A Class Act: Life as a Working-Class Man in a Middle-Class World

by Rob Beckett

Rob Beckett never seems to fit in. At work, in the middle-class world of television and comedy, he’s the laddy, cockney geezer but to his mates down the pub in south-east London, he’s the theatrical one, a media luvvy. Even his wife and kids are posher than him.

In this hilarious exploration of class, Rob tries to understand the life he lived growing up as a working-class kid in comparison to the life he lives now.

Will he ever favour a craft beer over strong lager? When did it become normal for kids to eat sushi? Is he still working class? Why does he feel so embarrassed about success? And, will it ever be acceptable to serve pie mash on a wooden board?

Tackling the questions big and small, A Class Act is a funny, candid, often moving account of what it feels like to be an outsider and why actually that’s the best (slightly awkward) place to be.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Biography, Memoir, Comedy, Autobiography, Humor

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 14, 2021

About the author

Robert Joseph Anthony Beckett is an English stand-up comedian, narrator and presenter.

Reviews

[Emily B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook which was read by Rob himself which I think always adds something to the book.

It was relatable which made it particularly funny for me. Particular when he spoke of his dad doing DIY

[Skygirl19 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in just under 3 days, as I couldn’t get enough of it.

Coming from a similar background as the author, I enjoyed it, as I related to it so much. When we talk about representation, class is important to consider too.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have listened to Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe’s podcast religiously over the last year and have appreciated their honesty about all the tough bits of modern life and parenting in particular. This was great - man England and it’s class system is bloody weird but at least Rob got a good memoir out of it.

[Claudia · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love Rob Beckett so was eager to sit down and read this, expecting to find some funny tales, and anecdotes of what it's like to be a working class lad out on the comedy scene. Or, a biography of sorts with little stories of things he got up to as a working class lad in a first class world. Turns out I expected a little too much and I found myself bitterly disappointed in it - which is not what I wanted to happen.

Yes, there are a couple of moments in it which could be deemed funny, but I found, on-the-whole, it was more the ramblings of a very bitter man who is trying to find where he fits in the world. I am saddened for him because of this.

There were more stories about his parents than there were about himself. There appears to be a lot of bitterness directed towards his brothers - the way he talks about them and pulls them up when they've heckled him. I understand about sibling rivalry and maybe I have interpreted his behaviour towards them different to how he intended, or some of you will.

I thought he would talk about some of the antics he's got up too, more like a mini working biography; instead he seems intent on trying to prove to himself that he deserves to be where he is, and whilst I admire his honesty and him opening up (briefly) about his struggles when he was in Africa with Romesh, I felt as though he was trying too hard throughout the rest of the book.

If I was Alan Carr I would be a little peeved off at being name-dropped in the way he is, and whilst I understand the story being in the book (it is about class after all) it could have been done without mentioning anyone by name.

I'm not sure who he was trying to reassure more, himself, or his wife, but the constant "I love lou more than anything" felt as though he was trying to prove a point. To tell the reader that once would have been enough; I'd have even thought "aww, how sweet, she must be chuffed to get a mention" yet by the third time of reading it I found myself questioning why he felt the need to keep repeating.

I felt very deflated when I finished it and whereas I had previously found him quite funny, I now find myself viewing him with pity where the comedy comes from a very dark place within him.

I'm very glad I borrowed it from my local library and didn't have to pay for it; I would have felt very cheated if I'd parted with any money.

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I needed a good laugh!

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like I know Rob and his family having listened to him and Josh Widdicombe and their Parenting Hell podcast for the last 18 months which is such a tonic, but this book fills in the background.
Rob is a man who deserves every bit of the success he has. He has worked so hard for it employing the work ethics he has inherited from his family. This book is very funny as you would expect, but is also heartwarming. The love for his family and now his wife and children is just beautiful.
I also love hearing how other comedians pull together. The story of Jimmy Carr’s party is hilarious but also touching as Jimmy put him at his ease. He may have imposter syndrome but I can see he is definitely admired.
Unfortunately I missed my only chance so far to see Rob live but fortunately my daughter stepped in and enjoyed the laughs.
My only complaint? I still don’t know Gavin and Malcolm’s real names. 😂

[Polly Batchelor · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Fuck me, it's hard writing a book."

I don't usually read biography's but I love watching Rob and listening to his podcast with Josh Widdicombe. So I decided to give it a go. i felt the book had a honesty about it. How hard he had to work and how much he loves his family. It was hilarious, as it would be. i would love to listen to the audio book read by Rob Himself. I would of found the book to be more infectious like for me when my mum laughs or finds something funny you can't help but laugh a long.
I also enjoyed that he openly spoke about his anxiety and how the little voice in his head always puts him down.

[Abi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a random book for me to read lol. I almost never read autobiographies – especially those of comedians. But this was a good read! Funny, introspective, and actually a lot more serious than I anticipated as Rob spoke very rawly about dealing with anxiety and depression.

Like Rob, my dad is also a London black cab driver so I related a lot to his stories and anecdotes about his dad’s job. Overall, this is a really refreshing & hilariously-put reflection on class which delves into topics such as poverty mindset, imposter syndrome, and everyday classism.

[jem · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was pretty great! he got fairly deep in places but balanced with humour - ideal combo
was another audiobook to brighten my mundane activities and was read by the man himself (what a treat!!)

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so glad it wasn’t yet another ghost written biography as it made the book very honest and raw, and extremely funny!

[Kayleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just blown away with the many similarities of Rob's upbringing and my own.
From feelings of imposter syndrome - thoughts as if you are not worthy of being in a situation, position, or power etc. - and to feelings of a working-class mentality. That being derived from fear of losing a job, income, family etc.
The writing style is presented in a diary form so throughout it all I felt connected, it was very easy to follow and can be read in a few days.
Despite the underlying heaviness of topics and its core theme throughout, Rob's use of comical phrases and memories has made this book more uplifting rather than down and dreary.
Its a reality checker, and a comforting read simultaneously.
Thoroughly cannot recommend this enough, whether you're from a WC background or different, I am sure you will get something from it.

[Layla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two nuggets I will try to remember:
"Try it, might be your favourite" and
"Believing in yourself is the key to being content and happy. If you don't back yourself, why would anyone else? Life is hard and full of enough people who will give you shit; don't allow yourself to become one of those people."

I've read funnier and more powerful biographies, but I guess I know more about Rob Beckett now.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious and heartfelt

This book made me laugh out loud the whole way through, proper tears in your eyes , belly laughing. Rob speaks openly about mental health in parts, this must have taken courage but in doing so he paves the way for more and more people to speak openly about the way they are feeling.

[carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in 24 hours, I’d call it an ‘easy read’, but that wants the case, I just couldn’t put it down. It was great!!!! Honest and funny. There were parts of the book I definitely related to. Thanks Rob!

[Velma Bevan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bit of a chip on his shoulder... Some funny bits but, on the whole, disappointed by it.

[Susan Potts · Rating 4 out of 5]

A look through Rob's life, with his humour bringing the book to life throughout. I wasn't expecting the mental health angle at the end, which was quite touching. Whilst at times the redirection of the book back to the subject of class was a little clunky, overall it was well-written and an enjoyable read.

[Sam (she_who_reads_) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 rounded up

[Sabrina Tillyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny, down to earth and honest book. Enjoyed this one

[Lucy · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5*

[Tom Birkett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A autobiography with class based politics thrown in, what's not to like?!

Beckett does a commendable job of discussing the nuances of floating between the working and middle classes, and how that affects your attitudes and behaviours in life.

Also, funny, open and heart warming.

Again, what's not to like?

[Ria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not expect this book to speak to me quite so much but boy howdy, did I feel seen. As a fellow working-class-born South East Londoner who is now raising kids in very different life circumstances, this book really resonated with me. I also remember the creepy clown necklaces and I love KFC. I really like Rob Beckett’s comedy but I was surprised at how thoughtful and moving this book was, I really enjoyed the thematic structure and would highly recommend this to anyone who is remotely interested in how class operates in our country today.

[Claire Marie (All about cloggs) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a little disappointed. After reading romesh and daisy may I though this was going to be super funny and good. There was a few funny moments, I did cry with laughing at one points. But I found the rest a little flat and felt rob did just go on at some points and maybe lost the thread of what he was going on about.

[Hilay Hopkins · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some funny anecdotes of Robs escapades balanced with where his life & career did not go so well. I didn’t think that hanging it on the class divide hook helped at all as it felt contrived.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't quite sure what I would be getting with this book, it wasn't supposed to be a typical autobiography but it also wasn't a heavy social commentary on class. Actually it was a well-balanced commentary on how class - or the perception of class - has impacted Rob Beckett's life and career with some examples of real life events. So I feel like I both know Rob better but also have had my brain tickled into thinking about my own class and how events in my life have either mirrored or differed from his. At some points I had to stop reading because whatever had been said reminded me so strongly of something in my life that I disappeared down memory lane before coming back.

I could quite easily hear it in Rob's voice as I read, and I laughed throughout and yet there were some dark and very open moments too. It had an intimate feel to it, as though we were down the pub necking two bottles of champagne and eating olives and just having a chat and Rob was sharing the stories with me.

[Sal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rob Beckett is one of my favourite comedians. Only a few comedians actually make me proper howl with laughter and he is one of them. (Romesh, Joe Lycett and Karl Pilkington are the others FYI and I have their books too I had high expectations for this book and it did not disappoint. It was funny, poignant and I loved every single chapter including the epilogue , bit of a spoiler Rob openly admits he had to google what epilogue meant and that made me chuckle. The story about Jimmy Carrs house party, sorry party at the house had me proper 😂

Anyway Rob talks openly about his family, growing up and his struggle with where he now sits in the class system. Is he still working class or is he now middle class. Well I will let you read the book to find out.

Mr Rob Beckett you are a comedy star and I loved this book

[Liberty Carey · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy to read, joyous book by an honest man. With a few grammatical mistakes and missing words, this is by no means a feat of literature. However, much respect must be given to Rob for doing this on his own , especially with his query dyslexia. Obviously I don’t know him, but I feel proud of his achievement in writing this.
I’ve knocked a star off, as it was repetitive at times and clearly he did need to hit his word count. I think an editor would’ve helped him achieve a 5 star book. The need for an editor would not have discredited his attempt at doing this alone, I feel he just needed a helping hand to ‘dot the i’s and cross the t’s ‘ so to speak.

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this book and I do think it added something, hearing how he talked about certain people and events
I really enjoyed this book from the beginning but about halfway through he really hit his stride and it got better!
I found this so relatable and informative. I was laughing out loud, nodding along like ‘yep Iv been there’, then welling up at other bits. It’s an all rounder!
It’s definitely going to make me think how I approach situations and to be a bit kinder to myself … not something I thought I’d get from a comedians book if I’m honest but a very happy result!

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the audio book read by Rob which was laugh out loud funny in places but also felt a little awkward in others. Second half much better than the first almost like he settles in to it and lets his guard down more. Love the podcast he does with Josh Widdecombe and you can tell he gets more enjoyment out of that than reading his own book which he admitted he panicked over. Very funny and likeable guy

[Grace Hills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book review 23/105-

A Class Act
By Rob Beckett

4hrs 56mins

A quick and easy listen especially when you have it on a quicker speed 😅

Rob Beckett the comedian explores his working class background and the middle class world he is now in. Some funny stories and a deeper bit at the end in conclusion as to which class he is now but whilst I remember the end being good I already can't remember it so not a game changer but a light read.

Rating: Okay

#expandinggrace2022

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rob Beckett grew up literally just along the road from where I grew up in New Cross, SE London so I therefore identified with his descriptions of his younger years. Plenty of giggles in this book but also some keen observations about imposter syndrome & having a poverty mindset.