Who is the best current stand-up?

[haime]

Agree with the post about Frankie Boyle and him not being as funny live. When I saw him the first half was ace, but the second was full of MTW jokes which I'd heard before.

Having said that, I'd still say Frankie Boyle!!!!!

[Jormungand]

In what possible way is Michael McIntyre anything like Boris Johnson? In fact, the only context they both fit in is Have I Got News for You, and they were both very different. Johnson - funny due to his dazed and confused performance as host, and McIntyre on his game, delivering a sharp impression of Jeremy Clarkson.

Very true. You're only a comedian if you are consciously making jokes to amuse people, like MM does. If you're not consciously aiming to make people laugh, and they still do, you're not a comedian. You're not telling jokes--you are the joke. Boris Johnson is the joke, in much the same way as George Bush was the joke (thank god that I can put that last clause in past tense!).

I wouldn't say Boris Johnson is the joke. The man is actually pretty intelligent, and there's a good chance the whole buffoon thing is a put-on. After all, think about the advantage he has now. The gaffe he makes need to be much worse for him to be in trouble with the public than with probably any other politician. Right now, things that would sink other politicians, when said by Johnson, mostly elicit a response of "Oh, that wacky Boris!"

I'd say a comedian is someone who is trying to amuse people simply for the sake of amusing people. Boris is making jokes to amuse people, but it's for a different motive than entertainment per se.

[d_24]

there's a good chance the whole buffoon thing is a put-on.

Boris is just innately bumbling, clumsy and inept. It's why we love him/laugh at him, because try as he might to be taken seriously he's just pure comedy.

[Wonderboy]

Boris can be serious when he wants to be it seems. Look at his manner in the various historical documentaries he has done. He's no fool.

I don't think his humour always has ulterior motive however. He just has a sense of humour and is self deprecating.

He is clearly not an out and out comedian but being a comedian is part of what he does or what he used to do. People do laugh at him but he is clearly being deliberately funny.

[donpablo]

What? No Peter Kay? I call foul on this poll!

On the subject of Boris he is absoloutely hilarious on HIGNFY and you should youtube him playing in a charity match against Germany if you haven't seen the clip. Guaranteed to have you on the floor in stitches.

I'd say 2 of the best comedians about at the moment have to be David Mitchell and Charlie Brooker. Both not exactly stand ups but deserve praise for being so perceptive, intelligent and funny at the same time.

[Power Metal Dom]

What? No Peter Kay? I call foul on this poll! ...David Mitchell

Ahem...

Peter Kay

Yep, David Mitchell is very funny and witty.

[the Empress]

If we're opening it up to comedians generally . . . Mitchell & Webb all the way.

just noticed Andy Parsons on the list - I like him, but he shouts *all the time*. Does no one else find this annoying?

[orudge]

just noticed Andy Parsons on the list - I like him, but he shouts *all the time*. Does no one else find this annoying?

Can't say I do, I thoroughly enjoy his parts on Mock The Week. Whereas somebody like Michael McIntyre I do enjoy, but I tend to find him a bit annoying at the same time!