Early into my career as a stand-up comedian, I won a competition for new comics. The previous year the prize was £1,000, a serious chunk of change for someone who at that point was lucky to get petrol money for a gig. Naturally, the year I won, the cash prize was abolished and replaced with a consolation 2-hour private comedy lesson with an industry expert.
Humour is essential to survival, keeping sane and eventually gathering courage when we find ourselves under oppression. During the anti-communist dissident times at least 15 minutes of every underground meeting was spent sharing new jokes. And they were excellent jokes. After the end of communism, jokes disappeared to reappear during the Covid era. Make of that what you will. The point remains - the best humour is underpinned by conviction, humanity and courage to see the world for what it is.
Really enjoyed watching you on QT. The BBC should invite you onto Have I Got News For You. Giles Coren said in the Sunday Times recently that it's something like £20k for an appearance. He might have been joking, but still, would be good to see you (or Francis) on that.
Well done KK, you may have felt like things were stopping working, but you came over well. You contribution was extremely important. Best wishes from NZ.
Thank God for comedians like you, Konstantin. I agree that this is what comedy should have the ability to do rather than playing it safe, looking for shallow laughs on approved topics rather than the involuntary, heartfelt laughter that springs from a recognition of a deep truth that’s been revealed in the comedy.
Really interesting to get an insight in the QT experience. Keep up the good work!
I have been watching you and Francis on Triggernometry for a couple of years. But not familiar with your comedy acts. However your political and cultural analyses are brilliant. Makes me feel like I am a part of a small select group with you guys.
An enjoyable read, you are just as funny in print; made my day. Loved the video clips comedy compilation too. Gave me a good laugh over breakfast, great start to my day. Thank you Konstantin 😘
Question for you (maybe for a video?) - You said in an interview that your father's job was "making vaccines and working with viruses on the Soviet biological program." Maybe you can shed light on the Soviet-era labs in Ukraine that are now the focus of Russian propaganda?
Also - just out of curiosity - how accurate is Biohazard by Ken Alibek?
I'm so old I can remember when comedy shows kicked out at the establishment rather than kicking out at detractors of the establishment.
I still rely on a early comment on modern comedy I heard.... when the applause outweighs the laughter. Your not a comedian but just parroting the script and ticking the right boxes for the audience.
Humour is essential to survival, keeping sane and eventually gathering courage when we find ourselves under oppression. During the anti-communist dissident times at least 15 minutes of every underground meeting was spent sharing new jokes. And they were excellent jokes. After the end of communism, jokes disappeared to reappear during the Covid era. Make of that what you will. The point remains - the best humour is underpinned by conviction, humanity and courage to see the world for what it is.
The way things are going, petrol money will be the better prize.
Really enjoyed watching you on QT. The BBC should invite you onto Have I Got News For You. Giles Coren said in the Sunday Times recently that it's something like £20k for an appearance. He might have been joking, but still, would be good to see you (or Francis) on that.
Well done KK, you may have felt like things were stopping working, but you came over well. You contribution was extremely important. Best wishes from NZ.
Nice little journey you took us on there Konstantin, thank you. I think it might have been Iain McGilchrist who said:
"Laughter is the sound of understanding"
I found the whole covid seating etc on QT genuinely baffling. This show is supposed to be about current events, not paranoia based firmly in 2020.
Thank God for comedians like you, Konstantin. I agree that this is what comedy should have the ability to do rather than playing it safe, looking for shallow laughs on approved topics rather than the involuntary, heartfelt laughter that springs from a recognition of a deep truth that’s been revealed in the comedy.
Really interesting to get an insight in the QT experience. Keep up the good work!
I have been watching you and Francis on Triggernometry for a couple of years. But not familiar with your comedy acts. However your political and cultural analyses are brilliant. Makes me feel like I am a part of a small select group with you guys.
You were very good on QT but that stand up clip is incredible..so well constructed.
Loved your contribution to Question time . I thought you were brilliant
An enjoyable read, you are just as funny in print; made my day. Loved the video clips comedy compilation too. Gave me a good laugh over breakfast, great start to my day. Thank you Konstantin 😘
Dominos?
That's unsettled me more than anything else you've written.
The sneering media elite give you ... Dominos pizza?
You would have thought that Francis would have been happy with Pizza. Pizza, Pasta, Pizza, Pasta
What's the question that isn't broadcast!?
It's usually not very important. On my show it was about broadband infrastructure in Norwich ;)
Was Alan Partridge in charge that day!
Question for you (maybe for a video?) - You said in an interview that your father's job was "making vaccines and working with viruses on the Soviet biological program." Maybe you can shed light on the Soviet-era labs in Ukraine that are now the focus of Russian propaganda?
Also - just out of curiosity - how accurate is Biohazard by Ken Alibek?
I'm so old I can remember when comedy shows kicked out at the establishment rather than kicking out at detractors of the establishment.
I still rely on a early comment on modern comedy I heard.... when the applause outweighs the laughter. Your not a comedian but just parroting the script and ticking the right boxes for the audience.
Thanks for your work