I plain don't like it.
I'm not talking about The Onion or The Day Today/Brass Eye, all of which have about as much to do with the news as Father Ted has to do with religion, rather The Now Show, News Revue and The Treason Show, which trade in comedy so 'of the moment' that the jokes are turning stale halfway up the performer's windpipes.
I'm sure I'm not alone on this one.
you are not alone.
Yeah, I couldn't devote my style to it. But it's nice as the writer to knock out a good gag and in the case of us amateurs, get it performed.
I'd much rather have something timeless, original and something everyone can enjoy (without compromising the material).
I love topical, satirical comedy. That said I hate bad satirical comedy (e.g. certain shows tendency to say
"shock news Americans fat, and George Bush is stupid.
Oh be still my aching sides,)
Good topical/satirical humour is the best, and lay off the News Revue, with my run of skits in there, it's hard not to take it personally.
Quote: sootyj @ March 11, 2008, 3:43 PMAnd lay off the News Revue, with my run of skits in there, it's hard not to take it personally.
I certainly don't mean anything personally. I'm just saying that topical jokes aren't for me - just like slapstick and absurdism aren't for everyone and Little Miss Jocelyn is for no one.
I was joking. I love good satire, but bad satire drives me round the bend.
There's certainly plenty of it around. Was watching Not the 9 o'clock news, and Spitting Image yesterday, amazing how ever green they are.
I've always liked 'good' topical comedy. The fact it has to be written in a certain time frame and the topics are 'forced' upon the writer, can really show the inventiveness of some writers.
Of course it does mean some arn't as polished as they could be, and you do get to many 'shortcut' jokes - but a good joke on dull subject like the EU treaty can be hilarious, because it seems to have come from nowhere.
I used to hate writing sketches but had no other way of getting into broadcast comedy, then I hated topical writing but then had to do it to further my 'career' now I've learnt to just accept it. I don't think there is a great relationship between a topical sketch writer and a sitcom writer but I'm told that's the road.
I enjoy watching and listening to topical stuff though. Good satire that has a message is always enjoyable.
Damn Nuts, you hate what I aspire to. Kinda like hearing that the guy who shags, the fit presenter off Blue Peter, wishes he could just work on the Sunken Garden.
The guy who shags Gethin?...
I dunno the last time I watched it John Noakes had a dog innit.
Topical comedy is difficult to write but is excellent practise and currently the only way in for unsolicited writers like what we is. If it wasn't for Newsrevue I'd have no CV for writing at all and Sooty would just be another sad bloke who masturbates too much!
Edit: I know there's youtube but no-ones actually paid to see your stuff on there.
I say thats a bit close to the bone!
I also get stuff in the Treason Show.
Show off 
I even have a play on the Wireless Theatre, Funny Old Business, go on listen to it, double my listeners.