Beyond a Joke, By Bruce Dessau

 

Boyd Tonkin
Tuesday 21 August 2012 06:24 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Good stories, like good jokes, never tire. Miserable jester consults doctor. Medic: "Cheer yourself up! Go and see the hilarious clown Grock!" Funny man: "Doctor, I am Grock".

A salty melange of tabloid gossip and shrewd analysis, comedy critic Dessau's book about the dark side of stand-up plays many variations on its theme: "the excessive, depressive clown".

Buy this book from the Independent bookshop

His juiciest subjects do stick to the script, from Hancock and Cook to Brand. Its sporadic vulgarity leavened by wit and insight, the book mirrors the mood of a late-night gig.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in