BBC Director - "To Axe Left Wing Comedy"

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Good political comedy should rip into all politicians, although I suppose it's natural that the Govt of the day should be more of a target as generally they provide more material for satire. I think if it is obvious what the voting preference of the comedienne/comedian/ writer is then the balance is wrong.
Looking back, the old 80's spitting image was good - cruel to Thatcher and her cabinet, but pulled no punches with Kinnock, or the sdp iirc. Ben Elton on the other hand became a bore with his constant bitter monologues about 'fatcher', and I say that as someone who largely agreed with his politics.
 
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Mazzarelli's Swiss Cheese said:
Good political comedy should rip into all politicians, although I suppose it's natural that the Govt of the day should be more of a target as generally they provide more material for satire. I think if it is obvious what the voting preference of the comedienne/comedian/ writer is then the balance is wrong.
Looking back, the old 80's spitting image was good - cruel to Thatcher and her cabinet, but pulled no punches with Kinnock, or the sdp iirc. Ben Elton on the other hand became a bore with his constant bitter monologues about 'fatcher', and I say that as someone who largely agreed with his politics.
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Elton being the good public schoolboy saw something he could run with and make a career out of it. Him and his mate Richard Curtis have made millions out of their faux left positioning in their work.
 
Mazzarelli's Swiss Cheese said:
Good political comedy should rip into all politicians, although I suppose it's natural that the Govt of the day should be more of a target as generally they provide more material for satire. I think if it is obvious what the voting preference of the comedienne/comedian/ writer is then the balance is wrong.
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Kind of, but you'll often find that a comedian will play an exaggerated version of themselves on stage, so they will actually be bias to the point of being ludicrous, and that's the whole point of it. See this bit by Stewart Lee as an example:



While it's obvious he's not in favour of Brexit, he's actually taking the piss quite a lot about the attitude of lots of remainers after the vote.
 
I'm With Stupid said:
Kind of, but you'll often find that a comedian will play an exaggerated version of themselves on stage, so they will actually be bias to the point of being ludicrous, and that's the whole point of it. See this bit by Stewart Lee as an example:



While it's obvious he's not in favour of Brexit, he's actually taking the piss quite a lot about the attitude of lots of remainers after the vote.
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I rather like that. Even though his preference is clear he manages to stay genuinely funny and avoid bitterness.
 
blueinsa said:
Thread is now very cleverly if not unsurprisingly being steered in a certain direction.

No days off for some on here, no opportunity missed.
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Every thread on the subforum the same - always the same handful of posters
 
At one time, other than the odd satirical programme, comics didn't joke much about politics, plenty of other stuff, drink, sex, drugs, work etc; was lampooned, and a few individuals, but this left/right business is relatively new.
I think it's the best policy, personally, if your act centres on how shit the govt is, those who support that govt are not going to pack out your venue, and vice versa.
 
For all those lovers of risque 70's comedy Up the Chastity Belt is just starting on TPTV starring Frankie Howerd
 
PannickAtTheDisco said:
Frankie Boyle may be left-wing, but his comedy isn't. He may talk about left wing subjects, but take his political views away and left wingers would be foaming at the mouth at most of the content.
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Would they though?

Or are you confusing modern liberals with the left.

As a staunch left winger I like a good take down of someone throigh the medium of comedy.
 
Northernstorirs said:
Comedy has been poor on the BBC for years, I actually hate satire from all angles on the spectrum and don't find it funny. I work all week, watch the news, when I relax in the evening I just want to switch off from the world. Don't need to be reminded of uncertainty of Brexit. "Comedy" involving job losses, impacts to health etc just aren't funny. May be produce something that might unify people or be genuinely funny.

Frankie Boyle is a nasty twat, not sure why the BBC continue to employ this horrid tramp. Years a go he took pleasure in taking the piss out of people's physical appearances notably Becky Adlington. You aren't funny if you have to resort to mocking appearances.
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I agree comedy on bbc is terrible

Mrs Browns boys
Outnumbered
My family
The khans
Gavin and stacy
Miranda
The panel shows
Etc

All shite

Frankie boyle and the nish report are the only things on the beeb that are at least topical, though at time not as funny as they can be.

BBC 4 has probably produced the best comedy on their channels for a while with the detectorists, twenty twelve, and charlie brookers screen wipe
 
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