In this studio, I want to create a distinction between the web series and standup as forms of comedic expression.  This is primarily because I don’t want us to approach a comedy web series as simply just a platform to groom comedic talent (for example, Andy Samberg), and instead explore its potential as a form for storytelling.

I just wanted to make that point before looking at Stewart Lee – one of my favourite comedians – as he is such a notable figure in standup comedy for many reasons, which I’ll go into briefly here.  So I’m not interested in what he does because it’s the same as what we’re doing, rather I want to borrow aspects of his practice and see how we can apply it to our own.

Lee is an excellent starting point for anyone wanting to delve deeper into the comedic art form; he is a very established writer, has an incredible historical and cultural knowledge of comedy (and art generally), and his own comedic work is in many ways a deconstruction of comedy – highlighting conventions, industrial gripes and audience expectations self-reflexively throughout his shows.  Adding to this, he is brilliantly insightful, well-read and articulate, which creates a very immersive experience for his audience.

I’m writing this in the context of Lee’s talk ‘On Not Writing’ for Oxford University, available online here:

While not a comedy performance, it is lined with Lee’s analytical wit that his fans will have become accustomed to (so don’t expect it to be funny, but it is at times).  One perspective that you will identify throughout discussions involving Lee is an aversion toward online culture, and the way the internet is adversely affecting his predominant mode of expression; standup comedy.  Lee is known to lament the rampant slander that emerges from the veil of anonymity, or the ‘keyboard warrior’ mentality as it’s often referred to.  In presenting this argument Lee certainly meets his critics, often seen to be dismissing the ‘weird and the wonderful’ humour that online engagement can conjure. (Scott, 2011)

While there might be objection to Lee’s perspective, it certainly can’t be attributed to naivety on his part.  Instead of settling for dismissive resentment, Lee actually integrates this grievance into his act, using comments written about him online as part of his show.  This exemplifies his measured approach to the modern day audience; in ‘On Not Writing’ Lee mentions how he tries to make the audience feel part of the process (21:30), a mood which he creates through the impression of ‘spontaneous dialogue’ (17:15) and delivering bits that ‘should sound as if (they haven’t) been written’ (6:40).

I think this is a great approach to take in the creation of our web series; dialogue should feel spontaneous, not rehearsed, possibly taking on a clumsy and even amateur quality.  This gives us some insight into audience expectations online; people want to feel ‘part of the process’, not as if they’re being spoon-fed conventional content.  Be bold, be daring, and make your audience work for their laughs.