Bernard Black is the foul tempered, eccentric and drink-fuelled proprietor of a grubby bookshop, Black Books.

Bernard is grumpy, very grumpy. He doesn't quite belong in this world and has created a sanctuary within the confines of the shop, preferring the company of books to people. Not that he sells many books. He loves them too much and doesn't love his customers enough. In fact he hates them. In fact he hates everyone except Fran and Manny.

It is only through the persistent intervention of his companions, Manny and Fran, that Bernard is persuaded to engage in any kind of social interaction at all (if you don't count drinking). Without them, he would undoubtedly collapse in a self-combusting pool of vitriol.

If you're an outgoing, life affirming, zest-filled, warm human being, stay away from Bernard Black. He will be mean to you.

DYLAN MORAN
(Co-Writer and Bernard Black)

Dylan Moran was born in 1971. He has done some telly and had a very small part in a film. He has also done some stand up, in various places. Now he wants to do it all again. He used to write a column for The Irish Times. He is not that tall.

Dylan's comedy credits include winning the Perrier Award at the 1996 Edinburgh Festival and winning the Channel 4 sponsored newcomer's comedy competition So You Think You're Funny in 1993. His numerous appearances at Comedy Festivals include the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 1996,1998 and 1999, Just For Laughs Montreal Comedy Festival in 1998 and the Kilkenny Comedy Festival in 1997.

Dylan played a lead role in Simon Nye's BBC2 comedy drama How Do You Want Me?

Since the first series of Black Books, Dylan has played a selected number of UK dates with his one man stand up show Ready, Steady... Cough.

Dylan is currently preparing to star alongside Michael Caine in feature film The Actors, a comedy written and directed by Connor McPherson. He is also busy writing the third series of Black Books.

Interview with Dylan Moran

Interview with Dylan Moran and Graham Lineham

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