A History Of Comedy In Several Objects

HistComPod has hit the BIG THREE-OH! Yes, it’s episode 30, and we’re celebrating by picking out our most iconic comedy object yet! What is it? It’s only TOMMY COOPER’S FEZ, that’s what it is! This piece of comedic headgear was given to the cartoonist Giles, and now resides in the British Cartoon Archive. So we use this episode to discuss connections between comedians and cartoonists, going right back to Dan Leno’s Comic Journal in the late 19th Century. We also look at some relevant objects from the British Stand-Up Comedy Archive, including a copy of The Dandy featuring a Harry Hill comic strip, and a storyboard for Harry’s TV work. Why not follow us on Facebook or Twitter @HistComPod? And maybe leave us a 5 star review on iTunes?

Welcome back for another wander down Archive Lane in the fourth episode of A History Of Comedy In Several Objects. In this episode, we great to grips with comedians’ set lists, whilst exploring how scripts and prompts are used in stand-up. We see some influential great comedians’ archived materials, including Josie Long's spider diagrams, Linda Smith's notes and of course, Robin Ince's postcards. We also feature exclusive clips from Andy De La Tour and Linda Smith. Don't forget to get involved!

Just about in time to catch the end of Black History Month, this episode’s object from the British Stand-Up Comedy Archive is an interview from 1990 with the late, great pioneer of black British stand-up, Felix Dexter. We place this in context by talking to two very different comedians – Ray Campbell performed as Buddy Hell on the 1980s alternative cabaret circuit, and John Simmit set up the mighty Upfront Comedy Club, helping to build the black British comedy scene for well over two decades. Both talk about their own experiences as black British stand-ups, and working with Felix, giving their impressions of him both as a comedian and as a person. Plus we might just have squeezed in a question for John about being in Teletubbies. If you like this podcast, please tell your friends, share on social media, and leave us a 5* review on iTunes.

Vworp! Vworp! Get into the TARDIS for the latest time-travelling episode of HistComPod! This time, your hosts Olly and Elspeth welcome on board BRUCE DESSAU, the comedy critic from the Evening Standard and his own Beyond the Joke website. Together they go back to 1981 to examine a review of the Comic Strip written by Charles Spencer, and discuss the role of the comedy critic, how it has changed in the last 36 years and how comedy relates to both theatre and live music. So grab your sonic screwdriver, whistle K9 and heed the Cloister Bell, as you get ready for another intergalactic archive-based adventure! But before doing so, please subscribe and review us on iTunes and follow us on social media (@HistComPod).

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Jury, we are here for the case of A History Of Comedy in Several Objects versus the concept of boredom. The Prosecution (Dr Oliver Double and Elspeth Millar) will present the case of "Peter Grahame's Diary 1986". They will discuss their main evidence – the bookings diary for Downstairs at the King’s Head, one of the UK’s oldest comedy clubs. In the course of doing so, they’ll the wider context of the comedians and comedy scene of the 1980s. ORDER IN THE COURT! Olly and Elspeth interview Peter and hear about his fascinating and unique outlook on the industry and how it is changing. Do not be GUILTY of not giving us 5 Stars on iTunes (or it's a life sentence for you!).