Funny Money: 6 British Comedians Who Joke About Money

Funny Money. Even as the doom-mongers and the prophets of financial meltdown continue to tell us that the UK is stuck in the economic doldrums, British stand up comics are carrying on that Great British tradition of making fun of it.

It's a massive and unavoidable part of our lives, so we might as well take whatever joy from it we can, so in that spirit, here are six British stand-ups who joke about money...

1. Michael McIntyre

Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow. Michael McIntyre. Image credit: Open Mike Productions.The Hampstead comedian, known for his 'posh' accent and his 2009 British Comedy Award for 'Best Stand-Up', offered this gem on the banking bail-out...

"I knew the banks were in trouble when I turned on to watch Deal or No Deal and the banker had disappeared. There was just Noel Edmonds, 22 boxes and a recorded message." --- "I miss Howard from the Halifax ads - he's the real victim of the credit crunch."

2. Peter Kay

Peter Kay. Bolton's favourite son Peter Kay covers a lot of topics in his routine, one of which is money...

"Why is the person who handles your money called a broker?"

"I went to the bank and asked to borrow a cup of money. They said, 'What for?' I said, 'I'm going to buy some sugar'."

3. Russell Brand

Russell Brand: Skinned. Russell Brand. With his madcap musings and eloquent turn-of-phrase, Russell Brand's comedy is a meeting of observational humour and surrealist ramblings. Brand has his opinions on money though - on childhood fantasies, he said:

"They involve a utopia in which there is no money and everyone is topless."

4. Dylan Moran

Dylan Moran. Image credit: Gavin Evans.Dylan Moran's comedy styling relies on his idiosyncratic delivery and mannerisms, and whilst he often goes off on sprawling tangents, here's what he has to say on money:

"Money can't buy you love, but it can get you some really good chocolate ginger biscuits."

On cash machines:

"You go to those holes in the walls drunk and press the buttons - BSHING BSHING BSHING - would you like a new mortgage? I don't know, I'm not even sure about this sausage roll! BSHING BSHING BSHING would you like to check your balance? What are you, my mother?"

5. Frankie Boyle

Frankie Boyle's Tramadol Nights. Frankie Boyle. Controversial Scottish funnyman Frankie Boyle often shocks with his one-liners, but here's a slightly less controversial one about money from him:

"Don't you think it's quite weird for Prince Harry, getting really stoned and seeing your gran's face appearing on your money?"

6. Jimmy Carr

Commercial Breakdown. Jimmy Carr. Image credit: Celador Productions.With similar near-the-knuckle comedy, Jimmy Carr has this to say on money...

"I'd like to leave you ladies and gentlemen with this frightening fact: I'm not sure if you're aware of this, but if you took all the money that we in the West spend on food in one week, you could feed the Third World for one year. I'm not sure about you people, but I think we're being overcharged on groceries."


Mark Hooson loves stand-up comedy, and in his day job writes about less amusing things like savings accounts and car insurance for Moneysupermarket.com

Starlings interviews

Starlings interviews

Interviews with the people behind Starlings, the new Sky1 comedy drama by Steve Edge & Matt King. Read

Tim Minchin podcast

Tim Minchin podcast

Richard Herring's new London-based podcast series kicks off with an interview with Tim Minchin. Listen

Episodes interviews

Episodes interviews

Matt LeBlanc, Stephen Mangan and Tamsin Greig share their thoughts about the BBC2 sitcom. Read

Kayvan Novak interview

Kayvan Novak interview

Facejacker star Kavan Novak tells us more about how he films his hidden camera prank show. Read

Pappy's Flatshare Slamdown

Pappy's Flatshare Slamdown

Catch up on the funny 2nd series of the award-winning panel podcast with sketch group Pappy's. Listen

Paul Sinha interview

Paul Sinha interview

An interview with GP turned comic Paul Sinha, who is also now the star of ITV quiz show The Chase. Read

VIP: Cast Interview

VIP: Cast Interview

An interview with Morgana Robinson and Terry Mynott, the stars of C4's new impressions show. Read

No Pressure To Be Funny

No Pressure To Be Funny

TalkSport's Matt Forde guest hosts the topical panel show podcast. Guests include Andy Hamilton. Listen

Ian Bowler for London Mayor

Ian Bowler for London Mayor

This video from MP Ian Bowler is how you raise the money to stand for Mayor of London... maybe. Watch