Imagine: The Art Of Stand-Up. Image shows from L to R: Frank Skinner, Alan Yentob. Copyright: BBC
Imagine: The Art Of Stand-Up

Imagine: The Art Of Stand-Up

  • TV documentary
  • BBC One
  • 2011
  • 2 episodes (1 series)

Two-part special in the Imagine arts strand investigating the world of stand-up comedy. Features Alan Yentob, Billy Connolly, Jack Dee, Omid Djalili, Frank Skinner and more.

Press clippings

Spotting that there is no more solipsistic a profession than that of the standup comedian, Alan Yentob sets out to interview them, from Jimmy Carr to Jackie Mason, in this two-part Imagine. There are some interesting juxtapositions; a segment on Simon Amstell's deconstructionist comedy rubs up against Jim Davidson's limp attempts to legitimise a back catalogue of bigotry. Yet it's difficult to shake the suspicion that Yentob and co have overstretched themselves; the sheer number of comics gives the show a baggy, unfocused feel.

Gwilym Mumford, The Guardian, 19th December 2011

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