A Matter of Facts, Shaun Williamson
A Matter of Facts, Shaun Williamson
List: $24.99 | Sale: $17.50
Club: $12.49

A Matter of Facts
One Man's Journey into the Nation's Quiz Obsession

Author: Shaun Williamson

Narrator: Shaun Williamson

Unabridged: 10 hr 42 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Cassell

Published: 10/01/2020


Synopsis

A journey into the obsessive world of quizzing Includes stories from Shaun's past such as tales from his time playing Barry in Eastenders; the discovery of a long-lost son; hiding from an angry Mike Reid in a broom cupboard; acting with Ricky Gervais and David Bowie, and the loss of his boyhood friend in 9/11.

Actor and celebrity quizzer Shaun Williamson lifts the lid on a National drug that everyone hooked on: quizzing. A Matter of Facts is a personal journey into the world of quizzes. At the start Shaun enters the World Quiz Grand Prix, pitching his knowledge against the Nation's finest minds, including Eggheads and Chasers... he fails. Unperturbed, he sets out to improve his skills through memory training, practice and even hypnosis in an attempt to move himself up the rankings of the quizzing elite. Shaun's adventure sees him get his old quizzing 'band' back together to see if he can triumph in the leagues. As he does so, he meets many characters and experiences the wonderful vagaries of the pub quiz - discovering its place, not just in communities, but in people's lives. He also reminisces about his life before acting as an alcoholic postman, a stalled naval career,a Pontins blue coat and his journey to becoming Barry in EastEnders.

Over the course of year Shaun aims to end his journey at a victorious return to the Grand Prix... can his experiences and new-found knowledge end in victory?

A Matter of Facts is a fun, fascinating and heart-warming listen that will be adored by those who enjoy a regular meeting of alcohol and trivia.

(p) 2020 Octopus Publishing Group

About Shaun Williamson

Shaun Williamson is an addict. His main craving is for knowledge. The 'gateway' drug was the first edition (Genus 1) of Trivial Pursuit, a seemingly innocuous Christmas present from his unsuspecting parents. They might just as well have given him Ketamine. This innocent gift sent our author on a mind-bending trip of ethereal highs and ignominious lows which, although now under control, can result in a relapse at a moment's notice.Shaun Williamson is an actor and writer best known for playing Barry Evans in BBC1's 'Eastenders' from 1994 to 2004 and for extensive work with Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant on 'Extras', 'Life's Too Short' and 'The Invention Of Lying'. Other acting credits include 'Plebs', 'Mister Winner' and 'Houdini'. He has also appeared in numerous stage shows, most notably 'The Ladykillers', 'Guys And Dolls' and 'One Man Two Guvnors' for the National Theatre. He was the subject of 'This Is Your Life' in 2001.Shaun's main passion though is Quizzing. He has been lucky enough to win 'Celebrity Mastermind' in 2003 (Specialist subject: Richard Burton), 'Celebrity Chase', 'Today's The Day', 'Celebrity Eggheads', 'Britain's Brightest Celebrity Family', 'Richard Osman's House Of Games' and 'Celebrity Pointless' a record four times (Three Jackpots).He has channelled this passion into the writing of 'A Matter Of Facts', his literary debut, which details a year of his life immersed in the world of quizzing.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Chris on February 26, 2021

Very enjoyable. I enjoyed the quiz facts and some of the stories. It also sounded like it had actually been written by the author. I took a star off for his obsession with unhealthy food and drink, and dislike of Sci fi.......more

Goodreads review by John on March 08, 2021

Genuinely no idea what I have read. The strangest mix of an autobiography, quiz book and non-fiction dive into subjects such as hypnotherapy. Genuinely interesting on the whole. Recommend the audiobook as you get to hear the fantastic narration by Shaun......more

Goodreads review by Jude on July 11, 2023

I hope he does a follow up - Covid left this on a right cliffhanger!......more

Goodreads review by Nathan on August 25, 2021

Weird mix of autobiography and quizzing. Definitely won't be for everyone but I very much enjoyed it......more

Goodreads review by Danny on February 27, 2021

Would be 5 stars but he says he hates The Simpsons, so......more