30 Days of Comedy: Index of Entries

This challenge was fun as well as funny.  It was nice to start the year on a positive note.  Below you'll find a link to each of the 30 entries in this challenge.  I hope you enjoyed them as much as I did.

American Dad :: Roger
MAD tv :: A Christina Parody
Genius :: Conveyor Duvet
Michael McIntyre :: Gym Changing Rooms
Lee Evans :: Parcel Force
Rhod Gilbert :: Luggage
Bill Bailey :: Apocolytic Rave
Graham Norton :: Russell Brand's Raunchy Phone Call
Peter Kay :: Britain's Got The Pop Factor. . .
Jeff Dunham :: Achmed the Dead Terrorist
Catherine Tate :: Lauren Cooper
Bromwell High
One Foot In The Grave
Only Fools and Horses
Absolutely Fabulous
The Brittas Empire
Red Dwarf
BBC Mongrels
Lily Savage :: Air Travel
Mrs Brown's Boys
Rowan Atkinson :: Welcome to Hell
Jonathan Ross and the Bollywood Burner
Brian Blessed :: Have I Got News For You
Father Ted
Dawn French :: Vicar Of Dibley
Miranda Hart :: Miranda
Dave Gorman's Googlewhack Adventure
Wanda Sykes :: Waxed
Eddie Izzard :: Learning French
Phill Jupitus :: Spiders

American Dad :: Roger

The second entry of American origin and the last overall of our 30 days of funny challenge this video is a compilation of Roger the Alien's best bits from American Dad.  I love Roger his humour is brilliant and crass.  Of MacFarlane's creations American Dad is perhaps my favourite.  I was reluctant at first favouring Family Guy more but as the series has progressed and the characters grew American Dad has been my favourite and Roger without a doubt is my favourite character.

Stan is perhaps my least favourite, if I had to pick one specific aspect of his personality that drives me nuts it would be the fact that he doesn't listen.  No-one's opinion matters but his own, that drives me mad but at the same time it is one of the defining features of his character and if it was to ever change the show would be doomed.  We all have shows where we want to shout at the characters "you idiot!" or characters we would want to punch.  Scary Movies are best when there's a character that does things the audience can't help but think "no! don't go in there!" etc, that emotion even if it is negative, is an emotional connection to the characters and draws the viewer in.

MAD tv :: A Christina Parody

This is perhaps the first entry that isn't British but American in origin.  MAD tv is one of the funniest things to come out of American comedy in my opinion.  There are quite a few sketches I have found hilarious but my favourites of all are the Parodies.  This particular Parody along with A Shakira Parody are my two favourites.  I chose this one over Shakira because it takes the piss out of Christina Aguilera and he flipping between slut and angel personalities to sell records.

I remember after her most recent Angel stint came to an end posting on facebook I wrote "I see Christina Aguilera is a slut again" to which most people simply replied "yea" - her attempt to use sex to sell her "music" is incredibly transparent and the real video for this song in particular is quite the example of hypocrisy and exploitation.

Genius :: Conveyor Duvet

This next video in my 30 days of Funny challenge features Johnny Vegas, one of the crudest but funniest men in comedy.  We return once again to the comedian Dave Gorman this time to a TV show he presented called Genius.  On Genius members of the public would come on the show and pitch their idea to Dave and one of his guests.  Between them they would decide if the idea pitched was Genius or not, i.e. if it was a hit or if it was shit.

In this particular clip Johnny Vegas is the guest for the show and a 'contestant' has pitched the idea of a conveyor duvet.  So many aspects of this video had me in stitches the first time I watched it and I still can't watch it without at least a little chuckle never mind fits of laughter.

Michael McIntyre :: Gym Changing Rooms

It seems in the past year or two everyone has fallen in love with Michael McIntyre.  I don't know how big he is outside the UK but here in the UK everyone knows who he is; he has had countless comedy runs on Live at the Apollo and even titled the Michael McIntyre's Comedy Road-show [mentioned in another post].

This clip is taken from his Hello Wembley gig, which sold out the Wembley Arena [capacity 12,500].  He sold out over 100 dates in a UK wide tour, and he has released several DVDs.  I have seen this particular show and the entire thing is hilarious.

Lee Evans :: Parcel Force

 

Talk about excitable comedians, this one is positively hyperactive constantly.  He just lets go and doesn't stop, I often wonder how he makes it through an entire show without collapsing.  Lee Evans is one of those people that can mix physical humour and monologue and create scenes of humour that suck the audience in, he depicts stories which you can almost see as he describes it - probably because he focuses on comedy everyone can relate to.

If you follow my blog for any amount of time you probably know how much I hate delivery services.  Oh the rants I could make about them - I shall bite my tongue for now.  Lee's take on Parcel Force - one of the biggest delivery companies in the UK - is right on the money, right down to the T.

Rhod Gilbert :: Luggage

This next comedian is called Rhod Gilbert.  This clip is from Michael McIntyre's Comedy Road-show, which I believe was the place I first discovered Rhod Gilbert.  This comedian is incredibly excitable and seems to be forever in a state of jovial ecstasy.  He's one of the few comedians I reckon would still be funny in their every day lives as well as on the stage.

Some people are funny by nature, others are funny on cue but have to be prompted - Jimmy Carr for example, I do not believe Jimmy Carr would be a particularly funny person in real life, his style of comedy is distinctly stage-performance and I would reckon he would be quite dry and unassuming.

Bill Bailey :: Apocolytic Rave

Bill Bailey is one of my favourite comedians, his style often centres around Music and this particular clip is taken from a show that heavily centred around Music.  I chose this clip in particular because in it he mentions the various News Themes from around the world and their differences.  The one thing he points out most is the American tendency to use soap-opera type music.

[This video only contains the audio of this skit as all videos of the original have been removed]

In the UK however News channels go a different way, most use Orchestral sounds but in the late 90s the BBC commissioned David Lowe to compose their new News Themes, in doing so he incorporated elements of Dance, Trance and Electronic music and created what many, Bill Bailey and myself included, would regard as one of the best Television Compositions around.

If you watch it and think "it can't really sound like that?" then in the interest of satisfying your curiosity and in an homage to David Lowe, it is provided here.  If you are interested in David Lowe or his work you can find out more at his website: http://www.davidlowe.co.uk/

Graham Norton :: Russell Brand's Raunchy Phone Call

Graham Norton is one of my favourite TV personalities.  He has been in a few Movies and a few TV Shows too [in Father Ted as Fr Noel Furlong] but he is perhaps best known for his chat shows, some on Channel 4 and some on BBC over the years.  The thing I love most about Graham Norton is that he has a way of bringing humour out in people.  There have been a few times I have seen the line up of guests for the Graham Norton show and thought "oh no that will be a cringe fest" and been reluctant to watch yet when I do it always surprises me when people you would never expect to be funny just exude hilarity in his presence.

I don't think any guest on his show would dare dry up and not speak much for he wouldn't be long in letting them and the viewer know "God this is the worst guest I have ever had" - he has never said that but even now I can quite clearly imagine him saying it.  One of the long running gags on the show is his love of prank calling, that has lead to some nuggets of Gold such as calling Vagina in Russia with Joan Rivers or Fucking in Germany with Roseanne

Happy Chinese New year!

Happy New Year everyone!  Welcome to the Year of The Dragon.  Year of prosperity, wealth, fortune and loyalty!  May all of your endeavours this year be fruitful and may luck be on your side!

I was born in a Year of The Dragon, I am a Dragon baby.  Born under an Earth Dragon.  This year 2012 is the year of the Water Dragon a symbol of power and of unstoppable force.

Peter Kay :: Britain's Got The Pop Factor. . .

"Britain's Got The Pop Factor and Possibly A New Celebrity Jesus Christ Soapstar Superstar Strictly On Ice" to give it its full title was the brainchild of the brilliant comedian that is Peter Kay.  It was created at a time when British TV was entrenched in Reality TV Shows "Talent" shows and endless productions from Simon Cowell.  The show took the piss out of as many reality shows as it could.  The entire thing from start to finish is scripted and none of it is real.  Nevertheless the show picked an act from the auditionees, her name was Geraldine McQueen [played by Peter Kay] and she was the typical contestant with a 'sad sob story' background.

The show charted her fame, her struggle, her family issues etc and even orchestrated a tabloid scandal where it was revealed in Geraldine's past she was born as Gerald and had transitioned.  The clip above is from the results show of the final.  One thing you may ask yourself as you watch the series is that although you are well aware that the entire thing is scripted at times the similarities with the real shows are uncanny and you do have to question how much of the real shows truly are sincere.

Jeff Dunham :: Achmed the Dead Terrorist

Here we have yet another example of my love of puppetry!  Ventriloquism is one of my favourite forms of comedy I am always in awe of people who can perform in this manner and perform well.  When I was younger there was one particular puppet, I can't recall its name or the comedian but the puppet used scare me but in a fun way :)

This particular video I came across a few years ago and loved and it's been in my favourites on Youtube for some time I thought I would share for anyone who hasn't seen it.

Catherine Tate :: Lauren Cooper

"Am I bovered?" is the catchphrase of the infamous character of Lauren Cooper portrayed by Catherine Tate a fine comedian and damned good actress, her portrayal of Donna Noble in Doctor Who at times brought tears to my eyes.

Of all the characters Catherine portrayed in her sketch show, "What a fucking liberty" Nan, "I don't kiss and tell, I shag and shout!" Bernie the Nurse, and "Am I bovered" Lauren Cooper are my favourites.  This particular video was a scene performed co-staring David Tennant for comic relief, I believe filmed after Catherine's Role as the Doctor's Companion alongside David as the Doctor in Doctor Who.

The second greatest Lauren Cooper moment was the brilliant French class sketch, but I have chosen to opt for the Doctor out of my affinity for the show.

Bromwell High

This show only ran for one series and was aired on Channel 4.  Bromwell High is a cartoon series but like most cartoons that I watch it's not aimed at kids it's aimed at the older generation, Bromwell High I believe was yet another post-watershed show.  Set in a school this show portrays both the student and the teacher's views of life in the school.  Although completely satirical and not meant to be taken literally the staff room scenes and the general attitude of the teachers I have to admit has often made me think "I bet it's really like that".  One particular favourite is the hypocritical Religion Teacher, oh and mustn't forget the two teachers that try to out-whore each other!

One Foot In The Grave

I rather hope by now that you aren't growing tired of sitcoms.  I mentioned a top 100 list of Britain's best sitcoms in a previous post and it is no surprise when you consider that list of 100 and the fact that other sitcoms did not make it onto the list, that we love sitcoms.  However many of our shows never leave our land, a fair few have been exported but the majority have not. 

'One Foot In The Grave' is a prime example of dry British humour, Victor Meldrew being the epitome of grumpy old men everywhere and his attitude to life is so wry one can't help but laugh at it.  This show is perhaps the first sitcom I ever watched that had a main character with a catchphrase of sorts the "I don't believe it" line oft spouted from Mr Meldrew - something which would later go on to be referenced throughout various shows even in Father Ted when Richard Wilson who played Victor Meldrew made a cameo appearance.

Only Fools and Horses

Only Fools and Horses is regarded as Britain's Best Sitcom and has been paid homage a thousand times over in all manner of media.  Voted number 1 by the people this show is loved and adored by many and I am one of the masses in this respect.  David Jason's portrayal as Derek Trotter known as 'Del boy' is a wheeler and dealer, almost eternally poor he is forever chasing that get rich quick dream.  A market trader Del is constantly dreaming up schemes which his brother Rodney inevitably bears the brunt. 

This show has brought iconic moments to British Comedy but many of which have been played out and referenced so many times and in my opinion form the standard "go to" scenes for the show, for those who have seen the show, the scenes I would refer to would be, 'the chandelier', 'the wine bar drop', 'the auction faint', 'Batman and Robin' and of course the iconic 3-wheeled Van emblazoned with the 'Trotters Independent Traders' insignia.

I have attached a scene from one episode that depicts two of my favourite characters and their long running relationship, Rodney and Trigger.  Trigger is a rather idiotic character at times, but one of the long running gags is that he can't remember Rodney's name and calls him Dave instead - a nickname which I then earned in school in response, coined by a friend who at first did it only to wind me up but it did stick, everyone called me Dave to the point where I actually responded to the name if it was used thinking someone meant me.

Absolutely Fabulous

I mentioned in a previous post that the BBC has a penchant at present for reviving old shows and in that vein I could not let this challenge pass by without mentioning this show; a show which I absolutely adored and a show which has recently been semi-revived with 3 specials - 2 of which have been aired the remaining episode to be aired at the time of the Olympics owing to its theme.

This show was written by Jennifer Saunders part of one of my favourite comedy duos of all time, French and Saunders.  The amazing Joanna Lumley stars alongside Jennifer in the show as the two main characters Patsy and Eddie respectively.  There are moments of pure comedy gold in this show and there are emotional moments as well.  The show takes a light hearted approach to most things in life but at the same time does not lack a story arc or character development.  The original series run will always be my favourite but I would be ecstatic if they were to create more.

This show cannot age for one reason alone, the main character of Edwina [Eddie] Monsoon is a PR woman in constant denial about her age and her weight among other things.  In the same vein as Doctor Who where age is irrelevant Absolutely Fabulous has managed to craft for itself a place in comedy where any future attempt at keeping the show relevant and modern would only further accentuate Eddie's denial of her age and her constant striving to stay "young hip cool and modern".

The Brittas Empire

Gordon Brittas for lack of a better description, if one even exists, would be best described as an egotistical, self righteous, all encompassing, power thirsty, clueless man.  The last aspect is where the humour in this show comes from.  Don't get me wrong Mr Brittas has some moments of sheer brilliance and perfect genius but for the most part he could do with paying attention a bit more.  He is the manager of a leisure centre, the title of the show being a reference to the British Empire and a play on words in that Mr Brittas very much views his leisure centre as his Empire.

The show ran for 7 series and like many of the comedy posts I have made this month there are few clips on Youtube to be found, all I could find was this video of out-takes and a few others that were not as funny and not really an adequate representation of the show.  So I provide this video here in the hope that you will seek out the Brittas Empire in your own way.  All I can say if you are interested in the show is that DVD box sets etc are no longer produced so if you want to find this show you will need to look online for it.

Red Dwarf

 

It's hard to explain exactly what Red Dwarf is, it could be called Sci-fi but then again it's not exactly typical Sci-fi, most of the story-lines and the technology featured makes no attempt to make any coherent logical sense.  The show could be called a comedy or sketch show perhaps or maybe it would be more fitting to consider it a sitcom, set in space.

The show is on the whole quite low-cost in terms of the production, but that was part of the charm of the show, you weren't really watching it for realism or special effects.  My favourite character was Kryton, an android who himself wasn't overly sophisticated in terms of his look and appearance, there was something appealing as a child to think that you could buy a costume of a character and portray them as close to their screen version as possible.

I am not usually a fan of top 10 videos but this one is included as it spans the array of humour the show presents, I wouldn't necessarily agree with the order of the clips in a countdown of my own but its worth a watch.  This show has a rather loyal cult following, one that has been an influence in the decision to revive the show.  I don't have specifics on the new series revival all I have heard is that it has been / is being filmed - that and the BBC seems to be exhibiting a particular penchant for reviving and recreating old series.

BBC Mongrels

Mongrels is an adult orientated puppet show on BBC Three.  When I first caught the first series I immediately fell in love with it.  I love puppetry and animatronics.  Some of my favourite TV shows as a kid involved puppets such as the Muppet Show, Sooty or Bosco.  This particular series however is not aimed at kids at all, it airs post-watershed and often contains jokes that younger viewers would not understand or for whom they would not be suitable.

One of the recurring aspects of the show however is the occasional song, there are many throughout the series but perhaps my favourite was this, "Everybody loves a lesbian".  Although the song itself probably isn't that funny the show is, but most of what happens follows a story arc and without posting a full episode it would be hard to find a single clip to highlight.

Update: As of Jan 18th 2012, BBC have announced the show will not be returning for a third series.  Sadly we say goodbye to Mongrels.

Lily Savage :: Air Travel

I must warn that Lily is quite vulgar but in the tradition of Drag Comedy there is an art to vulgarity and crude humour.  Ironic when you think about it that the dress up and the masquerading is all for show and false image yet most of the comedy and humour is the juxtaposed expression of things as they are with no attempt whatsoever at political correctness.  Word of warning never spurn a drag queen or it will be a miracle if you walk away in one piece.

Lily Savage, a.k.a. Paul O'Grady, is one of my favourite comedians, he had a talk show on Channel 4 for a while as himself not in character, yet he did nothing to hold back on his humour, save for the attempt at using language suitable for the scheduled broadcast period.

Mrs Brown's Boys

I mentioned before in a post about Miranda that one of the things I loved was that the 4th wall was often broken.  Here is another sitcom of sorts that is played out, this time in front of a live studio audience.  The title character is Mrs Brown, a typical no-nonsense uncensored Irish woman, played by Brendan O'Carroll.  Not only does Mrs Brown often talk to the audience and also the viewer but the show is recorded as is - that is to say the mistakes stay in.  I haven't yet made a post that has more than one video but for the point of illustration I would also include the following - this is not an out-take, yes it is a mistake but as I said mistakes are left in and the show continues.

I love this show, it is hilarious.  If you happen to be in the UK, [sorry international readers] and if you missed the Christmas Special it is available on iPlayer until the 11th of February here, there is also a new series running on BBC One on Monday Nights at 9.30 pm, the most recent episode also available on iPlayer here

Rowan Atkinson :: Welcome to Hell

Rowan Atkinson is probably best known for his roles in both the Television series Blackadder and his role as Mr Bean.  This particular sketch is from Rowan Atkinson Live which you can watch on youtube here.  I rather like Rowan for his stand-up humour and his demure slapstick capery.  He has an innate ability to turn the subtlest of motions and gestures into comedic gesticulations of whimsical fancy, dare even I say that there is a refined sense of campness about him.

Jonathan Ross and the Bollywood Burner

The only requirement of this challenge was that each day I would post something I found funny and this video I find hilarious. Jonathan Ross, a chat show host and Radio DJ here in the UK attempts to eat a Bollywood Burner, a curry that at the time claimed to be the hottest curry.  The video is priceless, Jonathan Ross's initial reaction when the taste first hits is pure gold, that "...Fwack!" moment, there are no words to describe.

Steve Carell at the end trying the tiniest amount ever is funny too, although not as comedic, still priceless.

Brian Blessed :: Have I Got News For You

Have I Got News For You is a satirical panel show here in the UK that takes the events of the week and makes merriment and mirth from them.  The show is presented by a guest host which changes each week.  There are two regular panellists that form the team captains, the current being Ian Hislop and Paul Merton.  The show has been running for over 20 years and has ran 42 series to date.

The show has poked fun at almost every aspect of British Politics and Culture as well as provoking controversy by often pushing the bounds of legality, the most famous of which is perhaps the shows flaunting disregard for several idiotic super-injunctions that were imposed by several Celebrities.

This particular episode was brought to light recently for me and has been the source of much amusement, the video does not contain the whole episode but the highlights and out-takes.  Nevertheless well worth the watch and Brian Blessed is hilarious - although he is best known for his Panto roles.  For those dear international readers who don't know, a Panto is a Pantomime which is a form of Theatrical performance, however the characters on stage engage with the audience, not in a stand-up sort of way but rather in the form of incorporating the audience into the story-lines.

Father Ted

I am sure by now you are perhaps noticing a recurring theme, the sitcom.  It is true to say that we here in the UK have a long drawn out love affair with sitcoms, the name meaning 'situational comedy' for those that were interested.  There are many I love and they will be shared here.  This particular show is one of my fond favourites.  Unlike the others I have mentioned this far I haven't chosen to single out any particular actor as I would hold them all in equal merit, they each have moments of pure gold.

The amazing Mrs Doyle is perhaps my favourite character as she is a typical Irish Maternal Grandmother like figure here defining feature of her personality would probably be her love of Tea.  "Will ya have a cup of Tea?" being almost akin to a catchphrase, the answer to which is ALWAYS yes, woe-betide anyone that tries to say no for she will wear you down in retort "ach ya will", "just a little one", "ah go on", "ya will ya will ya will".

I would have loved for more shows to have been made but tragically the actor who played the title character, Dermot Morgan, passed away after a heart attack only 24 hours after filming of the third series had been completed.  The final episode of the series was closed with a fitting tribute not only to Morgan but to the show as a whole.  Although I would have loved more episodes of the series, no actor could ever replace Morgan and I believe the series should rest with him.

Dawn French :: Vicar Of Dibley

Dawn French is perhaps best known as one half of the comedy double act French and Saunders.  While Jennifer Saunders went on to work on Absolutely Fabulous which will feature later, Dawn French went on to become the title character in the sitcom the Vicar of Dibley, in which she plays Geraldine Granger, Vicar of the small village of Dibley.  Surprisingly a lot goes on in this little village and Geraldine herself even gets herself into all sorts of bother.  The fondest memories of the show I have are those of the ending Jokes, at the end of each episode there would be a clip of Geraldine sitting with Alice, whom for those of you who have never seen the show, to say she is not very bright would perhaps be the biggest understatement of the century.  Nevertheless each episode closed with one of these jokes which dear Alice would never get.

I have fond memories of this show from when I was growing up and of Dawn French in general.  I regard her and Jennifer Saunders as two of my all time favourite comedians.

Miranda Hart :: Miranda

This video is a collection of clips from the BBC Sitcom 'Miranda' which follows the title character's life.  She has a will they or won't they love interest, an insufferable Mother, posh friends with 'posh names' like Clemency Twistertonought while also running a joke shop which she loves.  The title character is played by Miranda Hart, a comedian who among other things has appeared on TV Shows, Game Shows and even her own Radio show 'Miranda Hart's Joke Shop' from which the TV series was later adapted.

The series is semi-autobiographical, having admitted that many of the aspects of the show involve situations she has indeed been in and many of the characters lifted straight out of her own life.  The thing I love most about this show as well as one of my other favourite comedy shows is that Miranda often breaks the 4th wall, there will be times in the show when something happens or someone says something that need explaining or even at times just to let the audience know what her character is thinking, Miranda turns directly to the camera to the viewer and speaks directly to them, sometimes even just a fleeting look to the viewer as if to say "I know!" or "I don't believe it either", the other characters are not aware of this at all and it really is a case of momentary out of body experiences shared with the viewer.  Although in one episode in particular where Miranda and her Mother attend a joint therapy session her mother, imitating Miranda, says something then does her own cut to camera line directed straight at the viewer.

Dave Gorman's Googlewhack Adventure

This comedian I have only recently discovered after he appeared on a quiz show here in the UK called QI.  This particular video is of the out-takes from a stand-up show he did called "Dave Gorman's Googlewhack Adventure" the main story of which is about a book he had planned to write on Googlewhacks. 

I find this comedian hilarious, I love his style, the way he engages with the audience and his ability to think quickly.

Wanda Sykes :: Waxed

Wanda Sykes is one of my all-time favourite Comedians and she is funny as hell.  This video is from here stand-up show "I'ma Be me", I have seen the whole thing and the first time I watched the entire show I almost pissed myself laughing, I am not even joking.

There is nothing else I can say about this comedian just watch some of her videos her talent is self evident.

Eddie Izzard :: Learning French

I have a love of Languages as many of you will know.  I study Spanish and I will soon start studying French too.  This video is taken from one of Eddie Izzard's stand-up shows and in my opinion is very funny.  There is a lot of French Oral in the video but you can watch the whole thing and follow for the most part even if you don't speak French.

Eddie Izzard is one of my favourite comedians. In a related note if you are wondering why he is dressed the way he is, it is because he is a transvestite [A person who dresses in the clothing of another gender].

Phill Jupitus :: Spiders

I don't like Spiders.  I do like Phill Jupitus, and I find him funny.  This particular bit of stand-up I found hilarious the first time I watched it for many reasons but the main reason was that I related in every way to everything he said.  His category system, the way you sense them, the movement the creepiness everything about Spiders I hate.

You'll find the particular skit at 56:10 but feel free to watch the whole set if you like, I'd definitely recommend.

Phill is also one of the team captains on a TV show called Never Mind The Buzzcocks which is primarily a comedy based Music centred quiz show which I may include over the course of this challenge.  If you have never seen it, I highly recommend it.