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Author Topic:   UK comedy, what to call it?
onifre
Member (Idle past 2950 days)
Posts: 4854
From: Dark Side of the Moon
Joined: 02-20-2008


Message 16 of 95 (573080)
08-09-2010 5:42 PM
Reply to: Message 7 by Huntard
08-09-2010 3:23 PM


Cool Oni, you just have to visit The Netherlands (strongest pot you can get, and great beers too, well in the south anyway ).
Dude, that's my Mecca. I will definitely be going through there.
For comedy purposes, how's American slang understood there?
I like number 5, I'd go with that one. You could build a show about how America is always bragging about being so great, but they are actually underachieving when compared to the rest of the world.
This is good point and an angle we thought about. Larni gave me the suggestion, "America's Least Wanted"... I liked it too. Most of us do material on how shtty and unsuccessful we were at school (even though Al is a Brown University graduate - Ivy League)...but still. It's an angle we can sell easy with our material and it will be believable.
Thanks for your thoughts, Huntard.
- Oni

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 Message 7 by Huntard, posted 08-09-2010 3:23 PM Huntard has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 20 by Huntard, posted 08-09-2010 6:07 PM onifre has replied

  
onifre
Member (Idle past 2950 days)
Posts: 4854
From: Dark Side of the Moon
Joined: 02-20-2008


Message 17 of 95 (573083)
08-09-2010 5:48 PM
Reply to: Message 3 by Hyroglyphx
08-09-2010 2:45 PM


Re: The "Yankee Doodle Dandy" comedy tour
The Yankee Doodle Dandy comedy tour, featuring the Yankee (Forrest Shaw), Doodle (Al Jackson), and Dandy (the spic, I mean, Oni Perez).
Not bad, not bad.
The crowd will understand what that means, and it would help if you added a lot of self-depricating humor about the United States in front of your European audience.
Yeah, I don't think we would so much insult the US, cause all 3 of us are cocky and arrogant, some-what, especially me. And fuck the UK, they're no better than us, so we won't fag-out and placate to a international audience. But we will point out how each country sucks in its own way, and is hypocritical. Obviously mostly US stuff cause that's what we're familiar with, but the UK will get a little too.
I would also suggest some costumes reminiscent of 18th century clothing.
How 'bout you let us borrow that sexy Coast Guard jacket?
- Oni

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onifre
Member (Idle past 2950 days)
Posts: 4854
From: Dark Side of the Moon
Joined: 02-20-2008


Message 18 of 95 (573086)
08-09-2010 5:53 PM
Reply to: Message 11 by DBlevins
08-09-2010 3:43 PM


EDGY? -> Fergie and her sexcapades?
Yeah, definitely want to look into UK scandals. And all those topics you suggest are topics we cover, except for Obama's birth certificate, but that is an easy write.
What's up with americans and Tea Parties?
This is something that I'm hoping they're familiar with - tea party stuff, Glenn Beck, Fox News. If they are then we're set for that type of material.
The difference betwen the US and the UK. In the UK if you have a psychic onstage he gets booed, in the US....(he becomes an economist? a right-wing radio host? etc.)
True.
Thanks for the input.
- Oni

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onifre
Member (Idle past 2950 days)
Posts: 4854
From: Dark Side of the Moon
Joined: 02-20-2008


Message 19 of 95 (573087)
08-09-2010 5:58 PM
Reply to: Message 13 by CosmicChimp
08-09-2010 4:35 PM


"American Werewolves in London!"
I like that for a t-shirt also.
I'll edit this post and update if I can come up with more.
Thanks dude.
- Oni

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 Message 21 by Huntard, posted 08-09-2010 6:12 PM onifre has replied

  
Huntard
Member (Idle past 2295 days)
Posts: 2870
From: Limburg, The Netherlands
Joined: 09-02-2008


Message 20 of 95 (573091)
08-09-2010 6:07 PM
Reply to: Message 16 by onifre
08-09-2010 5:42 PM


onifre writes:
Dude, that's my Mecca. I will definitely be going through there.
Woohoo!
For comedy purposes, how's American slang understood there?
Well, I'd like to think I know it well enough (perhaps you could give some examples?), Not sure about the rest of the country though. My friends know it, but I don't know how well they speak it up north. English isn't a problem for almost any Dutchmen, but slang words, I don't know, I'll ask around a bit.
Thanks for your thoughts, Huntard.
No problem mate.

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 Message 16 by onifre, posted 08-09-2010 5:42 PM onifre has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 22 by onifre, posted 08-09-2010 6:16 PM Huntard has replied

  
Huntard
Member (Idle past 2295 days)
Posts: 2870
From: Limburg, The Netherlands
Joined: 09-02-2008


Message 21 of 95 (573093)
08-09-2010 6:12 PM
Reply to: Message 19 by onifre
08-09-2010 5:58 PM


Oh, and another tip, I don't know if you've heard of Geert Wilders, but he's coming over to New York to protest that Mosque thingy they want to build there, cause that's kinda the asshole he is, but perhaps you could work some of that into your material. He tried to visit the UK as well, and got arrested, maybe they know about his shenanigans over there as well.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 19 by onifre, posted 08-09-2010 5:58 PM onifre has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 23 by onifre, posted 08-09-2010 6:20 PM Huntard has replied

  
onifre
Member (Idle past 2950 days)
Posts: 4854
From: Dark Side of the Moon
Joined: 02-20-2008


Message 22 of 95 (573094)
08-09-2010 6:16 PM
Reply to: Message 20 by Huntard
08-09-2010 6:07 PM


Well, I'd like to think I know it well enough (perhaps you could give some examples?), Not sure about the rest of the country though. My friends know it, but I don't know how well they speak it up north. English isn't a problem for almost any Dutchmen, but slang words, I don't know, I'll ask around a bit.
Let me not get you confused, I don't mean like street slang or anything like that. Nothing too urban or hip-hop'ish. I think I meant more in our common words that we may say one way and you guys another. Words or phrases like, cigs, hot chick, I'm bagging her, this is cool as shit, hit the club... stuff like that.
I'm hoping that one of the draws to watch US performers is to listen to them speak as Americans would. maybe? lol
- Oni

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 Message 20 by Huntard, posted 08-09-2010 6:07 PM Huntard has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 24 by Huntard, posted 08-09-2010 6:26 PM onifre has replied

  
onifre
Member (Idle past 2950 days)
Posts: 4854
From: Dark Side of the Moon
Joined: 02-20-2008


Message 23 of 95 (573095)
08-09-2010 6:20 PM
Reply to: Message 21 by Huntard
08-09-2010 6:12 PM


I don't know if you've heard of Geert Wilders,
This is perfect. We'll definitely need to familiarize ourselves with your scandals and political issues. Funny how Wilders resembles a lot of the right-wing nut jobs here in the US. It would be simple to write material about him since we do so for our lunatics. Lol
Thanks Hunatrd, keep it coming.
- Oni

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 Message 21 by Huntard, posted 08-09-2010 6:12 PM Huntard has replied

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 Message 26 by Huntard, posted 08-09-2010 6:35 PM onifre has seen this message but not replied

  
Huntard
Member (Idle past 2295 days)
Posts: 2870
From: Limburg, The Netherlands
Joined: 09-02-2008


Message 24 of 95 (573096)
08-09-2010 6:26 PM
Reply to: Message 22 by onifre
08-09-2010 6:16 PM


onifre writes:
Let me not get you confused, I don't mean like street slang or anything like that. Nothing too urban or hip-hop'ish. I think I meant more in our common words that we may say one way and you guys another.
I think you'll be good then.
Words or phrases like, cigs
Yes, but perhaps "smokes" is better, not too sure if all people will get that one.
hot chick
No problem with that one.
I'm bagging her
Perhaps banging ?
this is cool as shit
No problem there.
hit the club
We know that.
Bear in mind that a lot of American shows are broadcast here, most people know English pretty fucking well, and I don't think you'll egt someone who doesn't speak a word of English to go to a show of American comedians. If it's not too "slangish" I think everything will catch on pretty well. If they don't know a particular word, I'm sure they'll pick it up from the context.

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Replies to this message:
 Message 25 by onifre, posted 08-09-2010 6:29 PM Huntard has replied

  
onifre
Member (Idle past 2950 days)
Posts: 4854
From: Dark Side of the Moon
Joined: 02-20-2008


Message 25 of 95 (573098)
08-09-2010 6:29 PM
Reply to: Message 24 by Huntard
08-09-2010 6:26 PM


Perhaps banging ?
Yes, I should learn to spell.
Bear in mind that a lot of American shows are broadcast here, most people know English pretty fucking well, and I don't think you'll egt someone who doesn't speak a word of English to go to a show of American comedians. If it's not too "slangish" I think everything will catch on pretty well. If they don't know a particular word, I'm sure they'll pick it up from the context.
Word. That's what I was hoping for.
Just out of curiousity, 'cause the booker over there will pretty much handle pitching our stuff to the clubs they see we'll fit in best. But what countires would not receive us well? Language wise, or maybe they just hate Americans.
- Oni

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 Message 24 by Huntard, posted 08-09-2010 6:26 PM Huntard has replied

Replies to this message:
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Huntard
Member (Idle past 2295 days)
Posts: 2870
From: Limburg, The Netherlands
Joined: 09-02-2008


Message 26 of 95 (573099)
08-09-2010 6:35 PM
Reply to: Message 23 by onifre
08-09-2010 6:20 PM


There is a caution about Wilders though, he did get a lot of votes in the last general election (yes, idiots live everywhere), and will probably be part of our new government (well not exactly a part, but it's kinda complicated to explain). Anyway, point being, some people might get offended if you try to picture him as a "far right" nutter. Not that I care if they would be offended, but that might turn the audience against you, and we don't want that. Though I'm not sure how many "Wilders-fans" would go to an American comedy trio. And again, I'm not sure how things are up North (In my province, where he's originally from, he got the most votes of all the parties in every district, if I recall correctly, up North it was less extreme).
Also, I must give him this, most of the time he speaks in parliament, it is usually good for a laugh or two, and not just about some of his more nuttier ideas (he proposed a "kopvoddentax" (literally "head-rag-taxation"), to tax all veil types. Hilarity ensued for me, not only because of the ridiculousness of the proposal, but also because every other party was falling over themselves to say what a disgrace this was.

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Huntard
Member (Idle past 2295 days)
Posts: 2870
From: Limburg, The Netherlands
Joined: 09-02-2008


Message 27 of 95 (573101)
08-09-2010 6:40 PM
Reply to: Message 25 by onifre
08-09-2010 6:29 PM


onifre writes:
Yes, I should learn to spell.
Banging we know.
Just out of curiousity, 'cause the booker over there will pretty much handle pitching our stuff to the clubs they see we'll fit in best. But what countires would not receive us well? Language wise, or maybe they just hate Americans.
Probably the French, but they hate everybody, so.... (Also, I don't know how good their knowledge of other languages is, but they usually refuse to speak anything other than French)
For the rest, I think you'll be pretty safe anywhere in the Northwest. Not sure about Germany, but perhaps Cosmicchimp can say more about that. Southern Europe isn' t all that up to par on English, I think, and I don't really know about the more Eastern parts.

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Dr Adequate
Member (Idle past 284 days)
Posts: 16113
Joined: 07-20-2006


Message 28 of 95 (573126)
08-09-2010 11:44 PM
Reply to: Message 1 by onifre
08-09-2010 1:01 PM


"The Three Guys With No Obvious Common Feature That We Can Make A Joke About".
Of the suggestions so far I'd favor Star Spangled Wankers or America's Least Wanted, probably the latter. You can never go wrong with self-deprecation.
Of course, it doesn't have to mean anything ... band names don't mean anything, do they? So I don't see why comics have to be any different. Call yourselves Charlie's Frightened Yak, who cares?

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CosmicChimp
Member
Posts: 311
From: Muenchen Bayern Deutschland
Joined: 06-15-2007


Message 29 of 95 (573131)
08-10-2010 12:13 AM
Reply to: Message 27 by Huntard
08-09-2010 6:40 PM


Yeah as far as Germany goes, I would say seek out the native English speakers in DE. I think there is a large audience for that type of thing, maybe on the U.S. military bases as well as the capital Berlin and financial district Frankfurt. Not sure if the native English speaking tourists will still be here when the comedians arrive, though. Frankfurt region has most of the bases and Berlin the hip & international crowds.
As far as the general German speaking public I would say the raw interest is most definitely there but only if it could be conveyed 'Auf Deustch' in German. I would not expect any more than 5% of the general population to even notice the subtle nuances of modern American comedy, at least from what I know about Munich. It could well be a different world in Berlin. Booking agents would know this type of information reliably.
I mean you can't even find English speaking TV channels here without resorting to expensive specialized cable contracts or satellite systems, to receive UK comsats.
Edited by CosmicChimp, : more info

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Larni
Member (Idle past 163 days)
Posts: 4000
From: Liverpool
Joined: 09-16-2005


Message 30 of 95 (573143)
08-10-2010 4:23 AM
Reply to: Message 1 by onifre
08-09-2010 1:01 PM


Hi Larni, thanks for replying. I like the name, the least wanted angle definitely represts us well. I didn't think race would make a big deal, esp since you guys are much more diverse than us. So what what do UK audiences like as far as humor? Just a general question.
I would go with holding up US culture up against UK to highlight the differences. But us Brits like to moan about people (including ourselves!).
So for example you could poke fun at the BP oil fiasco and then connect it with BP making prisoner exchange deals (helped along by UK politicians).
We like exposed hypocrasy (and if you can back up your claims with evidence that's bonus). Look up some of the activist stuff that Mark Thomas did in the 90s.
Biting satire is a good one for Brits, as is getting at creationism (in my experience of going to stand up [and the crowd who goes] this always goes down well).
Just off the top of my head (with a highbrow audience) you could do a skit on things like Godwin's law et al: being shown all the different ways in which people are stupid and predictable (Poe's law springs to mind) alsways seems to get a laugh if down with a knowing wink to camera.
It doesn't hurt to be a bit infuriated at the state of the world, too.
Hope this offers some launch pads.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1 by onifre, posted 08-09-2010 1:01 PM onifre has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 32 by Dr Adequate, posted 08-10-2010 5:28 AM Larni has replied
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