Permanently pissed-off misanthrope and ‘Mock the Week’ star Romesh Ranganathan brings his Foster’s Award-nominated show to London this month. He runs us through his ten favourite stand-ups.
See more comedians’ favourite comedians
Bobby Mair
‘He looks like somebody that it’s imperative you keep away from your children. He is rude, dark, offensive and occasionally disgusting, but this disguises a ferociously funny wit. He is raw and unpolished, and that makes him all the more enjoyable.’
Watch a clip of Bobby Mair
© Steve Ullathorne Zoe Lyons
‘Zoe is one of the most prolific comedians I have ever worked with. Every single time I gig with her she has a load of material I haven’t heard before, and it’s never less than excellent. Her last Edinburgh show was a beautifully written hour of funny.’
Watch a clip of Zoe Lyons
Jason Manford
‘It’s easy to overlook how good Jason is. He isn’t rude, he doesn’t have a particular angle, he’s just bloody funny. He’s also incredible on any panel show. His “everyman” persona belies some brilliant gags.’
Watch a clip of Jason Manford
Mike Wilmot
‘This man is just filthy funny. I have only ever seen him blow a room apart. When I first saw Mike, I wanted him to stop talking so that I could catch my breath. Whenever I think I might be getting good, I watch him and remember I’m not funny enough yet.’
Watch a clip of Mike Wilmot
Louis CK
‘CK’s stand-up is honest, low-fi and thrilling, and his TV show is brilliant. I saw his HBO special from when he first started, and it was slick, gaggy and technically excellent. But it wasn’t a patch on the snarling beast he has become.’
Watch a clip of Louis CK
Jack Dee
‘I have watched and laughed my head off at this man since I was a child. He has funny bones, and has a persona that makes almost everything he says a punchline. I could watch him talk about anything. Not in a pervy way.’
Watch a clip of Jack Dee
Katherine Ryan
‘Katherine is on her way to becoming a huge name and deservedly so. She has brilliantly unique angles on everything she talks about, and frequently does routines that make me wish I had thought of them.’
Watch a clip of Katherine Ryan
Dave Chappelle
‘Chappelle is dripping in natural talent. He was built to do comedy. His voice and physicality are perfect for stand up – although he has bulked-up recently, which is a shame, as fit isn’t funny. His enigmatic behaviour also feeds the appeal.’
Watch a clip of Dave Chappelle
Seann Walsh
‘He’s a mate, so I’m biased, but Seann is one of the most naturally talented comedians I have ever seen or met. He has an instinctive understanding of comedy, and makes audiences respond at a level I hadn’t previously thought possible. Pity he’s such an insufferable twat.’
Watch a clip of Seann Walsh
© Koury Angelo Bill Burr
‘One of, if not the, best in the world right now. Bill Burr is probably the only comedian who I can’t figure out: I can’t see the jokes, or work out the mechanics of what he’s doing. I laugh at him even when I fundamentally disagree with what he is saying. His podcast is also consistently hilarious – he generates an hour of comedy every week online that’s better than what I came up with over the whole of last year.’
Watch a clip of Bill Burr
Romesh Ranganathan’s top ten stand-up comedians
The 2014 Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee reveals his favourite comics
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