View Full Version : What's going on with British comedy?
Pigmy Pony
30-07-2018, 22:22
We used to have Steptoe & Son, It Ain't Half Hot Mum, Rising Damp, Only Fools And Horses, Dad's Army, and I'm sure there were a few others. There doesn't seem to have been anything of comparable quality for some years now.
Have we forgotten how to be funny, or perhaps it's that good writing and acting is too expensive and it's cheaper to produce crappy reality or 'talent' shows.
Strange you mention this as I've been watching The Two Ronnies on Netflix and they are still very funny, such quality in the writing and performance. Maybe part of the problem is these days the use of expletives is commonplace whereas in the shows you mention and many more the use of clever writing and innuendo suggested sauciness rather than just swearing for swearings sake. Don't get me wrong, some comedy shows are very funny and some comedians have made very successful careers pushing the limits. I do agree with you though Steve that something has gone from comedy and I doubt most modern shows will be looked back on so fondly.
A bit of that and the you can't say that brigade didn't help. Standards are so low now
Minstrel SE
31-07-2018, 06:22
Well you mention only fools and horses which gets a big thumbs down from me :) Maybe sitcoms have gone lamer but most were always pretty naff. You mention some of the classics which were way above the run of the mill
You mention some good ones but Ive got to be honest that I find Morcambe and Wise or The Two Ronnies a bit lame to watch now. Allo Allo and Mrs Browns Boys are just painful to me.
Comedy moves on and I feel closer to the Rik Mayall generation and birth of a so called alternative comedy. I like Black Adder...clever comedy :)...Al Murray is another good comedian.
There are some good shock stand ups like Frankie Boyle but I think you are probably right that TV comedy seems to be on the wane
Frazeur1
31-07-2018, 09:12
It's a shame we cannot bring back the Young Ones! Now that was some funny stuff!
WESTLOWER
31-07-2018, 09:24
We used to have Steptoe & Son, It Ain't Half Hot Mum, Rising Damp, Only Fools And Horses, Dad's Army, and I'm sure there were a few others. There doesn't seem to have been anything of comparable quality for some years now.
Have we forgotten how to be funny, or perhaps it's that good writing and acting is too expensive and it's cheaper to produce crappy reality or 'talent' shows.
Man! It Ain't Half Hot Mum, Dads army is just so hard to watch now.
Have you never experienced Stewart Lee? IMHO He's taken comedy to a different level.
Dads army is still watchable without too much shock, although its a bit hammed up for modern audiences. I agree iahhm is harder work now but it was very well done , but alas the main issues it faced, like the alf garnet stuff was missed. IE, that we were a bit bigoted in those days...still had the empire attitude etc.
I prefer clever comedy as a rule, like yes minister, blackadder etc as opposed to the slapstick style although saying that, laurel and hardy still crack me up after how many years? Lol
As this is a subjectivist forum, it's worth remembering that humour is about as subjective as you can get. Some 'old stuff' I still find amusing, along with new(er) shows like Black Books, Spaced, Father Ted, Mighty Boosh, Reeves and Mortimer, Peep Show, Peter Kay's Car Share. Some 'old stuff' is painfully unfunny to watch, ditto some new stuff (Mrs Brown's Boys, Citizen Khan).
But, ultimately, you either find something amusing, or you don't. There's no right or wrong.
As this is a subjectivist forum, it's worth remembering that humour is about as subjective as you can get. Some 'old stuff' I still find amusing, along with new(er) shows like Black Books, Spaced, Father Ted, Mighty Boosh, Reeves and Mortimer, Peep Show, Peter Kay's Car Share. Some 'old stuff' is painfully unfunny to watch, ditto some new stuff (Mrs Brown's Boys, Citizen Khan).
But, ultimately, you either find something amusing, or you don't. There's no right or wrong.
Just adding to your list with some more that came out of the top of my head when I saw the first post - there's been loads of sit-com type comedy on TV currently and very recently:
The In Betweeners, Not Going Out, Miranda, Friday Night Dinner, The IT Crowd, Murder in Successville, This Country, Psycho Bitches, The Thick of it, , W1A, Hold the Sunset, Mum, Raised by Wolves, Derry Girls ... and many many more.
We could add to that the plethora of comedy panel shows (QI, Mock the Week, 8 out of 10 Cats, etc...) and the many broadcasts of standup comedy shows on offer.
To say that comedy on TV is dead is simply not true - not by a long chalk.
Man! It Ain't Half Hot Mum, Dads army is just so hard to watch now.
Have you never experienced Stewart Lee? IMHO He's taken comedy to a different level.
Watched Stewart Lee's 2 hour show the other night - painfully hilarious ... I was in stitches half the time
Pure comedy genius
A bit of that and the you can't say that brigade didn't help. Standards are so low now
Did you ever watch 'The Inbetweeners' ?
I think that proved that 'you can say that now' - most of it was outrageous ... AND HILARIOUS !!
Did you ever watch 'The Inbetweeners' ?
I think that proved that 'you can say that now' - most of it was outrageous ... AND HILARIOUS !!
thought it was purile tbh, but thats not to say it is or was. aint half hot mum has been banned by bbc since 1984, all because a white man donned a blackened face. Thats the problem with the ban it brigade, there is no good reason for anyone to be offended. it was a child of its time, just as the flashman books (well the attitudes in them from perspective of the time they were set) are slagged off by same folk.
Haselsh1
31-07-2018, 10:48
Maybe "Bend me over backwards on the Hostess trolley" is as good as we're ever going to get...?
;)
WESTLOWER
31-07-2018, 10:53
Watched Stewart Lee's 2 hour show the other night - painfully hilarious ... I was in stitches half the time
Pure comedy genius
Watched it last night, what he does is an Art form. He makes you work with him.
And yes, painfully hilarious, is a great description...
and had me thinking about it this morning, so it stays with you.
Clever, funny and intelligent.
.... aint half hot mum has been banned by bbc since 1984, .
Nope - still available as a BBC DVD box set on Amazon (2010 edition)
Amazon (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Aint-Half-Hot-Mum-Collection/dp/B003ZUXZAY?SubscriptionId=AKIAIMGPK72YLC3NKSZQ&tag=britclascome-21&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B003ZUXZAY)
Not really 'complete' as some episodes were lost or wiped after broadcast (unfortunately the fate of a lot of TV material at that time and since)
Nope - still available as a BBC DVD box set on Amazon (2010 edition)
Amazon (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Aint-Half-Hot-Mum-Collection/dp/B003ZUXZAY?SubscriptionId=AKIAIMGPK72YLC3NKSZQ&tag=britclascome-21&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B003ZUXZAY)
Not really 'complete' as some episodes were lost or wiped after broadcast (unfortunately the fate of a lot of TV material at that time and since)
i meant for broadcast on bbc... yup i have the boxset. never been watched as i bought it for wife at xmas and alas she died next day. not watched it but kept it.
Really sorry to hear that Grant :(
thanks. was distressing but over worst of it. not something i'd wish on anyone tho.
ianlenco
31-07-2018, 13:11
Someone mentioned Derry Girls - very funny and This Country isn't too bad either. Having said that, in my dotage I find I like much gentler stuff like Mortimer and Whitehouse go Fishing and even better, The Detectorists - pure gold. It's like when you were kids, the sun always shone and you could go off all day and have adventures but when you got home and Mum asked what had you been up to, the answer was "nothing".
aint half hot mum has been banned by bbc since 1984, all because a white man donned a blackened face. Thats the problem with the ban it brigade, there is no good reason for anyone to be offended.
Oh FFS, I didn't know that!:doh:
That sort of nannying, nonsensical BULLSHITE level of political correctness should be outlawed, as it simply panders to the moaning minnies in this world who would take offence at their own shadow. I'd love to drag whoever was responsible for that decision aside and slap some fucking sense into them!!:punch:
Marco.
Firebottle
31-07-2018, 13:16
+ bloody 1
(see the non PC way I put that)
Oh FFS, I didn't know that!:doh:
That sort of nannying, nonsensical BULLSHITE level of political correctness should be outlawed, as it simply panders to the moaning minnies in this world who would take offence at their own shadow. I'd love to drag whoever was responsible for that decision aside and slap some fucking sense into them!!:punch:
Marco.
mmn. people obviously dont think a guy going on a killing spree in a film is as bad as that ;) as the bbc airs things like that...plus lots of stuff that offends me, like eastenders....but i ban it on a personal level
hifi_dave
31-07-2018, 13:47
Oh FFS, I didn't know that!:doh:
That sort of nannying, nonsensical BULLSHITE level of political correctness should be outlawed, as it simply panders to the moaning minnies in this world who would take offence at their own shadow. I'd love to drag whoever was responsible for that decision aside and slap some fucking sense into them!!:punch:
Marco.
Why don't you just tell us what you think ? Is that you holding back ?:exactly:
And of course all the stories of the alleged 'ban' are based on no more than a rumour circulated by the Daily Express and Daily Mail back in 2012 - despite the BBC making a box set available on DVD back in 2010 and later as a download from the BBC Store.
True, it hasn't been repeated on the Beeb's terrestrial TV ... but so have a vast swathe of comedy series that haven't stood the test of time - big deal.
Bad enough that we have to waste bandwidth with endless regurgitations of Dad's Army, Fools and Horses and Open All Hours (and it's godawful remake )
And of course all the stories of the alleged 'ban' are based on no more than a rumour circulated by the Daily Express and Daily Mail back in 2012 - despite the BBC making a box set available on DVD back in 2010 and later as a download from the BBC Store.
True, it hasn't been repeated on the Beeb's terrestrial TV ... but so have a vast swathe of comedy series that haven't stood the test of time - big deal.
Bad enough that we have to waste bandwidth with endless regurgitations of Dad's Army, Fools and Horses and Open All Hours (and it's godawful remake )
I missed It Ain't Half Hot Mum first time around (no TV), but I do remember the shite record that emerged from it, and if that's anything to go by, I wasn't missing much. It's funny how people can get their kecks in a twist over a non-existent ban on a programme from, what, 40 years ago? Dad's Army I liked, Fools and Horses mostly passed me by, and I've never seen a single episode of the original Open All Hours. Ten minutes of one episode was all I could stand of the re-make.
no sure why you say its a non existent ban. the writers were told so by bbc.
Pieoftheday
31-07-2018, 14:37
We used to have Steptoe & Son, It Ain't Half Hot Mum, Rising Damp, Only Fools And Horses, Dad's Army, and I'm sure there were a few others. There doesn't seem to have been anything of comparable quality for some years now.
Have we forgotten how to be funny, or perhaps it's that good writing and acting is too expensive and it's cheaper to produce crappy reality or 'talent' shows.
Count Arthur Strong and Toast of London have for me at least been fantastic, both from the last 3 /4 years
no sure why you say its a non existent ban. the writers were told so by bbc.
There is a world of difference between being told that your series will not be re-run and that a work is banned from exhibition.
The Express and Mail cited as a basis for the story that 'A TV source' told them .... probably the same 'source' as the stories about straight bananas and crash helmets for trapeze artists ....
i.e the fertile imagination of a copy writer.
bbc banned the who's my generation... Reason for banning: Possibly offensive to stutterers:doh:
Stryder5
31-07-2018, 15:44
How about radio....
Round the Horne
The Goons
Pigmy Pony
31-07-2018, 15:50
Watched Stewart Lee's 2 hour show the other night - painfully hilarious ... I was in stitches half the time
Pure comedy genius
I saw that too, don't know what I found funny about it, but I did - was in stitches for much of it. Bangin' on about Russell Howard seemingly for hours. I saw another of his shows a few years ago where he was going on about Tom O'Connor at length. I'd pay to go see him. Mrs. P couldn't see what was so funny.
'Modern' comedy shows (many mentioned are older than you might think, Young Ones must be at least 35 now) tend to be a bit 'niche', and only aired late at night, as opposed to comedies of yesteryear which occupied prime time slots and were watched by all the family. I personally enjoy a lot of more recent comedies (Ideal, Still Game, League of Gentlemen etc.) but I find myself the only one laughing at them. Maybe I need to trade in my friends for some newer, less miserable ones.
Incidentally ....
Feel free to call me a miserable old cynic, but I just realised something about the dates of the stories about the It Ain't Half Hot Mum 'ban'
The story seems to have emerged a short while after the BBC released the DVD box set and then re-emerged a few years later (also via the Express) when they made it available as a box set download ...
Now its an old marketing adage that nothing sells anything better than a bit of good old controversy ... the BBC get a boost in sales - and the writers get some Royalties to add to their pension funds.
Pure comedy - everyone's a winner :lol:
Can't stand Stewart Lee. He's nothing like as clever as he thinks he is.
It Ain Half Hot Mum is never repeated on the BBC because it is considered politically incorrect.
Dad's Army, which is from the same era, is repeated all the time.
Worst sitcom ever by a country mile was 'All About Me' with Jasper Carrot. So bad that you would watch the whole thing out of sheer morbid fascination.
jollyfix
01-08-2018, 08:00
Can't stand Stewart Lee. He's nothing like as clever as he thinks he is.
.
Yep with you on this...
WESTLOWER
01-08-2018, 08:10
Can't stand Stewart Lee. He's nothing like as clever as he thinks he is.
Yep with you on this...
errr, I think his as clever as he thinks he is!, that's probably why he constantly sells out and wins shed loads of awards.
It Ain Half Hot Mum is never repeated on the BBC because it is considered politically incorrect.
Na, It Ain Half Hot Mum is never repeated, 'cause it's fuckin' dry shite. I hope we have moved on a little since!
Not sure what I was doing in 2002 but presumably not watching tv as I have never heard of 'All About Me' - had to google it and not aware of it at all, don't recall ever seeing a clip. Maybe it was so bad my brain wiped it. Quite liked Jasper Carrot in the Detectives.
jollyfix
01-08-2018, 08:15
In other words... can't stand the guy. Seen his stuff , came across to me as someone who is full of self importance and I'm better than you attitude. .
nonuffin
01-08-2018, 08:18
Yep with you on this...
I watched about 20 minutes of him last night and I thought he was as funny as a poll tax demand.
I love the old comedies from the 70's and 80's where comedy script writing was at it's peak. Then along came that twat Ben Elton who I wouldn't entrust writing a shopping list and it has gone downhill from then.
I have a few Aint Half Hot Mum DVDs and the episodes with Michael Bates in were undoubtedly the best. I still fail to see how it ever became "politically incorrect" or offensive towards asian people as the intelligence of the Indian characters balanced out the stupidity of the british in India, in the same way that Love Thy Neighbour showed white bigotry for what it is. Whether we consciously realise it or not, both of these programmes attacked prejudice directly but in a consumer friendly package and there is nothing comparable today.
Can't stand Stewart Lee. He's nothing like as clever as he thinks he is.
How do you know?
It Ain Half Hot Mum is never repeated on the BBC because it is considered politically incorrect.
Dad's Army, which is from the same era, is repeated all the time.
'Allo 'Allo is never repeated because the Germans, who run the EU, won't allow it. Fact.
I recall Stewart Lee having a series a year or 2 back. I watched a couple but struggled to get into it. His old comedy partner Richard Herring does some good podcasts. I've only listened to the one with Brian Blessed but it is available as a video on youtube. Had me laughing out loud on the bus.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZH4cWoetw4s
walpurgis
01-08-2018, 08:24
'Allo 'Allo is never repeated because the Germans, who run the EU, won't allow it. Fact.
It's re-shown on the independant channels quite often.
It's re-shown on the independant channels quite often.
After Brexit, it will be shown on all BBC channels at once.
Can't stand Stewart Lee. He's nothing like as clever as he thinks he is.
I might not be able to stand him either, if I knew who he was;)
Looked him up, still none the wiser (as in I've never watched any of his stuff). Is he a bit of an arse, then?
Marco.
We're all a bit of an arse, in our own ways. Clearly Stewart Lee divides opinion (see views on this thread). I'm guessing that Martin's dislike may be partly due to Lee's left-ish politics. I haven't seen much of his stuff since the 'Fist of Fun' series he did with Richard Herring in the mid-90s (which was excellent).
walpurgis
01-08-2018, 08:40
I'm vaguely aware of Stuart Lee, but can't say I've watched anything he's done. I assume he's a 'comedian'? In which case I wouldn't be watching anyway. Most are dire!
Is it Stewart or Stuart?
I'll go and watch some YouTube vids of him, and give you my opinion, but if he's one of those dudes who uses politics heavily in his material, then it's almost certainly not going to be my thing.
We'll see!
Marco.
Is it Stewart or Stuart?
Stewart. (Me being thick/forgetful).
I'm vaguely aware of Stuart Lee, but can't say I've watched anything he's done. I assume he's a 'comedian'? In which case I wouldn't be watching anyway. Most are dire!
Some make me laugh, some don't. That's about the only way of judging comedic talent.
WESTLOWER
01-08-2018, 08:45
I might not be able to stand him either, if I knew who he was;)
Looked him up, still none the wiser (as in I've never watched any of his stuff). Is he a bit of an arse, then?
Marco.
Stewart Lee makes you work with him, you have to use your noodle to 'get it'. It's also pretty relevant. A bit syncopated, not linear.
Not everyone's cup of tea granted, as IMHO, the majority want to watch the likes of that total bell end, Michael McIntyre.
I reckon you'd like him Marco.
I'd rather stick burning chop sticks in my eyes than watch re-runs of, Dad's Army and It ain't half hot mum.
It's re-shown on the independant channels quite often.
bbc did a return of allo allo in 2007 although obviously didnt reprise the roles as they are mostly pensioners was more of rene writing his memoirs.
yup its on various channels and things like amazon prime/netflix etc a lot. it was a send up of programs like secret army and pow films etc... was actually quite decent at times, although some of the later stuff was bordering on criminal.
they(bbc) did think about rehashing it but it never happened
Stewart Lee makes you work with him, you have to use your noodle to 'get it'. It's also pretty relevant. A bit syncopated, not linear.
Not everyone's cup of tea granted, as IMHO, the majority want to watch the likes of that total bell end, Michael McIntyre.
I reckon you'd like him Marco.
I'd rather stick burning chop sticks in my eyes than watch re-runs of, Dad's Army and It ain't half hot mum.
Y'see, that's the weird thing about comedy. I can laugh at Stewart Lee and Michael McIntyre and Dad's Army. Obviously I'm easily amused.
I'm sure Marco will enjoy this clip of Stewart Lee talking about Scottish independence:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHA1ufmLZQY
Adam was right! I've just watched this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2h2r68EP3oE
He does get annoying in bits - a little supercilious - but overall I thought he was very funny, especially the Travelodge joke, the one about James Corden, and children say the funniest things (fairy's rain hats)!:D
Marco.
'Allo 'Allo is never repeated because the Germans, who run the EU, won't allow it. Fact.
:lol: :rfl: :lol: :rfl: :lol: :rfl:
oh and by way, the germans loved it when it was shown there;)
Indeed, the Germans I know (forming half of my wife's family) are well capable of laughing at themselves, and also the Brits!;)
Marco.
After Brexit, it will be shown on all BBC channels at once.
You've seen the briefing too, then?
Post Brexit watching these shows will be compulsory. And all applicants for residency must take a 2 hour test on the 'Carry On' films, an 80% score will be required to pass.
Male applicants will have to demonstrate that they can do a reasonable facsimile of Sid James' dirty laugh and females will have to squeak like Barbara Windsor when her bra flies off.
I like Mrs Brown. So there.
Pigmy Pony
01-08-2018, 16:35
How do you know?
'Allo 'Allo is never repeated because the Germans, who run the EU, won't allow it. Fact.
And 'Man in a Suitcase' is never repeated because someone tried to smuggle a dwarf into the country, who froze to death in the plane's hold. Fact.
Pigmy Pony
01-08-2018, 16:49
bbc did a return of allo allo in 2007 although obviously didnt reprise the roles as they are mostly pensioners was more of rene writing his memoirs.
yup its on various channels and things like amazon prime/netflix etc a lot. it was a send up of programs like secret army and pow films etc... was actually quite decent at times, although some of the later stuff was bordering on criminal.
they(bbc) did think about rehashing it but it never happened
I remember my dear mum used to love Herr Flick. Just looking at him had her in stitches. Same with Mr. Mackay in 'Porridge' She had a great laugh and anything she found funny got my vote.
Pigmy Pony
01-08-2018, 16:56
You've seen the briefing too, then?
Post Brexit watching these shows will be compulsory. And all applicants for residency must take a 2 hour test on the 'Carry On' films, an 80% score will be required to pass.
Male applicants will have to demonstrate that they can do a reasonable facsimile of Sid James' dirty laugh and females will have to squeak like Barbara Windsor when her bra flies off.
And they would have to wear a 'turban' while watching, like Hattie Jacques. What do you mean she's not wearing one? I just saw it! Oh it's gone... Oh hang on, it's back again!
I've had a sitcom script rejected by the BBC. Maybe that's part of the problem.
Two of us wrote it, hundreds of hours of work plus you had to provide summaries for 5 more episodes. We thought it was pretty good and certainly head and shoulders above 'All About Me', and that got a second series FFS.
Pigmy Pony
01-08-2018, 18:36
I've had a sitcom script rejected by the BBC. Maybe that's part of the problem.
Two of us wrote it, hundreds of hours of work plus you had to provide summaries for 5 more episodes. We thought it was pretty good and certainly head and shoulders above 'All About Me', and that got a second series FFS.
Maybe the Beeb wasn't ready for your brand of humour. maybe it's time to try them again.
I've got an idea that I'm thinking of pitching to ITV. It's a reality show where the contestants (all young men with good Christian values) are made to have sex with a prostitute. It's called "I'm celibate, get me out of her".
Very cheap to make. Do it in a pub car park.
Pigmy Pony
01-08-2018, 19:00
Not sure if you mean your sitcom. What was it about anyway? Mrs P watches a lot of telly, and if she comes across anything similar, can report back to you. A plagiarism suit might bring in a bit of money.
I like Mrs Brown. So there.
I'm not surprised. Many AoSers seem to find the idea of men dressing up as women intrinsically amusing.
spendorman
02-08-2018, 08:29
BBC Radio 4 Extra has a lot of good old comedy.
ianlenco
02-08-2018, 10:09
Agree, and new ones - repeats of Radio 4 current programmes.
Just been watching Porridge ... Still funny today surprisingly, as I doubt there is anything funny about prison.... Shows what a good script and to actors can do.
I think Ronnie Barker was an incredible actor. I always found it difficult when I saw Ronnie Barker interviewed to believe that he was Fletcher. Apparently a very shy man.
spendorman
04-08-2018, 19:34
I think Ronnie Barker was an incredible actor. I always found it difficult when I saw Ronnie Barker interviewed to believe that he was Fletcher. Apparently a very shy man.
I came across these the other day, not seen before;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lsZiRRKpvQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBRiWcqMX6M
Can't stand Stewart Lee. He's nothing like as clever as he thinks he is.
Who is Stewart Lee. Have to confess I don't watch TV comedy - I much prefer radio comedy.
He was on the radio years ago. You're not missing anything so don't worry.
https://youtu.be/4n-UGQcG3Jw
Sent from my D5803 using Tapatalk
Lawrence001
06-08-2018, 20:25
You've seen the briefing too, then?
Post Brexit watching these shows will be compulsory. And all applicants for residency must take a 2 hour test on the 'Carry On' films, an 80% score will be required to pass.
Male applicants will have to demonstrate that they can do a reasonable facsimile of Sid James' dirty laugh and females will have to squeak like Barbara Windsor when her bra flies off.I would genuinely vote for a party that had such a policy in its manifesto.
I suspect dividing lines in comedy are broadly the same as those that came out in the Brexit thread. I think another poll/ban may be round the corner :)
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Pigmy Pony
07-08-2018, 06:37
Not really. On one side are the people who like Stewart Lee and on the other we have Macca. :D If that doesn't bring out the Stewart Lee haters I don't know what will.
Comedy is like most other things in life: not worth getting your knickers in a twist over.
Comedy is like food . Not all of it appeals to everyone !!
I am guilty of not reading all the thread (as I have to make my own mind up before its made up for me :lol:) but I do think comedy has 2 sides to it
The hear it first and laugh yourself silly , or not and the sort that matures with age .
Thats me anyway , Dads Army and Porridge , as a teenager I was a bit wary of it and didnt find it that funny , but now I am an old fart , its like fine wine !!
I love a lot of League of Gentlemen ,as I did with Monty Python ,although bits of it ,I dont get or like .
Its a strange indidvidual thing . (I think):)
Minstrel SE
07-08-2018, 08:41
Yes Stewart Lee takes it to another level but I dont want to sound like a comedy snob. Gerorge Carlin was a genius in my eyes as was Bill Hicks.
I do think there is higher level that only the best can get to. Monty Python and The league Of gentlemen got there as did Brass Eye.
If you like it low brow there is always the carry on films and Mrs Browns Boys :D Lets be controversial here in that I feel the best comedy takes the sharpest of wits and intelligence. Are there dividing lines in comedy or is anything that makes people laugh just a good thing?
Yes Stewart Lee takes it to another level but I dont want to sound like a comedy snob. Gerorge Carlin was a genius in my eyes as was Bill Hicks.
I do think there is higher level that only the best can get to. Monty Python and The league Of gentlemen got there as did Brass Eye.
If you like it low brow there is always the carry on films and Mrs Browns Boys :D Lets be controversial here in that I feel the best comedy takes the sharpest of wits and intelligence. Are there dividing lines in comedy or is anything that makes people laugh just a good thing?
I think so Martin. Laughter is the best medicine !!
Not British Comedy but Porky's always makes me laugh so much !! I suppose laughing at close to the edge things is also what some do ,or dont , depends on your company too !!:eyebrows:
For me, comedy generally has to be zany and 'alternative' (a little 'out there') before I'll find it funny. Dad's Army, It Ain't Half Hot Mum, and mainstream stuff like that has never done it for me, plus for my tastes, the humour is rather too 'English'.
The only mainstream British comedies/sitcoms I've enjoyed, which I can remember are, in no particular order:
1) Only Fools and Horses, which in particular I thought was pure genius.
2) Rising Damp
3) Fawlty Towers
4) The Young Ones/Bottom
5) Blackadder (to a degree, but at times it can also be a bit too predictable, and overtly 'English')
6) Father Ted
7) The original series of Red Dwarf
8) The Office
9) Porridge
10) Little Britain.
Some of the other nonsense, associated with 'British Comedy', for me, is mind-numbingly inane and instantly forgettable.
Marco.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9PNoYSKx0A :D
Good one!:D
But all that smoking....URGH!! :spew::spew:
Marco.
For me, comedy generally has to be zany and 'alternative' (a little 'out there') before I'll find it funny. Dad's Army, It Ain't Half Hot Mum, and mainstream stuff like that has never done it for me, plus for my tastes, the humour is rather too 'English'.
The only mainstream British comedies/sitcoms I've enjoyed, which I can remember are, in no particular order:
1) Only Fools and Horses, which in particular I thought was pure genius.
2) Rising Damp
3) Fawlty Towers
4) The Young Ones/Bottom
5) Blackadder (to a degree, but at times it can also be a bit too predictable, and overtly 'English')
6) Father Ted
7) The original series of Red Dwarf
8) The Office
9) Porridge
10) Little Britain.
Some of the other nonsense, associated with 'British Comedy', for me, is mind-numbingly inane and instantly forgettable.
Marco.
you missed out still game etc;)
Lol - wanted to keep it English, which I feel is more relevant to the discussion. I could reel off a whole load of Scottish comedies I love, far more than most of what I listed, but I suspect not many here would've heard of them!
This is among my favourites:
https://youtu.be/VXhC0bC8e84
:D:eyebrows:
Marco.
or this one...lol
https://youtu.be/udWx9jKVcj8
Hahaha - 'cream one off' for me, son!:D
Oh, and not forgetting this lovely chap:
https://youtu.be/eJgWdhlm768
Marco.
I've known guys like that in real life!
Oh, and not forgetting this unforgettable classic.....
https://youtu.be/sAz_UvnUeuU
Marco.
Pigmy Pony
07-08-2018, 17:01
Marco, if you get a bored half hour or so, check out 'Contraband', a stand-up show by Aussie comedian Jim Jefferies. He's a bit of a miserable git at times and frequently quite angry, but if you like comedy that's 'close to the edge', his material gets closer than most. Even people who claim not to be easily offended will be sorely tested at times.
Easily found on You Tube. If you get sick of it before the end, just try to find the bit about his mental brother. Priceless!
Noted and found! I'll check it out later:)
Marco.
bigman is nuts
Love the Big Man. Could watch him all day.
Interesting... I didn't think it'd be your thing. You should watch some of the mad Scottish comedies then, such as Still Game and Only an Excuse, shown on BBC1 Scotland, on New Year's Eve. You'll get them on your Virgin V6 box. Similar type of humour:)
Marco.
Interesting... I didn't think it'd be your thing. You should watch some of the mad Scottish comedies then, such as Still Game and Only an Excuse, shown on BBC1 Scotland, on New Year's Eve. You'll get them on your Virgin V6 box. Similar type of humour:)
Marco.
You posted it up years ago now. 'Chewin The Fat' - watched them all on You-Tube, don't know if they are still there. It takes me a minute to get my ear in with the accent but after that I'm fine. Some of the slang is a bit harder to understand. I'm guessing that is why they don't show them in England.
Pigmy Pony
07-08-2018, 18:24
Yeah, I've never seen Chewin the Fat on English telly, and I'm only aware of it because of visits to friends for Hogmanay. Seemed everyone had it on New Year's Eve.
Yeah, I've never seen Chewin the Fat on English telly, and I'm only aware of it because of visits to friends for Hogmanay. Seemed everyone had it on New Year's Eve.
As opposed to having it off. Back when I were a lad it was Andy Stewart and the White Heather Club, with my father singing along to 'A Scottish Soldier'. Not a dry seat in the house.
Pigmy Pony
08-08-2018, 17:36
As opposed to having it off. Back when I were a lad it was Andy Stewart and the White Heather Club, with my father singing along to 'A Scottish Soldier'. Not a dry seat in the house.
Oh yeah, there was none of that. Brewer's droop was rife.
Rab C. Nesbitt - absolutely hilarious, and I couldn't even decipher half of it!
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