Webchat with Julian Clary on Wednesday 29 July at 1pm

[BojanaMumsnet]

Hello

We’re pleased to announce that Julian Clary will be joining us for a webchat on Wednesday 29 July at 1pm.

Julian has recently published The Bolds, his first book for children - packed with wildly hilarious jokes, eccentric characters and brilliant illustrations. The book is perfect for children aged 7+.

Mr and Mrs Bold are just like you and me: they live in a nice house, they have nice jobs and they love to have a bit of a giggle. There's just one slight difference: they're hyenas.
So far, the Bolds have managed to keep things under wraps, even when their children Bobby and Betty were born. But the nosy man next door smells a rat (or a hyena) - is their secret about to be revealed?

Julian has made numerous appearances on TV and on stage, published four books and continues to tour the UK and Australia with his one man shows. He also does panto most years as he enjoys wearing silly clothes and lots of make-up.

Please do join us on the day here for a live discussion from 1pm on Wednesday 29 July but if you can’t make it, leave your question for Julian on this thread. As ever, please remember our webchat guidelines.

Thanks

Ooh I've been to see you quite a few times. You always come across as a thoroughly lovely, lovely man and I've had a crush on you since 6th form (more years ago than I'd like to admit!). I don't really have any questions but will be looking out for your book for my eldest.

Actually, do you have any plans for more stand up? I could do with a night out and a bloody good laugh

Another one here who's loved you since the early 80's when I first saw you at the cabaret club somewhere in the south with fanny . Just expressing my adoration too, I don't actually have a question except what's your favourite biscuit

Btw I'm very jealous that mnhq get to spend time with you

What regrets do you have? If you can't think of one then you can make one up if you like.

No questions from me either, but another gushing fan. I've always enjoyed your performances, costumes and general demeanour. Actually, I do have a question - can you please make me look as good as you do?!

Hi Julian, I saw you in panto this year and you were fabulous. What do you like the most about doing pantomime?

It's not really a question but I just wanted to say that despite a very busy day, and a later than usual bedtime, my 9 year old daughter was clutching your book in bed last night begging for reading time to carry on as she "wants to read it all the time as it is SOOO good." So I suppose there is in fact a simple question: More Please? Thank you.

Hi Julian, i just want to thankyou for all you do promoting rescue animals. It makes me so cross when there are so many dogs abandoned. I have a lovely Jackabee (Jack Russell x Beagle) called Bumble and i am his third owner. It hasnt been easy but i will never regret taking him on!

What are you wearing today, Julian? An oatmeal beige affair?
PS Love you on Just A Minute and everything else.
Dx

Hi Julian

I'm a big fan and loved Sticky Moments and wish it were still on. I'm also a little disappointed that you weren't selected as host for Top Gear - I would have watched it then.

I saw you live in concert in Melbourne back in the early '90s. You had some audience members up on the stage, and one was asked to make up the next line from a song from the Sound of Music. She replied, "rain, a drop of golden cum", which brought the house down. Of all the audience participation you've invited over the years, do you have one that's most memorable?

Thanks for all the many sticky moments over the years - + - & look forward to everything you do next .

Seen your posting pictures on Twitter, need to tweak your picture taking abilities a bit. I'll come around and will take lovely pictures of all your creatures in return for tea with biscuits. Question: would you ever consider writing a play or a musical?

Right well I'm home, I've got a glass of cheap Chardonnay, and looking forward to this web chat very much. Rock and roll lifestyle.

I have & tea biscuits ready Looking forward to Julian's arrival

Hi Julian, Thanks so much for coming to chat to us. I hope mumsnet HQ have supplied you with a vast array of biscuits

My question is... Would you consider writing comedy style books for the pre teen/early teen age? (11-14 year olds)

I think there is a real hole in the market for funny books catered to this kind of age range.

test

Hello punters! JC here ready and willing to answer your amusing and provocative questions.

@pennwood

What inspired you to write a children's book for 7+ years?

How lovely, I thought, to regress and contact my own inner child, which is exactly what I did. My adult books (filth) are quite exhausting to write but The Bolds appeared ready-formed in my mind. Joy!

@AnneEyhtMeyer

Julian, we were lucky enough to get a copy of this from MN, so thank you very much.

DD is 6 and is half way through and enjoying it immensely. It is her first step away from the endless fairy / magic / puppies books and it is great to hear her chuckle as she reads. Every now and again she will read a bit out to me that she finds particularly funny. I'm glad she does as I'm finding those bits funny too.

The whole scenario of the book is brilliant - very clever and very funny.

Are you planning on writing any more books for this age group? Please say yes!

So pleased to hear DD is enjoying the book. There will indeed be more. Book 2 The Bolds To The Rescue, is already written and being illustrated as we speak by the wonder David Roberts. Book 3...let's just say I have conceived and am gestating. I'm sure you catch my drift.

@CowardFan

Good afternoon Julian! I read somewhere that you hinted that characters in your previous books were based on people you know - is this the case for The Bolds too?

Bobby Bold is based on my naughty dog Albert (a well-meaning hooligan) and poor Tony - or his characteristics at least - are based on observing my own 16 year old dog Valerie, who is, shall we say, in her dotage (canine dementia).

@TwoLeftSocks

Ooh, book. Will look out for that.

Will you be narrating an audio version? You have a lovely voice to listen to.

Yes, I will be recording in September but I am not sure when it will be out.

@Glitterballdiva

Hi Julian, as you've been interested in poetry from a very early age I'm wondering if you've ever written any poems yourself. If so, could we get a sample please.

Much love from Andrea aka 'one of your girls'

There was a young woman from Ealing,
Who had a peculiar feeling...
I can't go on.

I am a respectable children's author these days. Ahem.

@insanityscatching

Julian on Celebrity Big Brother you came across as a thoroughly nice and decent human being. But being cooped up in close proximity to big personalities there must have been times when your patience was tested. How did you manage to keep your cool and what was the first thing you did once the series was over?

Valium.

"There was a young woman from Ealing,
Who had a peculiar feeling...
I can't go on.

I am a respectable children's author these days. Ahem."

@SirChenjin

I really enjoyed your stint on Who Do You Think You Are - have you done any further research, or met up with any long lost relatives?

Some distant relatives (seventh cousin removed etc) have made themselves known to me. But what am I supposed to say to them? The connection seems awfully tenuous to me. I am being flippant, but if they haven't got the Clary bone structure or sense of humour, I tend to glaze over.