The Understudy

The Understudy: a scintillating comedy of ambition, celebrity, jealousy and love
Irresistible
DAILY MAIL

Delightful
OBSERVER

Funniest book of the year
MARIE CLAIRE

For Josh Harper, being in show-business means everything he ever wanted: money, fame, a beautiful wife and a lead role on the London stage.

For Stephen C. McQueen, it means being stuck with an unfortunate name, a hopeless agent and a job as understudy to Josh Harper, the 12th Sexiest Man in the World.

When Stephen falls in love with Joshs clever, funny wife, Nora, things get even more difficult. But might there yet be a way for Stephen to get his big break?

ONE OF BRITAINS MOST ACCLAIMED WRITERS
One of the most astute chroniclers of England as it is now
FINANCIAL TIMES

An uncanny ability to make us laugh out loud, but also care passionately about his characters
DAILY TELEGRAPH

Nicholls writes with such tender precision about love
THE TIMES

No one else writes novels that are both relatable and revelatory in the way he does
EVENING STANDARD

Genuinely brilliant
NEW STATESMAN