With 20+ years’ experience as an editor and author, I’m available for all sorts of editorial duties, from journalism to production work, as well as presenting and taking part in any kind of media/literary/geeky event you may be planning. I’ve hosted events everywhere from London and Bristol to Edinburgh.
On the performing side, I’m also, of course, the person you need for satirical/rude comedy songs – and family folktale fun. Just email: jem@jemroberts.com.
… HERE’S SOME NICE THINGS FOLK HAVE SAID ABOUT ME.
THE TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT: “J.F. Roberts’s lively, warm-hearted True History of The Black Adder is a celebration of ‘this incredible feat of comedy production’.”
THE TELEGRAPH: (The True History…) “Essential for any comprehensive comedy library…”
STEPHEN FRY: “Jem manages to write about popular cultural institutions with knowledge and affection, while avoiding the dismal traps of nerdy fanboyism on the one hand or grandiose cultural pseudo-intellectualism on the other. His research is flawless and the results are readable, illuminating and delightful.”
GRAEME GARDEN: “As Bibles go, I reckon THE CLUE BIBLE is among the top two.”
TIM BROOKE-TAYLOR: “An incredibly good job – and he got it RIGHT.”
BARRY CRYER: “You’re very charming, it’s a pleasure to go on about it.”
HELEN LEDERER: “A glorious and focussed romp of an informed questioner, and clever man. Could take Jem anywhere, and will…”
BRIAN BLESSED: “Tell them, ‘Brian loves and trusts me.’ What you’re doing is so worthwhile, KEEP AT IT!”
“Very sweet of you, thanks.”
JEM ROBERTS: A LARGE MAN WHO KNOWS THINGS ABOUT COMEDY AND LIKES TO SHARE.
SOUPY TWISTS
‘A light and affectionate, but also very detailed work’ – Charlie Higson, The Times Literary Supplement.
‘Will be devoured by fans’ – The Irish Times.
THE FROOD
ROLLING STONE: Unpublished Douglas Adams material…
THE NEW YORK TIMES: Douglas Adams biographer speaks…
THE INDEPENDENT: Open Up Those Comedy Archives!
SFX MAGAZINE:
MOSTLY HARMLESS, OFFICIAL ZZ9 MAGAZINE:
The Frood is comprehensive. Really comprehensive. You just won’t believe how vastly, hugely, mind- bogglingly comprehensive it is. I mean, you might think Salmon of Doubt was comprehensive, but that’s just peanuts to The Frood.
The Frood is one of the most detailed and interesting accounts, and Jem’s Acknowledgements show how much work and care has gone into this biography. Whilst it could so easily have veered off into hagiography, The Frood shows, perhaps more than ever before, the man’s interests, drives and insecurities in an entertainingly affectionate manner.
For those who want to immerse themselves more fully in the Hitchhiker’s Universe, Jem Roberts has provided the perfect starting point. For fans who miss all things Douglasy, it fills a huge gap left vacant by a huge talent.
THE TRUE HISTORY OF THE BLACK ADDER
TELEGRAPH: ‘Blackadder: The True History’ extract
BBC NEWS: ‘Lost’ Blackadder Script…
BBC WEBSITE: JF Roberts’ Tribute to Lord Flashheart…
THE CLUE BIBLE: THE FULLY AUTHORISED HISTORY OF ‘I’M SORRY…’
TELEGRAPH: I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue & The Samantha Scandal…
TELEGRAPH: And again…
THE INDEPENDENT: Solidarity for Samantha…
THE WRITER’S ROOM: The Clue Bible
TALES OF BRITAIN:
Jem Roberts 