British Comedy Guide

Sketch 'Supergroup'

I read quite an interesting article in The Independent last Friday which discussed the Edinburgh Fringe festival and stand up comedy in general. The article suggests that stand-up comedians these days have a similar status to rock stars. The journalist poses the question:

"Could we see a sketch 'supergroup', made up of an ensemble of stand-ups, that will build even more of a sense of identifying comedy with groups, much as happens in music"

What do you think? I'd certainly like to see the likes of Russell Howard, Mark Watson, and Frankie Boyle doing a TV sketch show.

Also what do you think about stand-ups in sitcoms? Certainly worked for Dylan Moran and Bill Bailey

That rock star status thing started back in the early 90s with David Baddiel and Rob Newman.

I agree. I find comedians much more exciting, in fact, than a rock star. :)

Quote: Johnny Green @ August 5 2008, 3:08 PM BST

What do you think? I'd certainly like to see the likes of Russell Howard, Mark Watson, and Frankie Boyle doing a TV sketch show.

Performing in sketches requires a certain versatility. Not something I would have assoicated with any of the above.

I think if you get the talent young and unformed they work well together, but sticking established names together rarely works.

Quote: Johnny Green @ August 5 2008, 3:08 PM BST

Also what do you think about stand-ups in sitcoms? Certainly worked for Dylan Moran and Bill Bailey

Most stand-ups make decent enough actors, so long as they stick to their range. Acting is a rather over-rated profession.

Quote: Timbo @ August 5 2008, 3:18 PM BST

Most stand-ups make decent enough actors, so long as they stick to their range. Acting is a rather over-rated profession.

Agreed. Actors are just cattle reading the writers lines.

Bollocks.

Quote: zooo @ August 5 2008, 3:19 PM BST

Bollocks.

I love it when you get angry. :)

Acting is a skill certainly, but whereas in other professions the children of talented parents may follow in their footsteps, they seldom achieve the same heights. Whereas acting is full of dynasties. This suggests to me that in acting the gap between learnt ability and inherent genius is not as large as for some other professions.

Quote: chipolata @ August 5 2008, 3:24 PM BST

I love it when you get angry. :)

*Strops off in mood*

Quote: chipolata @ August 5 2008, 3:18 PM BST

Agreed. Actors are just cattle reading the writers lines.

Bullocks.

Quote: Marc P @ August 5 2008, 3:27 PM BST

Bullocks.

Oh, you clever bugger.

Actually I don't think actors are cattle at all. A bad actor can sink a good script and a good actor can breathe life into a limp script.

David Baddiel a Rock Star?? F**k me, that bloke's just a glorified Sid Little. I love the way he blames a lot of his bad reviews on anti-semitism.

Sarah Manners breathed life into my limp one once.

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