Sorry for vague topic, I don't know a lot or watch a lot of stand-up comedy, but my favourite comics are Emo Phillips and Woody Allen. Would anyone recommend anyone who is similar? I like kind of absurdist stories and 'misleads'.
Any comedians like Woody Allen?
In terms of films The Royal Tenenbaums feels quite similar.
And Billy Crystal's stand-up is kinda similar.
Probably Jackie Mason. Generally fine although there are also a few elements of racism.
On "misleads", I'm going to bowl Les Dawson as it seems such an unlikely choice. He was a very bright guy and his stories could have many twists and turns.
Was Jackie Mason the voice of the anteater in the New Pink Panther show?
Quote: sootyj @ August 9 2013, 12:10 PM BSTWas Jackie Mason the voice of the anteater in the New Pink Panther show?
"The Ant and the Aardvark".
Apparently it was John Byner impersonating Mason. I didn't know that though.
Wow thanks for quick suggestions. Will Take a look at them.
Billy Crystal is very much a poor man's Woody Allen but still very good.
Or track down Sid Cear's show of shows, it's where he started
Quote: sootyj @ August 9 2013, 12:30 PM BSTBilly Crystal is very much a poor man's Woody Allen but still very good.
I like how his characters often walk on the thin line between a Michael J. Fox like cleverness and depressive cynicism.
I've just remembered Bob Newhart who I like a lot.
He is definitely not of the here and now so you might have to meet him halfway in your expectations. While not really similar to Woody, he isn't a million miles removed. There's an anxiety thing in both.
You might want to research "tumlahs" not sure of the correct English pronounciations but it's the style of comic Woody is.
Basically it's back when people first when on holiday to the Catskill mountains in the 1930s.
And this guy would have to keep a whole evening's gang show entertainment going with patter.
So lots of long jokes, catchphrases and story telling.
Quote: Jowan Mounsey @ August 9 2013, 11:59 AM BSTSorry for vague topic, I don't know a lot or watch a lot of stand-up comedy, but my favourite comics are Emo Phillips and Woody Allen. Would anyone recommend anyone who is similar? I like kind of absurdist stories and 'misleads'.
Absurdism could cover quite a wide-ranging selection, such as:
Harry Hill
Alexei Sayle
Spike Milligan
Arnold Brown
Steve Martin
Hattie Hayridge
Sarah Silverman
Stewart Lee
Something about Jon Richardson's recent TV special reminded me of Woody, but probably more to do with his neuroses, insecurities, and persona, rather than an absurdist streak.
I thought the OP was asking if any comedians Liked Woody Allen.
Quote: Steve Sunshine @ August 9 2013, 10:28 PM BSTI thought the OP was asking if any comedians Liked Woody Allen.
That was my first thought too. 
Do you like him, Steve?
I thought his stand up was amazing when I first heard it, really superb
Especially as I'd only seen him in movies.
Assured, quirky & brilliant.
Got bored of his movies though, although I may watch that Tennis one.
Quote: Steve Sunshine @ August 9 2013, 11:24 PM BSTI thought his stand up was amazing when I first heard it, really superb
Especially as I'd only seen him in movies.
Assured, quirky & brilliant.
Got bored of his movies though, although I may watch that Tennis one.
He only moved into stand-up from joke writing because his managers thought it would boost his profile. They pushed him into it, and held his hand until he broke through as a performer. Which then led to him being offered the screenplay gig for "What's New Pussycat?" which ultimately helped launch his movie making career.