Funny Cow

Funny Cow is one of those British gems. Brutal, bleak, tender and comic. Only we can do this.

Set in the 1970's working men's clubs. It's a world of sweat, smoke; racism and sexism. We also have flashbacks to a 1950's childhood of poverty and domestic violence. Funny Calf (love that) is full of energy, mischief and defiance..

Men do not fare well in this film. Either beer-stained and openly violent, or sophisticated, affluent and weak Considine.

My favourite moment are the auditions for a "Search For A Star." Great cameos from John Bishop and Vic Reeves. The film's climax where she swears and tells racist, homophobic jokes is shocking. But it shouldn't be diluted, and the audience is delighted to hear her just as coarse and aggressive as any male comedian of the period.

Not everything works.The storyline is choppy and episodic, leaping randomly back and forth in time. It's disconcerting to see Stephen Graham as nasty father one moment, net curtain-twitching brother the next. Even Funny Cow seems remote at times, but it's great stuff from Peake.

Somber ,but a good study of a woman who managed via her wry view to achieve success in a man comedic world ... Though the darkness we saw a flower bloom . Her jokes were off but this was an era when cruss was fash ..I must confesses the outrangesness certainly did raise a laugh ... This was a period piece . My comments would not be complete without mention if the excellent soundtrack ..

A Gritty grim film about the school of hard knocks which leads to the eventual success (obviously) of funny cow. Some lovely cameos from various faces from British tv. Kevin Rowland to name but one. Music by Richard Hawley, he also is seen taking part in s talent show and later singing on stage in s working man's club with "coffee" played by Corine Bailey Rae.

It's a great film Maxine Peake is immense, likewise Alun Armstrong is wonderful as the bitter ageing comedian I'm not sure if this was originally a stage play, it does have that feel but don't let that put you off.

It's about a comic but it's not a comedy

Now retired from a 45 year career as a stand up entertainer, I was compelled to watch this transfixing film. Having watched many struggle to find a place in the entertainment world, and seen an emergence in the mid 1970s began with more female specialty acts, moving into the male domain (it was great to witness) I think this film is loosely based on the life of Marty Cain (who I was lucky to work with). Great acting, and production. A real pleasure and a very nostalgic trip for me.

I've thought about this film more after seeing it than any other film I can remember. There are great performances from the central cast, and some amusing cameos, but I was drawn more to the story of Funny Cow's life. Some of it made uncomfortable watching, but I think that was the whole point.