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So last night after coming home from a gruelling hours 6 a side game I come home to find Mrs P and daughter watching the Miranda box set !!!??? WTF how many times can you find a fat woman with a stupid haircut falling over funny anyway this got me thinking of the worst comedian and how bad comedy is now
so top 3 worst comics at the moment
Miranda Hart Sarah F ucking Milligan David Williams - yes we know your camp it aint funny so feck off
And Bowles is onside, Swinburne has come rushing out of his goal , what can Bowles do here , onto the left foot no, on to the right foot
That’s there that’s two, and that’s Bowles
Brian Moore
Long time before he became famous we went to see Jasper Carrott in a small village hall, my Wifes friend was literally In tears laughing, I have to say he was bloody brilliant. We had a big family outing to see Michael Barrymore, 5 minutes into the act I thought Hmmm I'd seen all this crap on the television, I wanna go home. I watch a lot of this Guy from across the pond, (not work friendly).
Saw him last year in Lowestoft, he’s still hilarious.
I think you've summed up the difference between the modern comedians who make their name on TV and develop a following, so when they go out on tour they are basically delivering that act.
Old school comedians who made their living touring the country understood that there were regional variations in audiences and they needed to get the feel of the audience before they launched into their routine.
Not that any of those skills helped in the famous graveyard for English comedians that was the Glasgow Empire:
The great Max Miller refused to play the place saying:
"Listen, I'm a comic, not a missionary."
Ah, the Glasgow Empire, home of possibly the greatest heckle ever - as Eric Morecambe (I think) once said: "If they like you, they let you live".
Anyhow, to set the scene for the GHE, Mike & Bernie Winters were appearing. For youngsters out there, they were a sort of "British Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis", with Mike the smooth Dean M and Bernie the goofy Jerry L.
Now Mike couldn't sing, but he could play the clarinet, so their act started with him alone on stage, playing his instrument smoothly.
To absolute silence. From the start. On and on it went, with Mike getting more and more uncomfortable, as big Bernie waited off stage for his cue.
Finally it came and at the side of the stage, Bernie popped his head round the curtain, with his trademark toothy grin etc, but before he could say a word, a voice called out from the audience: "Fcuk me, there's two of the kunts"
EDIT: Actually there is a school of thought that it was simply: "Fcuk me, there's two of them", which note of despair may actually be funnier than mere abuse?
Meanwhile thinking of heckles, Bernard Manning, he of truly terrible material but fine delivery and timing etc, used to tell one against himself.
He was known for giving his audience stick, using a collection of one-liners honed down the years, including in his own club, where he ruled the roost.
Anyhow, he was up on stage and a few minutes into his act, when a punter in the front row got up and started walking out.
"Where the hell are you going?" Manning demanded.
"I'm just off for a p1ss before the comedian comes on", came the reply.
As he admitted himself, Manning had no come back.
(Btw, this no endorsement of Manning, a repulsive individual)
I think you can tell a lot about a stand-up by how they deal with heckles. Bomb in the Tabard in Chiswick and it's tepid applause. Bomb in a working men's club in Toxteth and you're dodging bottles.
I thought Jimmy Carr was shìt until I saw him live. He's good. Frankie Boyle, great live although tones it down more now than in the early days. Saw Rich Hall and Reginald D Hunter both at the Apollo.
Can't stand Nish Kumar. Nothing to do with his politics, he's just a shìt comedian taking up the place of someone with talent.
[Post edited 29 Oct 21:16]
Seen Jimmy Carr twice.
First time I was literally in pain from laughing so much, he was superb.
Second time didn't quite hit the same heights, but still very good.
A personal favourite is Mark Watson, seen him several times. A sort of nervous, rambling comedian but both me and the wife love his shows. He admits to suffering with anxiety and mid one show had to go off for a few mins after getting an attack on stage. When he returned the crowd got right behind him which was brilliant to see. We even got a selfie with him after that show.
Ah, the Glasgow Empire, home of possibly the greatest heckle ever - as Eric Morecambe (I think) once said: "If they like you, they let you live".
Anyhow, to set the scene for the GHE, Mike & Bernie Winters were appearing. For youngsters out there, they were a sort of "British Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis", with Mike the smooth Dean M and Bernie the goofy Jerry L.
Now Mike couldn't sing, but he could play the clarinet, so their act started with him alone on stage, playing his instrument smoothly.
To absolute silence. From the start. On and on it went, with Mike getting more and more uncomfortable, as big Bernie waited off stage for his cue.
Finally it came and at the side of the stage, Bernie popped his head round the curtain, with his trademark toothy grin etc, but before he could say a word, a voice called out from the audience: "Fcuk me, there's two of the kunts"
EDIT: Actually there is a school of thought that it was simply: "Fcuk me, there's two of them", which note of despair may actually be funnier than mere abuse?
[Post edited 31 Oct 1:52]
"British Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis"
Something both duos have in common is acrimonious breakups that led to them not talking to their former comedy partners for decades afterwards.
First time I was literally in pain from laughing so much, he was superb.
Second time didn't quite hit the same heights, but still very good.
A personal favourite is Mark Watson, seen him several times. A sort of nervous, rambling comedian but both me and the wife love his shows. He admits to suffering with anxiety and mid one show had to go off for a few mins after getting an attack on stage. When he returned the crowd got right behind him which was brilliant to see. We even got a selfie with him after that show.
[Post edited 31 Oct 2:12]
I'm not a Jimmy Carr fan but for any of you that are he has written a parody of Downton Abbey which should be hitting the cinemas soon
Meanwhile thinking of heckles, Bernard Manning, he of truly terrible material but fine delivery and timing etc, used to tell one against himself.
He was known for giving his audience stick, using a collection of one-liners honed down the years, including in his own club, where he ruled the roost.
Anyhow, he was up on stage and a few minutes into his act, when a punter in the front row got up and started walking out.
"Where the hell are you going?" Manning demanded.
"I'm just off for a p1ss before the comedian comes on", came the reply.
As he admitted himself, Manning had no come back.
(Btw, this no endorsement of Manning, a repulsive individual)
Bernard Manning was in America at the time of Watergate and Nixon was being impeached “I hear you’re trying to get rid of this Nixon guy Get Teddy Kennedy to give him lift home “
First time I was literally in pain from laughing so much, he was superb.
Second time didn't quite hit the same heights, but still very good.
A personal favourite is Mark Watson, seen him several times. A sort of nervous, rambling comedian but both me and the wife love his shows. He admits to suffering with anxiety and mid one show had to go off for a few mins after getting an attack on stage. When he returned the crowd got right behind him which was brilliant to see. We even got a selfie with him after that show.
[Post edited 31 Oct 2:12]
Jimmy Carr is too formulaic for me.
He is highly intelligent but live seems to love saying see you next Tuesday every other sentence when its completely unnecessary and actually for me takes away something from his humour.
Someone mentioned Jasper Carrott. Saw him at Blazers in Windsor. My face ached. Brilliant observation comedy on everyday life. Loved that in his time.
Saw Rik Mayall with Adrian Edmondson and found them hilarious. Tragic Rik left us way too soon.
As a kid remember going to a Christmas show at Lakeside in Frimley, and Freddie Starr was on. Probably a bit too young to understand then, but my parents and their mates found him hilarious but probably a bit too blue, even for that time.
A guy that I find uncomfortable and awkward always is Ricky Gervais. He loves to insult, particularly the privileged. I used to enjoy Paul Merton when he first appeared on HIGNFY, but its been too long now.
I liked the comedy Gavin and Stacey but James Corden as a personality, is not funny for me, just obnoxious - that's the politest word.
Used to love the "Whose line is it anyway" improvisation show. Some very clever comedians. Sean Lock, Tony Slattery, a couple that no longer with us.
From years ago Ronnie Barker and Eric Morecambe were brilliant.
Love going back further. Couldn't stand Warren Mitchell as Alf Garnett when younger but appreciate the satire now and Steptoe and Son likewise.
Spike Milligan, Harry Secombe, Michael Bentine and Peter Sellers flew right over my head literally.
Some of people who "identify" as comedians today - i really am not sure.
But for me the worst of all time and throughout the ages
I give you....
Michael Mcintyre....
If ever the off button on a remote control was ever invented for one person, this man was the reason !!!!!!
I cannot stand stand up. I get instantly embarrassed for all concerned, just squirm in my seat in case I get picked on, dread a joke falling flat, hate the idea that I have to laugh. Paying somebody to make you laugh seems like a weird perversion to me, isn't that what your mates and you Mrs are for? I love good sitcoms, have a sense of humour but find the whole stand up schtick deeply toe curling. But Sean Locke was funny.
I'm the polar opposite love it and especially when you get to see good people in a small room. Comedy is so subjective and you get what you bring to it, but its an amazing art form which requires real intelligence to get right which is why so many either go on to be actors or writers (both books and scripts / screenplays)
Went to Crack comedy in Kingston last night first time in a while,
First up was the legendary Mark Thomas with his left wing "activist" set more shouty than I would have expected brilliant joke about migrants and golfers (did you know in this country more land is taken up by golf courses than houses!)
2 shorter slots in the middle for the new comedians first one was a German woman Julia Eckhoff who was a bit hit and miss the second one a guy called Luke Chilton who tore the place down (love it when you see someone and you just know they are going to go on) Final act was a gay autistic music comedian called Robert White who was chaotic awkward and absolutely genius with genius improv and brought the house down.
I've seen. big names who one time have been brilliant another time have died. And then you get the surprises. I went to Latitude this year the festival which is music and comedy with huge names in the comedy area. The two best acts of the festival were surprising (giving the line up) Kerry Godliman's set on becoming a menapousal woman, but the stand out was Paul Sinha (yes him of the chase) who brought the only standing ovation of the festival with his set on being gay asian and being diagnosed with Parkinsons which was the funniest thing I've heard in years
He is highly intelligent but live seems to love saying see you next Tuesday every other sentence when its completely unnecessary and actually for me takes away something from his humour.
Someone mentioned Jasper Carrott. Saw him at Blazers in Windsor. My face ached. Brilliant observation comedy on everyday life. Loved that in his time.
Saw Rik Mayall with Adrian Edmondson and found them hilarious. Tragic Rik left us way too soon.
As a kid remember going to a Christmas show at Lakeside in Frimley, and Freddie Starr was on. Probably a bit too young to understand then, but my parents and their mates found him hilarious but probably a bit too blue, even for that time.
A guy that I find uncomfortable and awkward always is Ricky Gervais. He loves to insult, particularly the privileged. I used to enjoy Paul Merton when he first appeared on HIGNFY, but its been too long now.
I liked the comedy Gavin and Stacey but James Corden as a personality, is not funny for me, just obnoxious - that's the politest word.
Used to love the "Whose line is it anyway" improvisation show. Some very clever comedians. Sean Lock, Tony Slattery, a couple that no longer with us.
From years ago Ronnie Barker and Eric Morecambe were brilliant.
Love going back further. Couldn't stand Warren Mitchell as Alf Garnett when younger but appreciate the satire now and Steptoe and Son likewise.
Spike Milligan, Harry Secombe, Michael Bentine and Peter Sellers flew right over my head literally.
Some of people who "identify" as comedians today - i really am not sure.
But for me the worst of all time and throughout the ages
I give you....
Michael Mcintyre....
If ever the off button on a remote control was ever invented for one person, this man was the reason !!!!!!
They literally flew over your head? Was this at a panto or were you at Heathrow?
I'm the polar opposite love it and especially when you get to see good people in a small room. Comedy is so subjective and you get what you bring to it, but its an amazing art form which requires real intelligence to get right which is why so many either go on to be actors or writers (both books and scripts / screenplays)
Went to Crack comedy in Kingston last night first time in a while,
First up was the legendary Mark Thomas with his left wing "activist" set more shouty than I would have expected brilliant joke about migrants and golfers (did you know in this country more land is taken up by golf courses than houses!)
2 shorter slots in the middle for the new comedians first one was a German woman Julia Eckhoff who was a bit hit and miss the second one a guy called Luke Chilton who tore the place down (love it when you see someone and you just know they are going to go on) Final act was a gay autistic music comedian called Robert White who was chaotic awkward and absolutely genius with genius improv and brought the house down.
I've seen. big names who one time have been brilliant another time have died. And then you get the surprises. I went to Latitude this year the festival which is music and comedy with huge names in the comedy area. The two best acts of the festival were surprising (giving the line up) Kerry Godliman's set on becoming a menapousal woman, but the stand out was Paul Sinha (yes him of the chase) who brought the only standing ovation of the festival with his set on being gay asian and being diagnosed with Parkinsons which was the funniest thing I've heard in years
[Post edited 1 Nov 11:02]
I saw Mark Thomas twice. Once before he really made in on TV (like in the early 90s) and he was hilarious.
Then I saw him like 10-15 years ago and it was shite. Just straight up politics with hardly any laughs.
Stefan Moore, Stefan Moore running down the wing. Stefan Moore, Stefan Moore running down the wing. He runs like a cheetah, his crosses couldn't be sweeter. Stefan Moore. Stefan Moore. Stefan Moore.
Saw Peter Kay at the O2 earlier this year...absolutely dreadful.
In contrast, saw Rhod Gilbert in Hammersmith...absolutely hilarious, particularly when he spent a couple of hours talking about cancer
There was a great story in Popbitch about Peter Kay. Apparently he's infamously tight
"he told an arena he was playing that he wanted a pound for every car parked in their car park. The management replied that it was an unusual request and not something they'd ever done before; to which he trotted out his well-worn line that punters wouldn't be parking there if he wasn't on, so he deserves a share, etc.
Eventually they concede and the demand is folded into the contract. Come settlement time, the comedian is poring over the details with a fine-tooth comb and sees a figure of £8 a night listed under 'Additional Revenue'. Further investigation reveals this is the car parking money he angled for.
£8? For an entire arena? Are they having a laugh? No, they tell him. He asked for a pound for every car that parked in their car park, and the arena has eight spaces in the loading bay. The big car park he'd had his eye on? That was owned and operated by NCP, outside the venue's control..."
I saw Mark Thomas twice. Once before he really made in on TV (like in the early 90s) and he was hilarious.
Then I saw him like 10-15 years ago and it was shite. Just straight up politics with hardly any laughs.
mention of Mark Thomas just reminded me of a shameful incident in my younger days.
In the 90s, I earnt a few extra quid doing sound & lights at quite a few comedy clubs. Kings Head (Acton) The Viaduct (Hanwell) Cosmic Comedy Club (Hammersmith) Red Rose Club (Finsbury Park) Rowans Cafe Bar (Chiswick) and a few others. Loads of great memories of seeing upcoming people e.g. Harry Hill, Bill Bailey when he was in a double act called the Rubber Bishops, Sean Hughes, Alan Davies, Sean Lock, Al Murray when he was just starting to do the Pub Landlord character, Hattie Hayridge, Ricky Grover, Mark Lamarr, Julian Barratt before he did Mighty Boosh, Rob Brydon, Ardal O'Hanlon, Graham Norton etc etc. I had a few other favourites that never became big names like Clayton & Gordillo, Ian Stone, the late great Ian Cognito, Phil Kay.
Anyway I crossed paths with Mark Thomas quite a few times back then. Not a particular favourite of mine but if you saw his name on the bill you knew he'd be good & get the crowd laughing.
One time I'd been working somewhere on the Saturday where he'd been on, then on the Sunday (night off) I went over to Brixton to meet some mates in a pub, didn't realise it was another comedy night & oh look it's Mark Thomas on again.
For some reason (too many pints I suspect) I decided to shout out one of his punchlines just before he said it. He was fücking livid & tried to get the other punters to point out who'd ruined his joke. But thankfully it wasn't a seated gig, nobody knew who it was & I got away with it.
Next time I saw him was at Ha Bloody Ha at the Viaduct very soon after. For some reason, I brought up the fact that I'd been at the Brixton gig and I said "what about that person who ruined your joke?" & he proper went off on one using the c word very liberally & saying how if he'd found the culprit he would've smashed their face in. I just nodded along.
mention of Mark Thomas just reminded me of a shameful incident in my younger days.
In the 90s, I earnt a few extra quid doing sound & lights at quite a few comedy clubs. Kings Head (Acton) The Viaduct (Hanwell) Cosmic Comedy Club (Hammersmith) Red Rose Club (Finsbury Park) Rowans Cafe Bar (Chiswick) and a few others. Loads of great memories of seeing upcoming people e.g. Harry Hill, Bill Bailey when he was in a double act called the Rubber Bishops, Sean Hughes, Alan Davies, Sean Lock, Al Murray when he was just starting to do the Pub Landlord character, Hattie Hayridge, Ricky Grover, Mark Lamarr, Julian Barratt before he did Mighty Boosh, Rob Brydon, Ardal O'Hanlon, Graham Norton etc etc. I had a few other favourites that never became big names like Clayton & Gordillo, Ian Stone, the late great Ian Cognito, Phil Kay.
Anyway I crossed paths with Mark Thomas quite a few times back then. Not a particular favourite of mine but if you saw his name on the bill you knew he'd be good & get the crowd laughing.
One time I'd been working somewhere on the Saturday where he'd been on, then on the Sunday (night off) I went over to Brixton to meet some mates in a pub, didn't realise it was another comedy night & oh look it's Mark Thomas on again.
For some reason (too many pints I suspect) I decided to shout out one of his punchlines just before he said it. He was fücking livid & tried to get the other punters to point out who'd ruined his joke. But thankfully it wasn't a seated gig, nobody knew who it was & I got away with it.
Next time I saw him was at Ha Bloody Ha at the Viaduct very soon after. For some reason, I brought up the fact that I'd been at the Brixton gig and I said "what about that person who ruined your joke?" & he proper went off on one using the c word very liberally & saying how if he'd found the culprit he would've smashed their face in. I just nodded along.
Genuinely made me laugh.
The Red Rose Club in FP had an interesting political history!
mention of Mark Thomas just reminded me of a shameful incident in my younger days.
In the 90s, I earnt a few extra quid doing sound & lights at quite a few comedy clubs. Kings Head (Acton) The Viaduct (Hanwell) Cosmic Comedy Club (Hammersmith) Red Rose Club (Finsbury Park) Rowans Cafe Bar (Chiswick) and a few others. Loads of great memories of seeing upcoming people e.g. Harry Hill, Bill Bailey when he was in a double act called the Rubber Bishops, Sean Hughes, Alan Davies, Sean Lock, Al Murray when he was just starting to do the Pub Landlord character, Hattie Hayridge, Ricky Grover, Mark Lamarr, Julian Barratt before he did Mighty Boosh, Rob Brydon, Ardal O'Hanlon, Graham Norton etc etc. I had a few other favourites that never became big names like Clayton & Gordillo, Ian Stone, the late great Ian Cognito, Phil Kay.
Anyway I crossed paths with Mark Thomas quite a few times back then. Not a particular favourite of mine but if you saw his name on the bill you knew he'd be good & get the crowd laughing.
One time I'd been working somewhere on the Saturday where he'd been on, then on the Sunday (night off) I went over to Brixton to meet some mates in a pub, didn't realise it was another comedy night & oh look it's Mark Thomas on again.
For some reason (too many pints I suspect) I decided to shout out one of his punchlines just before he said it. He was fücking livid & tried to get the other punters to point out who'd ruined his joke. But thankfully it wasn't a seated gig, nobody knew who it was & I got away with it.
Next time I saw him was at Ha Bloody Ha at the Viaduct very soon after. For some reason, I brought up the fact that I'd been at the Brixton gig and I said "what about that person who ruined your joke?" & he proper went off on one using the c word very liberally & saying how if he'd found the culprit he would've smashed their face in. I just nodded along.
mention of Mark Thomas just reminded me of a shameful incident in my younger days.
In the 90s, I earnt a few extra quid doing sound & lights at quite a few comedy clubs. Kings Head (Acton) The Viaduct (Hanwell) Cosmic Comedy Club (Hammersmith) Red Rose Club (Finsbury Park) Rowans Cafe Bar (Chiswick) and a few others. Loads of great memories of seeing upcoming people e.g. Harry Hill, Bill Bailey when he was in a double act called the Rubber Bishops, Sean Hughes, Alan Davies, Sean Lock, Al Murray when he was just starting to do the Pub Landlord character, Hattie Hayridge, Ricky Grover, Mark Lamarr, Julian Barratt before he did Mighty Boosh, Rob Brydon, Ardal O'Hanlon, Graham Norton etc etc. I had a few other favourites that never became big names like Clayton & Gordillo, Ian Stone, the late great Ian Cognito, Phil Kay.
Anyway I crossed paths with Mark Thomas quite a few times back then. Not a particular favourite of mine but if you saw his name on the bill you knew he'd be good & get the crowd laughing.
One time I'd been working somewhere on the Saturday where he'd been on, then on the Sunday (night off) I went over to Brixton to meet some mates in a pub, didn't realise it was another comedy night & oh look it's Mark Thomas on again.
For some reason (too many pints I suspect) I decided to shout out one of his punchlines just before he said it. He was fücking livid & tried to get the other punters to point out who'd ruined his joke. But thankfully it wasn't a seated gig, nobody knew who it was & I got away with it.
Next time I saw him was at Ha Bloody Ha at the Viaduct very soon after. For some reason, I brought up the fact that I'd been at the Brixton gig and I said "what about that person who ruined your joke?" & he proper went off on one using the c word very liberally & saying how if he'd found the culprit he would've smashed their face in. I just nodded along.
I'm the polar opposite love it and especially when you get to see good people in a small room. Comedy is so subjective and you get what you bring to it, but its an amazing art form which requires real intelligence to get right which is why so many either go on to be actors or writers (both books and scripts / screenplays)
Went to Crack comedy in Kingston last night first time in a while,
First up was the legendary Mark Thomas with his left wing "activist" set more shouty than I would have expected brilliant joke about migrants and golfers (did you know in this country more land is taken up by golf courses than houses!)
2 shorter slots in the middle for the new comedians first one was a German woman Julia Eckhoff who was a bit hit and miss the second one a guy called Luke Chilton who tore the place down (love it when you see someone and you just know they are going to go on) Final act was a gay autistic music comedian called Robert White who was chaotic awkward and absolutely genius with genius improv and brought the house down.
I've seen. big names who one time have been brilliant another time have died. And then you get the surprises. I went to Latitude this year the festival which is music and comedy with huge names in the comedy area. The two best acts of the festival were surprising (giving the line up) Kerry Godliman's set on becoming a menapousal woman, but the stand out was Paul Sinha (yes him of the chase) who brought the only standing ovation of the festival with his set on being gay asian and being diagnosed with Parkinsons which was the funniest thing I've heard in years
[Post edited 1 Nov 11:02]
I just had to look up the Golf course thing, it sounds like total bollox, but apparently 2% of the UK are Golf Courses, with domestic dwellings only using 1.1%
They must be excluding a lot of different houses, like tower blocks etc to get to 1.1% but still, thats a mental fact!
Bernard Manning was in America at the time of Watergate and Nixon was being impeached “I hear you’re trying to get rid of this Nixon guy Get Teddy Kennedy to give him lift home “
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