Getting Real with Shadra Bruce
Hugh Laurie has been gracing the small screen with his odd humor since the early 80s, writing many of the skits he appeared in, so it should come as no surprise that his book, “The Gun Seller” would tease out that same humor. Originally written in 1998, Laurie’s book arrived on Kindle in 2009 but recently offered as a $1.99 deal in the Kindle shop (which is why I am now giggling my way through it).
Laurie first demonstrated his versatility playing a variety of characters in the “Cambridge Footlights Revue” and “There’s Nothing To Worry About!” before writing and starring in the first of many creative collaborations with Robbie Coltrane, Ben Elton, and Stephen Fry: Al Fresco. “Al Fresco” led in short succession to Laurie’s creative writing contributions and ongoing appearances in “Blackadder,” “A Bit of Fry and Laurie” and “Jeeves and Wooster.”
Laurie did not become a household name throughout American living rooms, however, until he faked a limp, an American accent, and a crabby demeanor to become the namesake of the popular medical series “House” that just completed its 8th and last season. As he was finishing up “House,” Laurie decided to venture into an area familiar to his longtime Brit humor fans: playing the piano and singing. His album, “Let Them Talk” a magical journey through American blues music, carved its niche in blues history in 2011. The resulting concert tour to promote the album resulted in sold-out shows in small venues across the country.
If you only know Laurie from “House” a pleasant surprise awaits you as you explore his other talents. From his ability to channel the blues as if he was born in New Orléans to his talent at making you laugh even as you cringe at the idea of a broken arm in the opening scenes of “The Gun Seller,” Hugh Laurie’s ability to entertain extends far beyond the weekly hospital room setting.
