Sidesplitter

A TIMES BEST COMEDY BOOK OF 2021

'Phil Wang makes me laugh out loud with every single thing he does and this book is no exception' JAMES ACASTER

'An hilarious breath of fresh air' AMY SCHUMER

'Phil Wang is as original a writer as he is a comedian. Sidesplitter is predictably hilarious but also quietly moving' SATHNAM SANGHERA

'A razor-sharp dissection of cultural connections, divides and differences. And yes, it's side-splittingly funny' ADAM KAY

'But where are you REALLY from?'

Phil Wang has been asked this question so many times he's finally written a book about it.

In this mix of comic memoir and observational essay, one of the UK's most exciting stand-up comedians reflects on his experiences as a Eurasian man in the West and in the East. Phil was born in Stoke-on-Trent, raised in Malaysia, and then came of age in Bath - 'a spa town for people who find Cheltenham too ethnic'.

Phil takes an incisive look at what it means to be mixed race, as he explores the contrasts between cultures and delves into Britain and Malaysia's shared histories, bringing his trademark cynicism and wit to topics ranging from family, food, and comedy to race, empire, and colonialism.

“Phil Wang is one of my all time favorite comedians, a true original. His comedy and words here are a hilarious breath of fresh air we all needPhil Wang is one of my all time favorite comedians, a true original. His comedy and words here are a hilarious breath of fresh air we all needPhil Wang is as original a writer as he is a comedian - Sidesplitter is predictably hilarious, but also quietly movingPhil Wang runs headlong towards difficult subjects, firing off jokes as he goes. This brutally funny book will appeal to anyone who's ever felt like an outsider.A beautiful book about home, history and family. Told with Phil's trademark sharp wit and deadpan humour it is both vulnerable and hilarious in equal measure, capturing the nuances of his experiences perfectly.”

A book packed with witty, profound and candid reflections on race and belonging Woman's Own
Phil Wang makes me laugh out loud with every single thing he does and this book is no exception -- James Acaster
Sidesplitter is elegantly written and unexpectedly moving Observer Magazine
Phil Wang is one of my all time favorite comedians, a true original. His comedy and words here are a hilarious breath of fresh air we all need -- Amy Schumer
Phil Wang is as original a writer as he is a comedian - Sidesplitter is predictably hilarious, but also quietly moving -- Sathnam Sanghera
Phil Wang runs headlong towards difficult subjects, firing off jokes as he goes. This brutally funny book will appeal to anyone who's ever felt like an outsider. -- Helen Lewis
A beautiful book about home, history and family. Told with Phil's trademark sharp wit and deadpan humour it captures the nuances of his experiences perfectly. -- Tom Allen
A razor-sharp dissection of cultural connections, divides and differences. And yes, it's side-splitting funny -- Adam Kay
People often ask Phil Wang 'But where are you really from?' I can confirm, after reading Sidesplitter, that the answer is 'Funnyland'. -- David Baddiel
A terrific writer. I've laughed out loud at least once on every page -- Victoria Coren Mitchell
Funny and disarmingly moving... Britain's most original and promising young comedian Times Magazine
A funny and moving look at what it means to be of dual heritage -- Elizabeth Day
Eloquently laced with laughs and bittersweet observations. BBC News

Phil Wang is a comedian and writer based in London. He has hosted BBC's Live at the Apollo and appeared on shows including Have I Got News For You, QI, Would I Lie to You?, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Roast Battle and Taskmaster.

For Radio 4, he wrote and performed a special, Wangsplaining, and two series of Daphne Sounds Expensive, with his Fosters Newcomer Award nominated sketch trio, Daphne.

Phil has performed at international comedy festivals including Montreal's Just for Laughs Festival, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and the New Zealand Comedy Festival. His critically acclaimed live show, Philly Philly Wang Wang, broke records at the Edinburgh Fringe, and has recently been made into his first Netflix special.

A TIMES BEST COMEDY BOOK OF 2021 'Phil Wang makes me laugh out loud with every single thing he does and this book is no exception' JAMES ACASTER'An hilarious breath of fresh air' AMY SCHUMER 'Phil Wang is as original a writer as he is a comedian. Sidesplitter is predictably hilarious but also quietly moving' SATHNAM SANGHERA 'A razor-sharp dissection of cultural connections, divides and differences. And yes, it's side-splittingly funny' ADAM KAY 'But where are you REALLY from?'Phil Wang has been asked this question so many times he's finally written a book about it.In this mix of comic memoir and observational essay, one of the UK's most exciting stand-up comedians reflects on his experiences as a Eurasian man in the West and in the East. Phil was born in Stoke-on-Trent, raised in Malaysia, and then came of age in Bath - 'a spa town for people who find Cheltenham too ethnic'.Phil takes an incisive look at what it means to be mixed race, as he explores the contrasts between cultures and delves into Britain and Malaysia's shared histories, bringing his trademark cynicism and wit to topics ranging from family, food, and comedy to race, empire, and colonialism.

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