One of the things that the British are famous for is their wit. A clever and dry sense of humour has always been an important part of British culture. So, if you want to make money out of making people laugh in the United Kingdom, you’ll have to prove you are very good at British humour!
A GOOD START
In the UK, there are many small venues where comedians who are starting out can make their first appearances in front of small crowds. The tickets are cheap, and they usually allow you to see three or four performances, each lasting around thirty minutes. Leicester Square in London, for example, puts on shows for affordable prices.
GETTING BIGGER
The picture changes considerably once these comedians become familiar names. This generally happens after they get their big break on television comedy shows, which are always looking for new talent. Many comedians continue giving shows on the comedy circuit but now they perform in big theatres before an enthusiastic public. And they charge much more for the tickets!
NOT FOR EVERYONE
There are other reasons why these comedians enjoy the comedy circuit so much: it allows them to have direct contact with their fans, and it also gives them freedom in the material that they perform. This is also a warning! Many of these comedy shows contain strong language and extremely rude jokes. Definitely not appropriate for all audiences.
Laughing Stock: Top 5
1. Ricky Gervais
He became a household name with the sitcom The Office and he’s well-known for his militant views on atheism and animal rights.
“Remember, when you are dead, you do not know you are dead. It is only painful for others. The same applies when you are stupid.”
2. Jimmy Carr
He started out as a stand-up comedian, became a familiar face presenting various television celebrity game shows… and he kept on doing stand-up comedy.
“When you eat a lot of spicy food, you can lose your taste. When I was in India last summer, I was listening to a lot of Michael Bolton.”
3. Billy Connolly
This Scottish comedian has done just about all there is to do in show business, but he still has time to offend people in live shows.
“Life is a waste of time, and time is a waste of life. Get wasted all the time, and you’ll have the time of your life!”
4. Jo Brand
She began her career in stand-up, made it big on television, but still finds time for direct contact with live audiences.
“My husband can do the work of two men. Unfortunately, those men are Laurel and Hardy.”
5. Bill Bailey
Famous for the Black Books sitcom, his stand up shows are an ingenious and often surreal combination of music and jokes.
“Contentment is knowing you’re right. Happiness is knowing someone else is wrong.”
