In a delightful twist for fans of the dapper comedian turned wordsmith, Tom Allen has officially added a third book to his name: Common Decency. Slated for release on 12 March 2026 via Coronet, it's his first venture into fiction—after two warm and witty memoirs (No Shame in 2021 and Too Much in 2022)

Tom describes this debut as a “love letter to suburbia”—a setting we all know, but seldom explore so intimately. He’s spent two years sculpting the streets of “Oak Drive”, where everyday civility faces unexpected chaos: beloved trees threatened by developers, gossip-riddled WhatsApp groups, local theatre snafus, barbecues gone awry—and, yes, even death and drug dealers in the mix.

Meet the Neighbours of Oak Drive

The novel centres on a tight-knit community that rallies to save a cherished oak tree. But as tensions spike and buried resentments bubble to the surface, the veneer of suburban propriety cracks—revealing a cast of characters as colourful as they are flawed

From Stand-Up to Storytelling

Fans will instantly recognise Tom’s witty narrative voice. In his words: “I have based Common Decency on my life living here, and observing the often incidental happenings which actually reveal the most dramatic aspects of life.

Beyond the laughs, readers can expect sprinkled moments of tenderness and truth—hallmarks of Tom’s memoirs—backed by his sharp eye for comedic detail. Plus, Tom himself will narrate the audiobook edition.

Mark Your Calendar

• Title: Common Decency

• Author: Tom Allen

• Publisher: Coronet

• Publication Date: 12 March 2026

• Format: 320 pages, hardback, plus ebook & audiobook versions available

Pre-orders are already live, and the buzz is building across Tom’s social channels. He posted with excitement—“Delighted to announce I’ve written a novel! … it’s called Common Decency…

Why You Should Pre-Order

• A fresh voice in contemporary fiction—Tom’s humour is perfectly balanced with insight and warmth.

• A suburban drama filled with unexpected drama and eccentric characters.

• A nod to everyday life: Tree-planting, block parties, small triumphs—and how big emotions can hide in small places.

• Authentic narration: Tom’s own voice brings the audiobook to life.

Final Thoughts

Common Decency promises the wit, charm, and occasional poignancy we’ve come to love from Tom Allen, now framed within a fictional tapestry that celebrates—and pokes gentle fun at—neighbourhood life. Whether you’re a fan of stand-up, memoirs, or simply a juicy suburban saga, this one’s worth a spot on your bookshelf (or your headphones).

Bonus tip: Want to hear Tom’s own voice once it drops? Keep an eye out for the audiobook—Tom’s narration promises a touch of stand-up flair, perfect for long commutes through your own Oak Drive.

In a significant leadership shake-up, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society has appointed Tony Lankester as its new Chief Executive, a move that signals a fresh direction for the world’s most famous arts festival. With decades of experience in festival management and a deep passion for live performance, Lankester’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the Fringe, as it navigates post-pandemic recovery, financial challenges, and the evolving landscape of live entertainment.

Lankester is best known for his transformative tenure as CEO of the National Arts Festival (NAF) in South Africa, where he steered the event to global recognition and spearheaded innovative initiatives in digital theatre and artist development. His expertise in balancing large-scale festival logistics with a strong artist-first ethos makes him a formidable choice to lead the Fringe into its next chapter.

The appointment follows growing concerns from performers and venues about the increasing costs of participating in the Fringe, which has long been seen as both a launchpad for new talent and a financial gamble for emerging artists. Many hope that Lankester’s leadership will bring much-needed structural reform to ease financial pressures on performers while preserving the festival’s independent spirit and reputation for creative risk-taking.

Speaking on his appointment, Lankester expressed both enthusiasm and a clear vision for the future of the festival. “The Fringe is a global beacon for artistic freedom and experimentation,” he said. “It’s a privilege to step into this role and work alongside the incredible community of artists, venues, and audiences that make this festival so unique.”

His leadership will be tested immediately as preparations ramp up for the 2025 edition of the festival, with industry insiders watching closely to see how he tackles key issues such as affordability, sustainability, and accessibility. With his track record of championing artists and expanding audience reach, many in the comedy and theatre worlds are optimistic that Lankester’s appointment marks a new era for the Edinburgh Fringe—one that preserves its anarchic heart while ensuring a more sustainable future for performers and producers alike.

For comedians, in particular, this could be a turning point. The Fringe remains one of the most prestigious yet financially precarious festivals for stand-ups, with sky-high venue costs and accommodation shortages making participation a costly gamble. If Lankester can introduce reforms to lighten the financial burden while maintaining the festival’s dynamism, he could become a hero to the comedy community.

As the world’s most influential arts festival enters this new chapter, all eyes will be on Lankester to see if he can strike the delicate balance between artistic freedom, financial sustainability, and cultural relevance. If he succeeds, the Edinburgh Fringe may not only survive but thrive in an increasingly competitive global festival scene.