Off Topic Favourite comedians.

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Joan Rivers is worth a mention as there doesn't seem to be many women in our suggestions and Rita Rudner had a brief spell on British TV.
 
A comedian needs a theme, some roadplan to pull their take on life, others and themselves, into an act; let's remember that is what it is. Some look at themselves in a cocky way, others are self-deprecating.
I have difficulty following your logic about Flanagan: when Dave Allen became famous was it a mistake to continue being an Irish religion basher; should Billy Connelly stop being the astute Scot?

It's comedy, not satire, even though that can be as up-you-arse as it comes in this modern connected world.

I agree with your first point about needing a theme, I suppose my issue is that their 'theme' is lazy, predictable and unoriginal, its been done to death and done a lot better before. There's nothing new or original about being a minority comedian, it doesn't push boundaries anymore, they need to find a way of being funny without relying on that for cheap laughs. Although I suspect they are encouraged by the BBC to an extent to push a minority positive agenda.

With regards to Flanagan, his act is based on being working class and he connected with audiences through that, now he's a millionaire making up stories about being working class it doesn't work. The others you've mentioned are completely different their religious views or nationality do not become irrelevant with success or wealth, they are independent of that.
 
Good call; I think The Royle Family was the most beautifully observed comedy sit-com ever produced - others may not agree but, it's certainly a fitting epitaph to a brilliant comedy writer.

Royle Family almost scares me with how close to the truth it is, particularly in my life around family.



On that point, Spaced is scarily close to my life away from family/at university. Mainly because, like Simon Pegg's character, I'm a twentysomething nerd and loser.
 
Current Comedians

Kevin Bridges
Gary Delaney
Mickey Flanagan

Old Skool

Les Dawson
Tommy Cooper
Mick Miller