BY MICHAEL GOODPASTER
(FOUR) JOHN OLIVER
Maybe we could drop “Top” from the title on this one, but screw it. These are the four English comedians I can think of that are still currently doing stand up. Yeah, there’s more and maybe even some better but this is what I got. John Oliver makes the list because he’s hilarious. He’s most famous for being on The Daily Show, but his stand up isn’t anything to sleep on. He did plenty in his home country, but after landing the Daily Show gig he started fresh in small clubs in New York and worked his way up. In 2008 Comedy Central presented “John Oliver: Terrifying Times” and many laughs were had. Plus he’s on Community? Woooord.
(THREE) RUSSELL BRAND
I like Russell Brand a lot. I enjoy the movie roles he has taken and his interviews are as hilarious as they are inspiring. He just seems like a really cool guy, despite being a little hokey at times. His stand up still hasn’t connected with me. He’s been doing it since the late 90’s and is pretty damn successful in his craft. I don’t know, it just didn’t click with me. It was funny and his presentation was okay, but I don’t think I have ever laughed at Brand’s stand up. Never the less, like I said, I like the dude. He IS funny. I’m going to assume he’s done much better than what I saw.
(TWO) RICKY GERVAIS
Is there any doubt here? He’s one of England’s biggest imports right now. He is partially responsible for The Office, which makes him great in most people’s minds already. Gervais is the most talked about English comedian for a reason, he’s that damn good. He tried in the late 90’s, but it would be the early 00’s that saw him break out. For a few years he did tours that always resulted in specials and sold out venues across the land.
(ONE) JIMMY CARR
Jimmy Carr is the shit. He has a dark and twisted take on things and delivers his awesomeness in some very dry and dead-pan tones. I think it’s been like five or so years since I first saw Carr on Comedy Central. His take on things are smart, witty, and completely insane. He seems snooty and posh, but I think he’s far from it. It’s just an act. Have you heard some of the things he has said? He has to be partying or altering his mind somehow. His anecdotes are the very definition of wit.
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