewellyn ever gets bored of being a wealthy author.
My one real complaint about the book is about the editing, not the writing. The Kindle version of this was full of typing errors and some whole sections were repeated verbatim. I'm aware that this was published by a small company using donations and that Kindle books are often a little sloppy but this was the sloppiest I've ever seen. I genuinely wonder if it was copy-edited at all.
My one real complaint about the book is about the editing, not the writing. The Kindle version of this was full of typing errors and some whole sections were repeated verbatim. I'm aware that this was published by a small company using donations and that Kindle books are often a little sloppy but this was the sloppiest I've ever seen. I genuinely wonder if it was copy-edited at all.
June 24, 2007
Robert Llewellyn writes about his background, the road to Red Dwarf, and his side projects. There's not a whole lot about the rest of the Dwarf cast, but in what there is, Llewellyn proves himself to be the Michael Palin of the bunch -- bemused, self-deprecating, and very funny.
May 5, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. It helps being a fan of Red Dwarf and I'm a big big fan of Red Dwarf (cue lots of excitement at the announcement of the commissioning of series 11 & 12 just as I finished the book). The book tells Robert Llewelyns story from his days starting out as a struggling comedian through his ,any visits to stage at the Edinburgh Fringe to Red Dwarf series 10 and the disastrous American Red Dwarf pilot.
The tales is light hearted and told with a deft touch. At times it feels a little light on details. I was hoping for more detail behind the scenes of the filming of the small rouge one, and while the tales were there, some of them felt a little rushed.
I gave this four stars which is maybe a little generous but you can't give part marks on Goodreads and it definitely deserves more than 3 stars. A more accurate rating would be 3.5, maybe 3.75 but that could be me being a little picky. In summary, if you like Red Dwarf, reads this book. As good as the book is, if you don't like the small rouge one then this may not hold your attention
The tales is light hearted and told with a deft touch. At times it feels a little light on details. I was hoping for more detail behind the scenes of the filming of the small rouge one, and while the tales were there, some of them felt a little rushed.
I gave this four stars which is maybe a little generous but you can't give part marks on Goodreads and it definitely deserves more than 3 stars. A more accurate rating would be 3.5, maybe 3.75 but that could be me being a little picky. In summary, if you like Red Dwarf, reads this book. As good as the book is, if you don't like the small rouge one then this may not hold your attention
January 17, 2022
Lots of references to how much sex he's had. Lots of swearing and moaning about how much he hates the mask. That's it really. I understand he is a comedian, but this book was garbage. Not often I say that.
September 5, 2024
A bit disappointed. As a massive fan of red dwarf I was really looking forward to this. But the book consisted of a lot of him talking about his penis… about women when he had a wife, kept saying about irony where I couldn’t see irony. I really liked him before but now I’m not so sure. Didn’t want to be mean just in case he sees the review. I’m still a big fan of red dwarf but I’m not entirely sure on him as a person after reading this but I gave 3 stars because I enjoyed the behind the scenes sneak peak.
February 25, 2021
I've read this book a few times and it makes me laugh everytime. It's such an in-depth book describing so many situations and stories that re-reading it doesn't spoil it.
There were moments when I was laughing out loud, even sharing passages with my family (who are also Red Dwarf fans).
It's a joy to read, not just for the funny moments, but it's a nice easy book full of information and so well written.
There were moments when I was laughing out loud, even sharing passages with my family (who are also Red Dwarf fans).
It's a joy to read, not just for the funny moments, but it's a nice easy book full of information and so well written.
April 5, 2021
This was so much fun! Llewellyn is very funny as a writer as well as an actor - his humour translates very well to the page - and it made this a very fast and enjoyable read. I loved hearing about the behind-the-scenes moments between the cast on Red Dwarf. The way he transcribes conversations between the cast is so vivid it feels like you are there in the room with Robert Llewellyn, Craig Charles, Chris Barrie and Danny John-Jules, listening to their banter.
October 12, 2022
Behind the scenes
It seems like a solid 60 percent of the book is about the discomfort of wearing the Kryten mask, but once you get past that, there are some good stories. The making of the US pilot of Red Dwarf is particularly interesting, giving insight into American television. This is a great read for Red Dwarf fans who want to know what happened behind the scenes.
It seems like a solid 60 percent of the book is about the discomfort of wearing the Kryten mask, but once you get past that, there are some good stories. The making of the US pilot of Red Dwarf is particularly interesting, giving insight into American television. This is a great read for Red Dwarf fans who want to know what happened behind the scenes.
April 24, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this autobiography, and what is, essentially, a unique look at life behind the scenes of Red Dwarf from Robert Llewellyn. His style of writing works well in the Red Dwarf context, and there are many amusing anecdotes to read.
June 25, 2020
Funny and fantastic read
Full disclosure: I’m a huge Red Dwarf fan/nerd. Having said that, this book is quite simply damn funny, even if you’ve no interest in science fiction spoofs or the people who make them. Robert Llewelyn gives a humorous and interesting recital of his time on the hit show Red Dwarf, as well as some personal bits, and all done with a wit and humor that first made me love the man and the show. Well worth checking out. Smegtastic
Full disclosure: I’m a huge Red Dwarf fan/nerd. Having said that, this book is quite simply damn funny, even if you’ve no interest in science fiction spoofs or the people who make them. Robert Llewelyn gives a humorous and interesting recital of his time on the hit show Red Dwarf, as well as some personal bits, and all done with a wit and humor that first made me love the man and the show. Well worth checking out. Smegtastic
February 9, 2021
A pleasure to breeze through, funny, fluidly written, and interesting. The only niggles are that it does feel a little lightweight, and there's a strain of sexual humour and references I found superfluous and just a touch irritating. Regardless, well worth a read if you're a Red Dwarf fan.
October 18, 2024
robert i love you but you cannot leave it at that please tell me more 🙏🙏
jokes aside that was an incredibly funny and insightful book, i was on the train reading this and pretty sure i looked like a lunatic laughing out loud so often.
jokes aside that was an incredibly funny and insightful book, i was on the train reading this and pretty sure i looked like a lunatic laughing out loud so often.
June 12, 2025
Great Reading!
This was really fun and informative reading.
It fills in all of the questions I had about Red Dwarf’s characters.
I await a second book about Red Dwarf series XI to XIII.
This was really fun and informative reading.
It fills in all of the questions I had about Red Dwarf’s characters.
I await a second book about Red Dwarf series XI to XIII.
November 8, 2017
Updated to cover up to Red Dwarf X on Dave
February 25, 2019
Excellent
I've been a fan of Red Dwarf since I saw VHS episodes 28 years ago. This is a great read for all fans of the boys from the Dwarf and Robert.
I've been a fan of Red Dwarf since I saw VHS episodes 28 years ago. This is a great read for all fans of the boys from the Dwarf and Robert.
April 15, 2019
Absolute must for any Red Dwarf fan. All the best behind-the-scenes stories.
May 22, 2019
A Must For Any Red Dwarf Fan
I loved this book. Mr. Llewellyn makes a person feel they are right on set and behind the scenes with the cast.
I loved this book. Mr. Llewellyn makes a person feel they are right on set and behind the scenes with the cast.
June 12, 2019
funny loved the insight into the making of the show
August 2, 2019
An interesting memoir from the man behind the mask in the BBC sci-fi comedy Red Dwarf. Could have done with a bit more "behind the scenes", and a bit less on his stage career - if only just because the subtitle is "The Inside Smegging Story of Red Dwarf". Loads of fun stories spanning nearly all of the show's first 30 years, the disastrous American pilot and how this little low-budget TV show became an international sensation.
May 4, 2020
This was a solid memoir on a much loved series. Definitley perfect for any dwarfer young or old
July 2, 2020
A really enjoyable read
August 15, 2020
Smegging brilliant! Fans of Red Dwarf need to read this.
August 29, 2020
Good behind the scenes book of Rob's time playing Kryten with lots of fan anedotes
September 22, 2020
Very good book
This was a very thoughtful and well written book. It gives a lot of insight into the making of red dwarf
This was a very thoughtful and well written book. It gives a lot of insight into the making of red dwarf
October 7, 2021
Couldn't help but read this in Kryten's voice.
Good little bit of background about Red Dwarf, plenty of good laughs (even better if you seen some of the show).
Good little bit of background about Red Dwarf, plenty of good laughs (even better if you seen some of the show).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews