Two Roads acquire book to showcase Jeremy Hardy's comic genius

Two Roads has acquired a book of the "words, wit, wisdom, one-liners and rants" of comedian Jeremy Hardy, who died earlier this year. 

The book – also containing tributes from his friends and family, and an epilogue by Hardy’s wife Katie Barlow who helped curate the book – will publish in February 2020 after Two Roads publisher Lisa Highton acquired world rights from Nick Ranceford-Hadley at NRH Management.

Hardy begun performing on the 80s Alternative Comedy circuit and went on to be a regular on such BBC Radio 4 panel shows as "The News Quiz" and "I’m Sorry I Haven't a Clue" and the star of series "Jeremy Hardy Speaks to The Nation" and "Jeremy Hardy Feels It". He died of cancer in February 2019, aged 57.

Jeremy Hardy Speaks Volumes is described as "a fitting celebration to this most brilliant of comedians". It contains material from his 35 years in stand-up, radio comedy and journalism has been curated in collaboration with Hardy's wife, Katie Barlow, and long-time Radio 4 producer, David Tyler, "to encompass everything about Jeremy that fans adored".

Highton said: "Jeremy Hardy delighted fans with his very brilliant wit. His voice – and his ‘singing’ – was a regular feature of Radio 4 comedy for decades, and it will be sorely missed.

"Jeremy Hardy Speaks Volumes showcases what an incredible comedian Jeremy was, able to make us laugh on almost any topic – from socialism to selfies – and at Two Roads we are honoured to publish this book celebrating his comic genius."

Soon after the book's publication, on March 25th 2020 the Hammersmith Apollo will host the Jeremy Hardy Benefit gig.