Heeeere's Jimmy!

Despite his detractors, and he has many, Jimmy Carr is unarguably one of the quickest comedians in the country, not to mention one of the busiests...

The breathtaking amount of rapid one-liners Carr packs into each show is testament to a sharp comic mind, even when his subjects are calculated to cause offence.

‘In terms of taste and decency, I think you can say pretty much anything in a comedy show,’ Carr told East last time we spoke. ‘Being Politically Correct is important if you are a doctor or a lawyer or a policeman or you work for Social Services. But as a comic I say rude things and offensive things, and it’s not for everyone.’

A case in point is the title of Carr’s current show, Rapier Wit. Despite his self-deprecating press release (‘A ‘rapier’ is the long sword of a gentleman. ‘Rapier wit’ is defined as clever, quick, intelligent humour. Please note, Jimmy Carr doesn’t have ‘the long sword of a gentleman’ and even if you like him, ‘clever, quick and intelligent’ is a bit of a stretch.’) there’s undoubtedly a taboo-prodding punning intended in his choice of words.

Carr’s comedy is apolitical, which made him a smart co-host of Channel 4’s lengthy Alternative Election Night coverage in May, and brings all manner of social targets into his sights. Other TV duties, notably as regular host of 8 Out Of 10 Cats, have sometimes reduced Carr’s talents to little more than his peculiar hyuck-ing chuckle, so it’s on stage with just a mic and typically smart suit that his talents truly show.

The ruthlessly trimmed gags and straight-faced delivery come not only from a decade on the stand-up circuit, but also as a graduate of the Jill Edwards Comedy Course (‘People say comedy can’t be taught. They could learn a lot from Jill Edwards,’ Carr has said), running currently at Brighton’s Komedia. Despite turning out many well-known stand-ups, including Shappi Khorsandi and Seann Walsh, it’ll take a remarkable comedian to dislodge Carr’s comic crown.