British Comedy Guide

Worthy corporate gigs

Watching Funny Business on BBC Two got me thinking about the worthless corporate gigs I've had to sit through with top comedians and celebs holding their noses before rushing out for the fat cheque. Only notable exception I remember was Jonathan Ross who at least got out after his hosting role and worked the tables like a pro.

Considering the money at stake I'm interested to know if anyone has seen a comic who has researched the industry they are performing to and done an original routine around it? (Not just a few throwaway lines like Alan Partridge at the fireplace sellers conference.)

The only one I've seen (on a DVD extra) is Stewart Lee at the Royal Entomological Society's international insect festival, Pestival, in which he delivers an insect themed routine based around contractual obligation demands to deliver insect jokes.

I've witnessed both Rufus Hound and Ed Byrne in a corporate comedy role. Not as painful as I feared would be my verdict.

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