What do you think?
Rate this book
The Panther in My Kitchen: My Life With Wild Animals
Brian Blessed has a lifelong love of animals and over the years has rescued cats and dogs, horses and ponies, and even a very ungrateful fighting cock. All were characters in their own right, such as Jessie, a dog left languishing for a year at the local RSPCA, who ruled the entire household with a rod of iron, when she wasn’t out harassing the local vicar. Then there was Bodger, an abused terrier cross breed, who was nursed back to health by Brian and his wife, and Peppone, a stray cat and notorious thief, who was responsible for a crime epidemic in the Bagshot area. Most of all there was Misty, a soul mate and the first Jack Russell Brian met who didn’t take an instant dislike to him.
Over the years Brian has encountered more exotic animals too, from Kali the black panther who had free run of his kitchen and the gentle boa constrictor Bo Bo who went for walks with him in Richmond Park to the female gorillas who found him incredibly attractive. Written with all of Brian’s ebullience, The Panther in My Kitchen is a laugh-out-loud, life-affirming book about the joy animals bring and why we should care for them.
Over the years Brian has encountered more exotic animals too, from Kali the black panther who had free run of his kitchen and the gentle boa constrictor Bo Bo who went for walks with him in Richmond Park to the female gorillas who found him incredibly attractive. Written with all of Brian’s ebullience, The Panther in My Kitchen is a laugh-out-loud, life-affirming book about the joy animals bring and why we should care for them.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published November 2, 2017
12 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
July 1, 2018
Simply loved The Panther in My Kitchen by Brian Blessed.
His book made me laugh and cry. In his own unique writing style he covers the animals he has looked after and cared for.
I love his philosophy on life.
Michael Parkinson once said to him, "Brian, are you completely mad? I hope so I replied it's the only thing that makes sense !"
His book made me laugh and cry. In his own unique writing style he covers the animals he has looked after and cared for.
I love his philosophy on life.
Michael Parkinson once said to him, "Brian, are you completely mad? I hope so I replied it's the only thing that makes sense !"
March 28, 2018
Bran Blessed you are Brilliant! It as been a long time since a book of this calibre as appeared. The stories of animals he tells will make you laugh and cry equally.
Let us finish with one of the best lines ever:
Hildegard I'm being got at by a massive cock!
THANK YOU BRIAN. Highly recommended
Let us finish with one of the best lines ever:
Hildegard I'm being got at by a massive cock!
THANK YOU BRIAN. Highly recommended
November 8, 2017
I 'read' this as an audio book. To hear a large luxuriantly bearded man enthusiastically rave about his often eccentric experiences caring for animals was such a specific joy it deserves it's own word and dictionary definition.
February 2, 2018
Reading The Panther in My Kitchen has been one of my most pleasurable experiences in 2018!
I adore Brian Blessed and his latest collection of tales has made me love him just a little bit more.
The recounts of the hundreds of joyous animals he has loved and cared for over the years will make you weep and laugh out loud in equal measures.
Buy. Read. Feel.
I adore Brian Blessed and his latest collection of tales has made me love him just a little bit more.
The recounts of the hundreds of joyous animals he has loved and cared for over the years will make you weep and laugh out loud in equal measures.
Buy. Read. Feel.
January 15, 2018
Strongly recommend ! Must read !!! It's heartwarming. it full on with sense of humour. He cracked me up so many times. His experience with animals it's sweet, funny, bizarre and put me in tears. I totally paws up for his memoir.
December 5, 2017
Finished it in less than a day, first book I've done that with in a while. Brilliant.
December 12, 2022
I suspect that Brian Blessed is a bit of an acquired taste and he won’t appeal to everyone but I find his writing pretty hilarious. I didn’t enjoy this one quite as much as his autobiography which was one of top 5 that I read last year but if you are a animal lover you should like this one - one pet at a time is enough for me rather than the absolute menagerie that Brian Blessed apparently can’t live without.
There was some laugh out loud moments in this and I’m on a mission to read everything else that he has written next year now.
There was some laugh out loud moments in this and I’m on a mission to read everything else that he has written next year now.
November 15, 2024
not so much a professional memoir, more an account of his personal experience adopting and caring for and interacting with various amimals and pets, mundane and exotic
get sense of his development in his attitudes to zoos, circus etc
does touch on professional and personal family life, but not central
great storyteller and brilliantly bombastic on audio
get sense of his development in his attitudes to zoos, circus etc
does touch on professional and personal family life, but not central
great storyteller and brilliantly bombastic on audio
December 19, 2018
Other than the boring side notes on his kid and some actor stuff, brilliant book!
February 18, 2018
Enjoyed this, it's a really fun and heart-warming book of the wonderful Brian Blessed's life with all sorts of animals - wild and domestic. His love for them shines from every page. 8 out of 10
March 2, 2018
A wonderful book filled with delightful tales of Mr Blessed's encounters with animals. From Hamsters and Koi Carp to Elephants and the Panther in the title. It's a book that will make you smile, laugh out loud and maybe shed a little tear.
Brian has a wonderful, distinct writing style and you cannot help but read it in his voice.
Brian has a wonderful, distinct writing style and you cannot help but read it in his voice.
December 22, 2024
I listened to this on Audible read by Brian himself and it was a joy to listen to. Brian is one of life's natural storytellers.
This volume is about the animals in his life. I did not know that he has owned, fostered and rescued so many animals. I don't know how he managed it. His wife was an animal lover as well so they all got along famously. It all started with a friendship with a stray cat he called Tiddles when he was a small boy. When he started making money on Z Cars, he rented his first property and started taking in animals. He ended up fostering wild cats who were due to be returned to their native countries. That's where the panther comes in. He tells some great stories and his love of animals is infectious. It makes you want to go out and adopt a dog or cat.
On a serious note, he talks about the way we used to treat animals in zoos and circuses. He developed a relationship with an orangutan at a zoo and was heartbroken at the way he was treated. It made him realise that humans need to be more considerate about keeping wild animals in captivity.
But all seriousness aside, I enjoyed Brian's tales of his family and the animals. But the story of Misty at the end was the most poignant. It brought a tear to my eye as I remembered losing our Bichon Frisé Fraya. We adopted her when my father in law passed away. She was the sweetest dog and in two short years had stolen our hearts, even my gruff, Yorkshire husband. When we lost her, even he cried. Thank you Brian for your story of Misty. May our dogs be waiting for us when we follow across the rainbow bridge.
This volume is about the animals in his life. I did not know that he has owned, fostered and rescued so many animals. I don't know how he managed it. His wife was an animal lover as well so they all got along famously. It all started with a friendship with a stray cat he called Tiddles when he was a small boy. When he started making money on Z Cars, he rented his first property and started taking in animals. He ended up fostering wild cats who were due to be returned to their native countries. That's where the panther comes in. He tells some great stories and his love of animals is infectious. It makes you want to go out and adopt a dog or cat.
On a serious note, he talks about the way we used to treat animals in zoos and circuses. He developed a relationship with an orangutan at a zoo and was heartbroken at the way he was treated. It made him realise that humans need to be more considerate about keeping wild animals in captivity.
But all seriousness aside, I enjoyed Brian's tales of his family and the animals. But the story of Misty at the end was the most poignant. It brought a tear to my eye as I remembered losing our Bichon Frisé Fraya. We adopted her when my father in law passed away. She was the sweetest dog and in two short years had stolen our hearts, even my gruff, Yorkshire husband. When we lost her, even he cried. Thank you Brian for your story of Misty. May our dogs be waiting for us when we follow across the rainbow bridge.
May 29, 2025
wonderfully read by the author. A warm hug of animal stories and a life lived unashamedly.
July 28, 2023
CAWPILE 9.43
I adored this book. It felt like Brian Blessed had come sit beside me and tell me about all of the wild, wacky and incredible stories from his lifetime regarding the animals in his life.
Incredibly funny, warm, charming, thought provoking and also rage indusing in places due to animal cruelty.
I don't regret picking this up at all and I'm tempted to see what else Brian Blessed has written as the tone and style of writing was so easy and uplifting.
I adored this book. It felt like Brian Blessed had come sit beside me and tell me about all of the wild, wacky and incredible stories from his lifetime regarding the animals in his life.
Incredibly funny, warm, charming, thought provoking and also rage indusing in places due to animal cruelty.
I don't regret picking this up at all and I'm tempted to see what else Brian Blessed has written as the tone and style of writing was so easy and uplifting.
January 17, 2018
Not as good as Absolute Pandemonium but still a fun, fabulous listen. This time his focus is on on his relationship with animals.
For these books, you really need to listen to the audio. It's just a 1000% better listening to Blessed tell it.
You won't learn a great deal but Blessed reading a plumbing manual would sound amazing !
For these books, you really need to listen to the audio. It's just a 1000% better listening to Blessed tell it.
You won't learn a great deal but Blessed reading a plumbing manual would sound amazing !
April 15, 2018
Loved it Brian Blessed outlook on life is great and this is one of my b favourite books.
March 22, 2021
What else can I say about this book, other than it’s exactly what you would expect from something written by Brian Blessed? Just sit back and let yourself enjoy page after page of anecdotes that don’t seem like they could happen to any other person.
I picked up this book on a whim, not entirely sure what to expect. In hindsight, I really should have. If you have any idea of who Blessed is you know what you are getting into. I’ve not read any of his books before this one, but the style is 100% him. You can hear his personal, unique style on every page. If you can look me in the eye and tell me you were able to read a single line from this book and not hear the author’s voice in your head, then I’d like to know how you can look me in the eye and lie like that!
I’ve not yet read Blessed’s actual autobiography, but I’m left with the impression that this is a collection of pieces that he was forced to remove from that. I can imagine an editor telling him the original book was overlong, and he needed to cut all the extraneous animal stories. I can picture Blessed boisterously disagreeing, then sulkily agreeing, only to decide to put them all into a separate book just because he can.
I kind of feel you need to know a little about who Brian Blessed is to fully get this book. Otherwise, most of the stories don’t really feel they can be real. It feels like a different world. One where a young actor can live in a small flat with half a dozen cats and dogs and get away with it. Where a friend will bring a panther to his house, just because. But if you have an idea of who Blessed is - and if you’ve grown up in the UK then you almost certainly do - then everything will seem believable simply because of who it's happening to.
I can’t not recommend this book. It’s both wholesome and unbelievable. Something to give you a little reminder of the passion and love someone can have for life, with no anger towards anyone who doesn’t truly deserve it. Blessed comes across as a character from another era. A Victorian explorer and conservationist born one hundred years too late. His passion for animals truly shines through, and it feels as if he’s in the room with you telling you all these stories in person after dinner.
I picked up this book on a whim, not entirely sure what to expect. In hindsight, I really should have. If you have any idea of who Blessed is you know what you are getting into. I’ve not read any of his books before this one, but the style is 100% him. You can hear his personal, unique style on every page. If you can look me in the eye and tell me you were able to read a single line from this book and not hear the author’s voice in your head, then I’d like to know how you can look me in the eye and lie like that!
I’ve not yet read Blessed’s actual autobiography, but I’m left with the impression that this is a collection of pieces that he was forced to remove from that. I can imagine an editor telling him the original book was overlong, and he needed to cut all the extraneous animal stories. I can picture Blessed boisterously disagreeing, then sulkily agreeing, only to decide to put them all into a separate book just because he can.
I kind of feel you need to know a little about who Brian Blessed is to fully get this book. Otherwise, most of the stories don’t really feel they can be real. It feels like a different world. One where a young actor can live in a small flat with half a dozen cats and dogs and get away with it. Where a friend will bring a panther to his house, just because. But if you have an idea of who Blessed is - and if you’ve grown up in the UK then you almost certainly do - then everything will seem believable simply because of who it's happening to.
I can’t not recommend this book. It’s both wholesome and unbelievable. Something to give you a little reminder of the passion and love someone can have for life, with no anger towards anyone who doesn’t truly deserve it. Blessed comes across as a character from another era. A Victorian explorer and conservationist born one hundred years too late. His passion for animals truly shines through, and it feels as if he’s in the room with you telling you all these stories in person after dinner.
July 28, 2025
Discovering that Brian Blessed, one of my all time favourite actors, is a massive animal nut, absolutely blew my mind. Like, he hints at it in his previous book - Absolute Pandemonium - but he goes into it with great detail and much passion in this follow up. The title, dear reader, is not misleading. He did indeed have a panther in his kitchen and bloomin' eck he had much more than just a domestic Bagheera roaming around his house. Or houses, more correctly, as he tells of the various abodes he has lived in over the years and their suitability for his family menagerie.
As with his previous novel, the narrative is largely chronological, but with Brian's wonderful tendency to tangentise and meander we are often treated to anecdotes years and years out of joint. It matters not. In his introduction he asks us to imagine ourselves parked on a comfy chair across from the man himself, listening to him chat away - and thats one of this books greatest accomplishments, particularly the audiobook version. It really does feel like the big Yeti is rabbiting away with his labyrinthine stories, chuckling away to himself as he does so. His flowery language is omnipresent and his simply sublime use of over-exaggerating metaphors and similes had me giggling away throughout.
There is a lovely moment near the end which actually introduces a second narrator (in the audiobook version of course) in the form of Hildegarde Neil, an actress who happens to be Brian's wife. I have only just read that she passed away in late 2023, and thats sad news. Her input here is the reading of her own letters to her husband, who was at the time somewhere on the slopes of Mount Everest, no less. It gives a rather heartfelt insight into her thoughts during a time when Brian was making headlines but also in very great danger - as anyone attempting Everest is.
In conclusion, an absolute stonker of a listen, and beware of having the volume turned up because Mr. Blessed has a tendency to raise his voice somewhat beyond the tolerances of the human eardrum. A gem, a classic, a masterpiece. Write more, Mr. Blessed!
As with his previous novel, the narrative is largely chronological, but with Brian's wonderful tendency to tangentise and meander we are often treated to anecdotes years and years out of joint. It matters not. In his introduction he asks us to imagine ourselves parked on a comfy chair across from the man himself, listening to him chat away - and thats one of this books greatest accomplishments, particularly the audiobook version. It really does feel like the big Yeti is rabbiting away with his labyrinthine stories, chuckling away to himself as he does so. His flowery language is omnipresent and his simply sublime use of over-exaggerating metaphors and similes had me giggling away throughout.
There is a lovely moment near the end which actually introduces a second narrator (in the audiobook version of course) in the form of Hildegarde Neil, an actress who happens to be Brian's wife. I have only just read that she passed away in late 2023, and thats sad news. Her input here is the reading of her own letters to her husband, who was at the time somewhere on the slopes of Mount Everest, no less. It gives a rather heartfelt insight into her thoughts during a time when Brian was making headlines but also in very great danger - as anyone attempting Everest is.
In conclusion, an absolute stonker of a listen, and beware of having the volume turned up because Mr. Blessed has a tendency to raise his voice somewhat beyond the tolerances of the human eardrum. A gem, a classic, a masterpiece. Write more, Mr. Blessed!
January 5, 2023
I love Brian Blessed. He's a larger than life character in all aspects of his life, and keeping animals is no exception. This book details several periods in his life where he kept exceptional and extraordinary animals (he quite literally did have a panther in his kitchen!) as well as the more normal animals of cats and dogs.
It was a joy to read this. There were several periods where I did tear up because there were some bittersweet and sad moments, but overall it's a very joyful book. Brian Blessed throws his all into everything he does. His unflinching honesty (and wonderful egotism) is fascinating to read. He starts the book by saying imagine he's sat there with you, reading this to you in his own voice - I concur that's the only way to go about this book!
He does flit around a bit with the time periods and go off on tangents, but I found this added to the enjoyment of the book - made it feel much more authentic and interesting to read.
Highly recommend to anyone who likes Brian Blessed, or anyone who wants to read a humourous and refreshingly honest account of keeping animals. Brilliant book and I'm looking forward to reading the others he's written.
It was a joy to read this. There were several periods where I did tear up because there were some bittersweet and sad moments, but overall it's a very joyful book. Brian Blessed throws his all into everything he does. His unflinching honesty (and wonderful egotism) is fascinating to read. He starts the book by saying imagine he's sat there with you, reading this to you in his own voice - I concur that's the only way to go about this book!
He does flit around a bit with the time periods and go off on tangents, but I found this added to the enjoyment of the book - made it feel much more authentic and interesting to read.
Highly recommend to anyone who likes Brian Blessed, or anyone who wants to read a humourous and refreshingly honest account of keeping animals. Brilliant book and I'm looking forward to reading the others he's written.
December 23, 2021
In this entertaining autobiography Brian Blessed recounts his many adventures with a variety of animals, from domestic cats to a young orangutan. Brian Blessed admits to being a rather eccentric character, and his anecdotes are extremely colourful and at times seem almost unbelievable. The book covers a range of experiences. From using a guard dog to scare a local priest to delivering a baby in Richmond park and teaching Keanu Reeves how to meditate. Although full of humour Brian Blessed also touches on some more serious and emotional issues. Blessed does not shy away from talking about animal abuse and coping with grief when beloved pets die. Central to all Brian Blesseds stories are his relationship with Hildegarde Neil, his long suffering wife who is equally obsessed with animals. Brian's clear love and admiration for Hildegarde is touching to read. Despite coming across as a rather challenging character to live with, Brian Blessed is clearly passionate about animal welfare and has many interesting experiences to tell.
February 9, 2023
Audiobook- This book was brilliant, it has you laughing and crying all the way through. I’ve always admired Brian as an actor but this has brought him more to life. It’s great to hear a tale of the great man’s love of animals and told so frankly and hilariously as only Brian Blessed can.
I like the fact he is an animal lover but admits over the years he has got things wrong, not on purpose and not out of malice but owing to the times and sometimes lack of knowledge but never for the lack of love or wanting.
If he could help an animal or love an animal no matter how short the time with him then that animal was loved unconditionally and as animals do reciprocated it tenfold.
He is not to big a man to admit he sheds a tear when he looses his beloved animal companions but also gives you food for thought on re thinking death.
I like the fact he is an animal lover but admits over the years he has got things wrong, not on purpose and not out of malice but owing to the times and sometimes lack of knowledge but never for the lack of love or wanting.
If he could help an animal or love an animal no matter how short the time with him then that animal was loved unconditionally and as animals do reciprocated it tenfold.
He is not to big a man to admit he sheds a tear when he looses his beloved animal companions but also gives you food for thought on re thinking death.
December 18, 2020
After rather enjoying Brian Blessed autobiography it was somewhat inevitable that I'd want to try further of his writings. This volume deals with his life long love of animals of all shapes and sizes. From boy to man animals needing care seem to fall into Brian's life, and it's easy to see he has a deep and devoted feeling for all living things.
This is a man who really cares, and who is prepared to surround himself with those animals in need whatever the cost. Fortunately he found a life, with wife, family, and friends that allows this generosity of soul shine through.
As an author he shows his best when writing about things he really cares for and this book is full such the animals he clearly loves.
This is a man who really cares, and who is prepared to surround himself with those animals in need whatever the cost. Fortunately he found a life, with wife, family, and friends that allows this generosity of soul shine through.
As an author he shows his best when writing about things he really cares for and this book is full such the animals he clearly loves.
September 2, 2018
If you love animals and you love Brian Blessed (how can anyone not?) then you ill love this book. I jumped into this directly after reading Brian's memoir, Absolute Pandemonium and loved it equally as much. Much like Monkey, the spirit of Brian Blessed is irrepressible and his passion and enthusiasm for the animal world makes him even more lovable, from his gushing over the various animals that have come under his care (sometimes after being physically rescued by the man himself) to his fury at those who mistreat them make this a fantastic companion piece to his memoir highlighting the side of his life when he is not on stage, screen or up a mountain. A real page-turner.
December 30, 2024
After listening to Absolute Pandemonium I saw this and gave the audiobook a listen. Great stories of the animals in Brian's life and other scenes from a cat named Tibby when he was young, Sabre a guard dog, Rema the ocelot, Nick Nyoka's countless animals including a lioness that terrified a plumber who was unaware a lioness was in the house, that time Brian helped a woman give birth in Richmond park and bit through the umbilical cord, a great story of meeting Kubrick on the set of Barry Lyndon and many others. The stories about Clarence Hall were fascinating and it sums up Blesseds approach to life that even against the judgement of others he'll undertake any adventure he sees as a challenging experience.
December 27, 2019
As with Absolute Pandemonium, if you get the chance to listen to this on audiobook I would highly recommend it. Brian's voice really enhances an already enjoyable read - you can feel his absolute passion for animals coming through.
This book can be terribly sad as well as joyful and funny (some real heartbreaking moments, and some blood boiling ones as well) though my absolute favourite was Jessie and her "grave bombing" antics. A lovely tribute to all the companions who have been lucky enough to fall under his care (and who he has been lucky to know).
This book can be terribly sad as well as joyful and funny (some real heartbreaking moments, and some blood boiling ones as well) though my absolute favourite was Jessie and her "grave bombing" antics. A lovely tribute to all the companions who have been lucky enough to fall under his care (and who he has been lucky to know).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2022
A true lover of animals
This is a great book, written in a very conversational style, where the author reminisces about the many and varied animals that have been a part of his life over the years.
His love for animals of all shapes and sizes comes across clearly, as does his disdain for those who maltreat animals (a lot of the animals that come his way have been rescued by the RSPCA or similar organisations).
If you are also a lover of animals and a believer in how they can love unconditionally, then I urge you to read this book too.
This is a great book, written in a very conversational style, where the author reminisces about the many and varied animals that have been a part of his life over the years.
His love for animals of all shapes and sizes comes across clearly, as does his disdain for those who maltreat animals (a lot of the animals that come his way have been rescued by the RSPCA or similar organisations).
If you are also a lover of animals and a believer in how they can love unconditionally, then I urge you to read this book too.
July 30, 2025
People in 50 years will think Brian Blessed was a Myth.
This wonderful GIANT of a man is just marvellous, his life should be studied, perhaps a movie made.
In this love letter to animals he opens another chapter of his life dedicated to all the MANY animals he has loved, met, saved and been saved by.
Naturally I went for the audiobook to hear Brian's incredibly booming and recognisable voice!!
To note... this is the first audio book that felt as though it went off script again and again! What a joy.
This wonderful GIANT of a man is just marvellous, his life should be studied, perhaps a movie made.
In this love letter to animals he opens another chapter of his life dedicated to all the MANY animals he has loved, met, saved and been saved by.
Naturally I went for the audiobook to hear Brian's incredibly booming and recognisable voice!!
To note... this is the first audio book that felt as though it went off script again and again! What a joy.
February 6, 2021
I read this to cheer myself up and read something lighthearted after the depression of Cilka’s Journey.
It was exactly the tonic I needed!
Although it wasn’t all happiness (animal abuse and death etc), it’s written by Brian Blessed, so how bad could it get?! Loved it. Lived him writing style (as if he is speaking to you) and wouldn’t hesitate to pick up another book of his again. 10/10 Would recommended 😆
It was exactly the tonic I needed!
Although it wasn’t all happiness (animal abuse and death etc), it’s written by Brian Blessed, so how bad could it get?! Loved it. Lived him writing style (as if he is speaking to you) and wouldn’t hesitate to pick up another book of his again. 10/10 Would recommended 😆
November 27, 2021
This is a funny and interesting book, full of joy. The man adores Animals and it shows in every word of this fun filled book
Listen to it on Audible like I did, read by the man himself.
Double the joy. He’s a National treasure and his huge personality is an absolute pleasure to listen to.
I couldn’t recommend it more.
I was having a very difficult time and he really lifted my spirits.
Thank you Brian. 💘
Listen to it on Audible like I did, read by the man himself.
Double the joy. He’s a National treasure and his huge personality is an absolute pleasure to listen to.
I couldn’t recommend it more.
I was having a very difficult time and he really lifted my spirits.
Thank you Brian. 💘
September 16, 2018
I quite enjoyed this read of Brian as I haven't actually read any other of his biographies before. This one closely follows Brian's highs and lows with animals, the friendships that he builds with them and the many adventures with a variety of different animals.
I really enjoyed reading it and is is clear to see Brian's devotion to animals and their kingdom.
I laughed... loads.
I really enjoyed reading it and is is clear to see Brian's devotion to animals and their kingdom.
I laughed... loads.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews