The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Facts: Things You Didn't Know

We've gathered some interesting facts about the book that you may not have known.

For instance, did you know that Sue Townsend based the character of Adrian Mole on herself? Or that she originally wanted to call the book 'The Secret Diary Of a Nobody'?

David Walliams has written the foreword to the 30th Anniversary edition of the book. Keep reading to learn more about 'The Secret Diary Of Adrian Mole' and its author.

Characters

The character of Adrian Mole is based on Townsend herself. The similarities between Sue and Adrian are incredible, from their love of poetry to their complicated relationships with their parents.

The initial character name of the adolescent boy Nigel was changed as Townsend thought that this sounded too 'posh'. The name 'Adrian' comes from the son of a couple that Sue met at a wedding.

The character of Pandora is based on one of Townsend's friends, who later became her agent. The name 'Pandora' comes from the Greek mythological figure.

The character of George Mole (Adrian's father) was inspired by Sue Townsend's father, who died when she was 10 years old. The character of Adrian's mother, Pauline (played by Julie Walters in the TV series), is based on a woman Sue knew well when she worked in the factory and they were both young mothers living with their partners.

The name 'George' comes from one of her colleagues at the factory.

Sue Townsend also creates an extended family for Adrian, most of the characters representing real people in her life. The character of Edna May Mole, commonly referred to as 'Grandma' is based on Sue Townsend's mother, who died when she was young.

There is also Albert Mole, his grandfather, Auntie Susan, his grandparents from the Sudgen family, and cousins. Several other characters are introduced as new relations form in the story.

Barry Kent is a bully mostly in science class at school in Adrian's life. The character of Mr. Lucas is based on a maths teacher Sue had when she was at school.

The name 'Mr. Lucas' comes from one of her teachers at school. The title 'The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole' was originally going to be 'The Secret Diary of a Nobody', but Townsend's publishers thought that this sounded too negative.

Movie And Musical Adaptation

'The Secret Diary Of Adrian Mole' was made into a movie in 1985. Sue Townsend wrote the screenplay for the movie, which starred Stephen Moore as Adrian and Jenny Agutter as Pandora.

The musical adaptation of 'The Secret Diary Of Adrian Mole' premiered at the Leicester Haymarket Theatre in 2017. The show is written by Jake Brunger and Pippa Cleary. 'The Secret Diary Of Adrian Mole' was adapted into a musical in 2017.

The music was composed by Martin Riley and the lyrics were provided by Townsend herself. The show premiered at the Leicester Haymarket Theatre on June 30, 2017. It featured Jack Edwards as Adrian Mole, Annabel Leventon as Pauline Mole (Adrian's mum), Thelma Barlow as Grandma Mole, and Michelle Collins as Miss Elf.

The book has also been adapted four times into a radio series: once in 1983, then again in 1988 and 1997 by the BBC Radio Drama Department in London. The most recent radio series was released in 2013 by The Wireless Theatre Company.

In 1984, at the Wyndham's Theatre, a successful stage production of 'The Secret Diary Of Adrian Mole' was run in London. The first adaptation of the book was into two television series directed by Peter Sasdy; 'The Secret Diary Of Adrian Mole, Aged 13¾' released in 1985, and 'The Growing Pains Of Adrian Mole' released in 1987.

'Adrian Mole: The Cappucino Years', released in 2001, is the last TV series adaptation of the book that aired on BBC One.

The third adaptation was directed by Alison Hindell and starred Claire Skinner as Pauline Mole (Adrian's mum). The fourth adaptation was directed by Alison Hindell and starred Claire Skinner as Pauline Mole; Thelma Barlow as Grandma; Michelle Collins as Miss Elf.

The fifth adaptation was directed by The Wireless Theatre Company. The cast includes Jake Brunger (who also wrote the musical) as Adrian and Annabel Leventon as Pauline Mole.

'The Secret Diary Of Adrian Mole, Aged 13¾' was also re-created into a musical with the same title. The book and lyrics for the musical were written by Jake Brunger, with Pippa Cleary giving the music and also collaborating in writing the music for the production.

Facts About The Author

Sue Townsend was born in Leicester, England on April 26, 1946. She left school at the age of 16 and worked in a variety of jobs before becoming a full-time writer.

'The Secret Diary Of Adrian Mole 'was her first novel, which she wrote while working as a secretary at an insurance company. Interestingly, Adrian Mole is born in the same year as the former UK Prime Minister, David Cameron.

The book was published in 1982 and became an instant bestseller. 'The Secret Diary Of Adrian Mole' was published in 1982 and became an instant bestseller. Townsend passed away on April 28, 2014, just two days after her 18th birthday.

The book has sold more than 15 million copies worldwide, making it one of the bestselling books ever written. The book has been translated into more than 30 languages, including French, German, Italian, and Spanish.

FAQs

Is Adrian Mole a boy or a girl?

Adrian Mole is the character name of a boy.

Did Adrian Mole have a dog?

Adrian's family had a pet dog, referred to as 'the dog' in the book. Eventually, the pet was replaced by 'the new dog.'

How old is Adrian Mole in the last book?

The last book of the Adrian Mole series, 'The Prostrate Years', is set in 2008 when Adrian is roughly 39 years old.

What age is Adrian Mole's secret diary?

The first diary was published in 1982, so it is a 40-year-old book.

What age is 'The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole' suitable for?

'The Secret Diary Of Adrian Mole' is a suitable read for the ages above 15 and adults too.

Is Adrian Mole appropriate?

'The Secret Diary Of Adrian Mole' is appropriate for teens and adults. The book contains some mature content, but it's not explicit in any way.

Is Adrian Mole a children's book?

No, it is not a children's book, but can be read by teenagers.

Who was Adrian Mole's girlfriend?

Adrian Mole's first girlfriend was Sharon Bott, a girl from the school. His second girlfriend was Pandora Braithwaite.

Is 'The Secret Diary Of Adrian Mole' suitable for an 11-year-old?

The book contains some foul language and outlines adult social concepts, which can be sensitive content for an 11-year-old to read.

Does Adrian Mole marry Pandora?

No.