100 Greatest Stand-Up Comedians of all Time

[Shaun]

The shortlist for some C4 upcoming show's been announced:

* Al Murray
* Alan Carr
* Alan Davies
* Alexei Sayle
* Andrew Dice Clay
* Andy Kaufman
* Ardal O'Hanlon
* Arthur Smith
* Barry Humphries
* Ben Elton
* Bernard Manning
* Bill Bailey
* Bill Cosby
* Bill Hicks
* Billy Connolly
* Bob Hope
* Bob Monkhouse
* Bob Newhart
* Chic Murray
* Chris Addison
* Chris Rock
* Daniel Kitson
* Dara O'Briain
* Dave Allen
* Dave Gorman
* Dave Spikey
* David Baddiel
* Demetri Martin
* Denis Leary
* Dick Gregory
* Dylan Moran
* Ed Byrne
* Eddie Izzard
* Eddie Murphy
* Emo Philips
* Frank Carson
* Frank Skinner
* Frankie Boyle
* Frankie Howerd
* Freddie Starr
* George Burns
* George Carlin
* Graham Norton
* Harry Enfield
* Harry Hill
* Jack Dee
* Jackie Mason
* Jason Manford
* Jasper Carrott
* Jenny Éclair
* Jerry Sadowitz
* Jerry Seinfeld
* Jethro
* Jim Bowen
* Jim Davidson
* Jimmy Carr
* Jo Brand
* Joan Rivers
* Joe Pasquale
* John Thomson
* Johnny Vegas
* Julian Clary
* Ken Dodd
* Lee Evans
* Lee Hurst
* Lee Mack
* Lenny Bruce
* Lenny Henry
* Les Dawson
* Mark Thomas
* Michael McIntyre
* Mike Reid
* Mitch Hedburg
* Omid Djalili
* Patrick Kielty
* Paul Merton
* Paul O'Grady
* Peter Kay
* Phill Jupitus
* Reginald D Hunter
* Rhod Gilbert
* Rhona Cameron
* Richard Pryor
* Ricky Gervais
* Rik Mayall
* Rob Newman
* Robin Williams
* Ronnie Corbett
* Roseanne Barr
* Ross Noble
* Roy Chubby Brown
* Russell Brand
* Russell Howard
* Sean Hughes
* Sean Lock
* Shappi Khorsandi
* Steve Coogan
* Steve Martin
* Steven Wright
* Stewart Lee
* Tim Vine
* Tommy Cooper
* Tommy Tiernan
* Tommy Trinder
* Victoria Wood
* Woody Allen

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-100-greatest-stand-ups/articles/greatest-stand-ups-of-all-time

Vote there ^

[Shaun]

Tommy Cooper, Woody Allen, Bill Hicks, Eddie Izzard, Richard Pryor and Joan Rivers HAVE to be chosen.

Also picked Bill Bailey, Alexei Sayle, Ricky Gervais and Roseanne Barr.

[setanta]

Richard Pryor.

[Fom]

Michael McIntyre - I love that man!

[Novo]

Lee Evans

[BB_Eye]

How can anybody in their right mind lump great comedians such as Alexei Sayle, Andy Kaufman, Paul Merton, Dylan Moran, Jerry Seinfeld, Lenny Bruce and Woody Allen with talentless nobodies like Andrew Dice Clay, Bernard Manning, Joe Pasquale, Jim Davidson, Jimmy Carr and Roy Chubby Brown?

These "list" shows do my head in.

[Crimson Dynamo]

eddie izzard?

FAIL

[Shaun]

eddie izzard?

FAIL

Someone's been to the Twilight Finishing Academy.

****.

[Stu]

Don't they always air this or are they doing a redo?

Stewart Lee must be the most overrated thing in the entire universe. I just don't get his style of ripping on completely obvious things like hoodies and Russell Brand and drawing it out with repetition over twenty minuets in a really pedantic manner to appeal to these 'higher minds' who like 'proper comedy'.

[Crimson Dynamo]

Someone's been to the Twilight Finishing Academy.

****.

the guy is a jerk. GFRYA

[Niamh.]

Tommy Tiernan FTW

[Shaun]

Thank GOD someone else dislikes Stewart Lee...to an extent. I understand the comedy profession must be frustrating when shows like Little Britain, Catherine Tate and My Family are continually recommissioned in primetime slots [even Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps manages to get series after series...Jesus wept] - and therefore I welcome dissing of them by other rival comedians/shows, but Lee's just a complete hypocrite. He moans about **** like this, and then centres his show on moaning about the popular. Moaning about the 'popular' is just as popular as the 'popular', if you bear with me. Shows like Mock the Week, Peep Show, The Office...they've all done it before; mocked the people.

I find his style sometimes funny - he makes some good observations. But his arrogance is so unappealing; he's not a genius, but he'd like to think he is, however much he hides behind the 'don't care' veil.

[Wildcat!]

Without reading the OP's List:

Richard Pryor
Jerry Siendfeld
Bernie mac
Robin Williams
George Carlin
Bill Cosby
Dave Chappelle
Russell Brand
Michael Mcintyre
Martin Lawrence
Ellen Degeneres
Cedric the Entertainer
Rodney Genderfield
Steve Harvey
Janeane Grafolo

[Shaun]

:| @ Dave Chapelle not being on the shortlist.

[Wildcat!]

I know, for real though! He is hysterical! I dont find Chris Rock funny at all!!! But Chapelle, makes me crack up! :D

[Stacey.]

Lee Evans ftw :D
love Al Murray too!
also, alan carr is great!!

[Niamh.]

I can't stand Lee Evans!!

[Stacey.]

I can't stand Lee Evans!!

:shocked: I think hes really funny.
who do you like?

[Niamh.]

:shocked: I think hes really funny.
who do you like?

I just don't really like that pulling funny faces type comedy!

I like Tommy Tiernan and Russell Brand

[Shaun]

I can't stand Lee Evans!!

Agreed. I'm sure he's lovely but he's not funny.

[Stacey.]

I just don't really like that pulling funny faces type comedy!

I like Tommy Tiernan and Russell Brand

Lmao,
never heard of Tommy Tiernan, but yeah,Russell Brand is ok :)

[Niamh.]

Lmao,
never heard of Tommy Tiernan, but yeah,Russell Brand is ok :)

He's an Irish comedien, he's big over here

[Stacey.]

He's an Irish comedien, he's big over here

cool :)
wow, you live in ireland?!!!! :D:D

[Niamh.]

cool :)
wow, you live in ireland?!!!! :D:D

:joker:yes:joker:

[Stacey.]

:joker:yes:joker:

:amazed:
oooooooooooohh, nicee ;)

[BB_Eye]

Don't they always air this or are they doing a redo?

Stewart Lee must be the most overrated thing in the entire universe. I just don't get his style of ripping on completely obvious things like hoodies and Russell Brand and drawing it out with repetition over twenty minuets in a really pedantic manner to appeal to these 'higher minds' who like 'proper comedy'.

Makes a welcome change to the tired observational comedy or one-liner formula that we're normally treated to. I don't think it has anything to do with elitism. It's simply carrying on in the surreal comedy tradition of Peter Cook, Spike Milligan and Python and applying it to stand-up. Admittedly some of Stewart Lee's fans can be real social cliches, but that's always going to happen in the case that a performer or entertainer's lack of mainstream success runs counter to the quality of their material.

[setanta]

I actually quite like Stewart Lee. He's witty, has a great turn of phrase and a willingness to really push the boundaries of what is acceptable. Remember his stand up where he had digs at the Scots while performing in Edinburgh or Glasgow? Now that's ballsy. But yeah, I can understand why he wouldn't be a favourite with many.

Oh, and Richard Pryor should win this hands down. Just wanted to mention that genius again!

[Crimson Dynamo]

I once went to see a stand up show with the pop group James

the whole thing did not work out so well

[setanta]

I once went to see a stand up show with the pop group James

the whole thing did not work out so well

They only had themselves to blame when their only response to hecklers was to start singing Sit Down.

[Patrick]

Keith Lemmon and Jack Whitehall arent there?

This is a disgrace.

Anyway, Russel, Harry Hill and Michael McIntyre FTW

[Shaun]

Keith Lemmon and Jack Whitehall arent there?

This is a disgrace.

Anyway, Russel, Harry Hill and Michael McIntyre FTW

...lmfao. Oh dear.

[sooty]

Jackie Mason :spin:

[Arneldo]

If Lee Evans or Michael McIntrye win this I will self-harm.

[red]

Dara O'Briain , Jimmy Carr and Frankie Boyle FTW!!!:dance:

[Iceman]

Tommy Tiernen.....

[red]

If Lee Evans or Michael McIntrye win this I will self-harm.

i *******ing hate Mcintyre :mad: he might be in the top20 though

[Patrick]

...lmfao. Oh dear.

What!?

[lily.]

This lot stand out for me:

* Alan Carr
* Bill Bailey
* Bill Cosby
* Bill Hicks
* Billy Connolly
* Chris Rock
* Eddie Murphy
* Graham Norton
* Harry Hill
* Jack Dee
* Jerry Seinfeld
* Joan Rivers
* Michael McIntyre
* Richard Pryor
* Ricky Gervais
* Ross Noble

[Shaun]

Jack Whitehall and Keith Lemon are about as funny as the baby food that feeds them.

[setanta]

The public vote on this one? Oh dear.

[Crimson Dynamo]

no one comes close to The Big Yin

go figure the math homework you mother hubbards

[lily.]

no one comes close to The Big Yin

go figure the math homework you mother hubbards

Fact.

[setanta]

Richard Pryor does babies.... he taught him everything he knows. His routine changed as a result of watching Pryor do his thing.

[Crimson Dynamo]

Richard Pryor does babies.... he taught him everything he knows. His routine changed as a result of watching Pryor do his thing.

Pryor learned all he knew from watching Phil Silvers

[setanta]

Pryor learned all he knew from watching Phil Silvers

You must have been one of the few to watch an uncensored version of his show then. hee hee.

[Jack_]

Michael McIntyre.

[Jords]

I love Lee Evans!

[Shaun]

Michael McIntyre.

ALL time!? come on...

[Crimson Dynamo]

I love Lee Evans!

i am out of here...










slam

[Jords]

i am out of here...










slam

:hugesmile:

Sorry!

[Stu]

I actually quite like Stewart Lee. He's witty, has a great turn of phrase and a willingness to really push the boundaries of what is acceptable. Remember his stand up where he had digs at the Scots while performing in Edinburgh or Glasgow? Now that's ballsy. But yeah, I can understand why he wouldn't be a favourite with many.

Oh, and Richard Pryor should win this hands down. Just wanted to mention that genius again!
If I am being honest it was a really **** thing he done. He ripped on Scotland relentlessly in front of a paying audience full of Scottish people. I know you go to a comedy show and take your sense of humour with you but christ. It was just ballsy for the sake of it and pissed off everyone in the crowd. Good comedians don't piss off their paying crowd.

[King Gizzard]

Anyone but Ricky Gervais and Rhod Gilbert, please

[setanta]

If I am being honest it was a really **** thing he done. He ripped on Scotland relentlessly in front of a paying audience full of Scottish people. I know you go to a comedy show and take your sense of humour with you but christ. It was just ballsy for the sake of it and pissed off everyone in the crowd. Good comedians don't piss off their paying crowd.

Yep, you could look it that way, but I've always been attracted to comics who really like to push the boat out and take huge risks. After all, comedians and jesters of old always lived on the edge, which gave them license to critique society from the outside, like some free spirited and slightly mad little rascal. And I suppose that audience would have been well aware of the kinda show that Lee usually attempts, seeing as it was such a small gathering.

[Shaun]

mm, Gervais is a better comedy actor/writer than stand-up to be fair.

[King Gizzard]

Keith Lemmon and Jack Whitehall arent there?

This is a disgrace.

Anyway, Russel, Harry Hill and Michael McIntyre FTW



They are both amazingly shite, first thing I did I checked the list just to make sure they werent there.


(I'm glad Leigh Francis isnt there thank the heavens)

[setanta]

mm, Gervais is a better comedy actor/writer than stand-up to be fair.

I love his stand up stuff.

[Stu]

Yep, you could look it that way, but I've always been attracted to comics who really like to push the boat out and take huge risks. After all, comedians and jesters of old always lived on the edge, which gave them license to critique society from the outside, like some free spirited and slightly mad little rascal. And I suppose that audience would have been well aware of the kinda show that Lee usually attempts, seeing as it was such a small gathering.
Lee was pretty much unknown then, though. He is still not that well known now. Nothing wrong with crossing the line but there has to be good reasons, not just ******** on everything popular and the very crowd you should be pleasing for the sake of it.

Look at Bill Hicks. He basically got down on his hands and knees, loved through hate, and essentialy begged his audience to help him make the world a better place and think a bit more. And he was funny as **** doing it.

[King Gizzard]

Anyone else think Sean Lock is shite live? on 8/10 cats, brilliant, stand up, amazingly awful



Of the list..my favourite is probably Dylan Moran

[setanta]

Lee was pretty much unknown then, though. He is still not that well known now. Nothing wrong with crossing the line but there has to be good reasons, not just ******** on everything popular and the very crowd you should be pleasing for the sake of it.

Look at Bill Hicks. He basically got down on his hands and knees, loved through hate, and essentialy begged his audience to help him make the world a better place and think a bit more. And he was funny as **** doing it.

Yep, Hicks was excellent but I think you're being a tad harsh on Lee because there's actually a weight of intellect behind his jokes, even if they're very close at times to being overtly offensive (which is actually half the thrill for me anyway!). Like any great comic or artist, he challenges the audience to think and participate, rather then just sit there and giggle, you know? It may not be to your tastes - at times I myself find it off-putting - but you have to give him credit for doing something different anyway.

[30stone]

Lee Evans

Lee Evans ftw :D


I love Lee Evans!


:thumbs:

Seriously would put him up there, must be in the top 5.
People can say hes not funny all they like, how they dislike his movement and his faces.

I was kinda busy the other day.. but had it on in the background i just couldnt help to laugh when i really shouldnt have.

Lot of people say a lot of his is just his faces and movement but he is just really funny.

[30stone]

Anyone else think Sean Lock is shite live? on 8/10 cats, brilliant, stand up, amazingly awful






Yeah, as is Jimmy carr
and ricky gervais is cringeworthy to watch.

And harry hill.. Just not really funny for me.

[King Gizzard]

Oh yeah and Lauren will hate me for saying it but Jason Manford really isnt anything special lol

just like a banter-ridden uncle

[Stu]

Yep, Hicks was excellent but I think you're being a tad harsh on Lee because there's actually a weight of intellect behind his jokes, even if they're very close at times to being overtly offensive (which is actually half the thrill for me anyway!). Like any great comic or artist, he challenges the audience to think and participate, rather then just sit there and giggle, you know? It may not be to your tastes - at times I myself find it off-putting - but you have to give him credit for doing something different anyway.
True.

As for Lee Evans, he can blow me. It's not his facial expressions, it's the fact that his entire career is based around the line 'You know my wife? ...'.

[setanta]

True.

As for Lee Evans, he can blow me. It's not his facial expressions, it's the fact that his entire career is based around the line 'You know my wife? ...'.

I honestly can't sit through any of his performances.

[Stu]

Small bursts of Evans are tolerable. Perfect YouTube and viral fodder which is where all his young fans are pouring out of the woodwork from.

My top three :

1. Bill Hicks
2. Bill Bailey
3. Billy Connolly

[setanta]

Three that spring into my mind are:

1.Richard Pryor
2.Billy Connolly
3.Tommy Tiernan

[Niamh.]

I honestly can't sit through any of his performances.

I know, me too!! I just don't find someone making weird noises and pulling funny faces funny

[Niamh.]

Three that spring into my mind are:

1.Richard Pryor
2.Billy Connolly
3.Tommy Tiernan

Good choices James, we may not like the same films but we must have similar senses of humour!!!

[NettoSuperstar!]

* Alan Carr
* Alexei Sayle
* Barry Humphries
* Bill Bailey
* Bill Hicks
* Billy Connolly
* Eddie Izzard
* Eddie Murphy
* Frankie Boyle
* Jo Brand
* Joan Rivers
* Michael McIntyre
* Omid Djalili
* Peter Kay
* Rhod Gilbert
* Richard Pryor
* Ricky Gervais
* Steve Coogan
* Tommy Cooper
* Victoria Wood

I'g go with Steve Coogan or Peter Kay ftw...I nearly went into Labour watching Peter Kay and Ive watched Coogan live over and over and still piss myself

[Chels]

rhod gilbert ftw, i love him he's fecking hilarious!
he's a sensation in wales.

[Princess]

I can't remember who I voted now but I'll try

Michael McIntyre
Peter Kay
Robin Williams
Alan Davis
Joan Rivers
Jo Brand
Alan Carr
Dara O'Brien
Frankie Boyle

Woo I remembered 9,not bad.

[MeMyselfAndI]

Micheal Macintyre, Alan Car and Joan rivers:)