Guest Post by Hardscrabble Farmer
One of the basic truths of comedy is that it must resonate with the audience. A well written set properly delivered can tap into a zeitgeist without the crowd even being aware of it’s power. The thoughts that become jokes- those little riffs of words that lead to a twist and then return to the beginning- they are already present in the unspoken thoughts of those who listen. A comedian articulates what his audiences already know and a good one does it without exposing the deeper message within those bits overtly, but allowing them to discover it themselves. A punch line comes as a surprise, but is at the same time deeply familiar.
The following set by British comedian Will Franken is just under 25 minutes in length, roughly the same time allotted to a television sitcom and at least 100 times funnier. It is, in my estimation, an almost perfect comedy set in front of an audience that struggles with it- as you will witness- because it uncovers so many truths in such a masterful and joyous manner and at the same time skewers a multitude of sacred cows.
If you read my review of Dave Chappelle’s controversial performance on Netflix you will recall that my biggest beef with his set was not his subject matter, which while somewhat edgy was still moderated by built in disclaimers that softened it to the point of being intentionally inoffensive. Restraint isn’t normally a problem in public performances, but when you’re selling something as being combative it neutralizes the end product. The dearth of sustained laughter and applause for an audience of super fans that size was, I believe, the reason.
Watch the behavior of some of the members of the audience- sitting in a club that advertises the fact that it’s going to be controversial- and how hard they try not to be amused by the outlandish absurdities he presents in such a wildly entertaining and theatrical manner. The closer is, perhaps, one of the best I have ever seen and worth every second leading up to it.
Enjoy.
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Eureka!
Where is the really sustained audience laughter in comedy today?
I seems to remember a good amount of it in the 80s and a little in the 90s, to the point the comic had to really pause. Genuine standing ovations for comics? I haven’t seen any of those in a while either.
Hardfarmer that was funny . It would be nice if we had more comedians like him . I hope he didn’t damage his career.
We do have at least one more: Owen Benjamin, speaker of so many hard truths he has been marginalized by TPTB but that hs made him stronger and more insightful than ever.
Now that is something I will have to watch again. I spent 6 months living and working in London back in 1966-67. British humor has its own cadence and rhythm. I would listen to comedy shows on the Sunday afternoon radio. As the months passed and I got into English life and work, the humor took hold and I came to love it. From Goon Show slapstick to the driest of the dry, it is really good.
That was funny indeed. And well done!
Thanks, man. I needed that.
Damn, that man is incredible…’I’m autistic and the world revolves around me’
I’ll take Will Franken over Al Franken any day!
his trans character talking about/picking out his funeral dress cracked me up ⭐️⭐️⭐️
OMG, that was funny. I don’t think the audience got it at the end. Thanks Marc.
Oh no, they got it all right. The one guy in the front had the best non-verbal reactions I have ever seen. He’s cracking up multiple times even though you can see he doesn’t want to and then at the end, he has to lock his fingers together in his lap to keep from clapping because he knows he shouldn’t have.
In spite of their indoctrination he got though to them. The veil dropped for 23 minutes, he held up a mirror to their distorted world view, and they couldn’t help but laugh at what they saw.
Laughter is a great persuader.
He reminded me of George Carlin, thanks for sharing it.
Carry on…
Oh, throughout the act yes. Their reactions were priceless. I was thinking his removal at the end was staged, and they thought it was real.
now you make me wonder… I thought staged, as well.
This will be a first, commenting on a video before watching. But just like sitting down to a nice ribeye steak and before taking the first bite, I know I’m in for a treat.
I have never analyzed a comedy routine before, just laughed at the appropriate times. Your commentary allows me to see what’s going on behind the words and I’m truly looking forward to what I’m about to experience, thanks!
Sorry, I couldn’t evaluate the routine, I was laughing too hard! Thanks ?
It is good medicine, as well.
[We decided to see the You Too dude in Cleveland. That’s why I asked about the Cleveland Masonic theater… wondered if you played there. Some marvelous old theaters in Cleveland. It is part of the Rust Belt Chic project.]
Richey’s a cousin… am plugging his book.
“no more flights no more cars no more food no more air and just die. if we’re not willing to lie down and die as a people there is no way the human race can survive.” PERFECT. !!
Nice little documentary.
I watched it and his routine was quite theatrical. There’s an element of pain and surprise in comedy and the audience reactions were indeed reflexive. I laughed, especially during the Greta segment. The honesty in contrast to Orwellian manipulation was refreshing – even unto a sense of relief; like when someone in a group boldly states what the rest are thinking.
Similar to Chappelle and Pepe the frog, this guy deflated the self-perceived importance of the virtue signalers. It’s a reminder of how humor should always be weaponized against the Collective; because laughter may be the most effective antidote to bullshit after all.
LMAO! CO2 is plant food! The entire “trans” movement is bullshit! This guy lays it bare in front of all. Awesome post…. Chip
That was funny!
Thanks, HSF, for the expert commentary. I appreciate the peeks into the industry you give. After all, true comedy shows more about the human condition than just about any other area of endeavor.
Holy Clap Batman, that was hilarious.