Comments

Maryanne Cathro May 15th, 2014

Good on you Ben for calling me out, I'm glad you did as it means we can qualify the generalisation thoughtfully (which I did not when left to my own devices). Part of the problem with being a reviewer is that we are not really 'audience' in the truest sense - it's not uncommon for me to be sitting in a show being the only one not laughing at the joke. Also often the only sober person there, given the job at hand, which may explain a thing or two! And in my reviews of said comedians, I've made it clear that the audience was enjoying the show. In the review of Jeremy's show above I made that point in the beginning. Comedy is like any other performance genre in that there are different types for different tastes. As reviewers, we get to see a broad range of styles and I am looking for quality, not just things I enjoy myself. But I reckon if we sat down and went through what we both think is genuinely funny, we'd have about an 80% overlap, if not more.

I wish it were true that experience is the key here. I could name at least two very famous kiwi comedians whose work I find boorish and tedious, and if anyone can be bothered going through the backlist of my reviews they will find out who I mean. Whereas I was lucky enough to see Rhys Mathewson at the tender age of 18 and he was wonderful then too.

I was very lucky (actually I put my hand up and shouted Pick Me Me Me!) to review Robbie and Sam's show last night. So clever! And I have enjoyed, though have never got to review. the other comedians you mentioned.

So, I hereby qualify my drooling Neanderthal comment to say, "If the last male comedian you saw was a drooling Neanderthal, don't give up on them, there are plenty out there who have evolved." ;-)

Ben Hurley May 14th, 2014

Maryanne,

Thanks so much for your response. Thanks also for the compliment. I too have seen the mediocre comedy of which you speak and, yes, most of it is male. I also agree that's just a numbers game. We all want more female comedians and I'm not sure what the solution to that problem is. I just think that the vast majority of comedy, performed by either gender, at this festival is thoughtful and respectful of all of society. Im embarrassed you have experienced otherwise. I hope you can get in to see some other shows this weekend so that your opinion might be turned. May I recommend Tom Wigglesworth, James Acaster and Stuart Goldsmith or Sam Smith's and Robbie Ellis' show this week. I think you'd like them. 

I have read a lot if criticism of "male comedians" of late and it does get my back up. I know there is a problem with some that think that blatant offense is the key to success. However, I think they are mostly inexperienced comics who have the wrong idea. I also think they are in the minority. All the comics you mentioned you liked are all experienced, older, wiser and take a more thoughtful approach to the art. 

If nothing else, I'm glad we discussed this. 

sincerely, 

white male comedian with a beard

Maryanne Cathro May 14th, 2014

Hello Ben!! I do have the advantage as of course I know your work far more than you know mine.  Funnily enough, you are my SECOND favourite kiwi male comedian, and I don't think your work is drooling or neanderthal at all. I mean, a few years back when I was down to write a review for your show in the Garden Club I think it was, I got turned away as it was SO sold out, there were no seats for reviewers! Yay! I did say something very complimentary about your appearance in that year's group show though. Whatever you are doing, NZ loves it.

Actually, you are second equal with Jarred Christmas, and Rhys Matthewson and Raybon Kahn, even though those first two are ship jumpers, they are still kiwi boys, yeah?

I've seen a lot of very mediocre and seriously unfunny comedy, mostly from guys but to be fair that's a numbers game, and a lot of it is based on a perceived agreement on the part of the  performer that the audience will find their derogatory generalisations about groups or types of people, funny too. And that using lots of swear words is in itself amusing. Which of course it can be, but only when done well. :)

Cheers!

Maryanne Cathro

Middle-aged Female Wellingtonian.

Ben Hurley May 14th, 2014

I don't know you Maryanne, but I'm fairly certain you don't like generalisations made about you based on your gender or profession. 

Parts of this review are ill informed, hypocritical, sexist and just down right offensive. 

All the the parts about Jeremy Elwood being intelligent, funny and having a great show are, of course, correct. 

As as a male comedian, I must be lumped into this category of 'Neanderthal droolers'. I must be, I'm a male and a comedian. You're a woman who lives in Wellington. What generalisations should I make about you having never met you? Or would you object to those sort of assumptions?

I think the statements you've made about "so many male comedians" may just have come down to naivety. So, I challenge you this, name me enough male comedians that 'drool like Neanderthals' that warrant this kind of disgusting generalisation. It needs to be a lot. More than 50% at least. Then an example of the material used that made you make this judgement about their art.

If you can't, I would like a retraction of your odious sentiment. 

I also urge you to attend any of the other shows by male comedians in the comedy festival this week as I am confident you wouldn't be able to make this statement after you have actually experienced enough of something to make an informed judgement. 

I know you think you are fighting the good fight but comments like this, causing gender conflict, even from the oppressed group, set back your feminist cause 30 years. 

Sincerely,

Ben Hurley

Prehistoric Salivator 

Comments