Grow Up

The intimate and hilarious memoirs of notorious and controversial actor, bon viveur and sometime songwriter - the irrepressible Keith Allen

'He'll either win the Victoria Cross or go to prison,' said Keith Allen's headmaster, 1966. That's the way he has lived his life ever since - always leaving a trail of destruction in his wake.

He might have been a professional footballer if his criminal behaviour hadn't got in the way.

'He'll either win the Victoria Cross or go to prison,' said Keith Allen's headmaster, 1966.

Born a Navy baby, Keith Allen learnt young that when things get too settled you move on. That's the way he has lived his life ever since - always leaving a trail of destruction in his wake.

He might have been a professional footballer if his criminal behaviour hadn't got in the way. He spent time in prison, went on the run, drifted through squats and festivals, survived marriages, relationships and parenthood. He has loitered with intent in the worlds of comedy, music art, theatre and film, but never long enough to ever fully conform to expectations. He's become renowned for his extrovert and contentious behaviour, his radical opinions and his acting pedigree. But at 54-years-old ... has he finally grown up?

Revelatory and unapologetically honest, Grow Up takes you on a break-neck journey through the chaotic life of someone who's broken all the rules.