Comedy script writer and ex medic Adam Kay comes to Chorleywood to talk about his secret diaries of a junior doctor, This is Going to Hurt, an extremely funny, and at times poignant, page turner. We talk to him about the book and readers’ reactions to it
How did the book come about?
Junior doctor have to record their day and I had kept my diaries. When doctors came under fire from the government for being greedy I decided to read extracts in a comedy show at EdFringe – a publisher saw it and thought it would make a book.
Is it easy reading?
It’s a mixture of funny and sad, hi octane and mundane and shows bureaucracy. I present the facts disguised as comedy. It was written as short diary entries but the format helps me keep it snappy… “fast is funny” is one of the maxims of scripted comedy
Who enjoys It most, the public or medics?
It’s an eye opener for all, everyone has a personal connection with somebody in the NHS and everyone forgets that doctors are human
It’s a mistake gong into the profession not knowing what it is.. consultant friends say doctors should read it!
You never realise how you have break bad news on a daily basis
What’s your favourite gross story?
The entry on 29 Feb 2008, leap year – It’s revolting and involves a marriage proposal and a Kinder Egg
What are you going to do when you come to Sarratt?
Read out extracts, interrupt myself and talk
And Adam Kay does that exceptionally well, hammering the point home in the most entertaining way
An evening with Adam Kay
Sat 11 Nov, Sarratt Village Hall, 7.30pm
Tickets CW Bookshop and at www.chilternbookshops.co.uk
£10/£11.50. Book £2.99 on night (RRP £16.99)