How’s this for a story: a bilingual Brit moves to Paris and quits his job at Apple after seven years to become a full-time comedian. Even better: his level of French is good enough that he can do an hour-long set; half in English, half in French. And he’s really, really funny. But anyone who’s watched Paul Taylor’s ‘What the Fuck France’ YouTube channel will already know that – his first video, ridiculing the tradition of ‘la bise’ in France, has had over two million views.
Now with a solid following under his belt, the 29-year-old Taylor has an extended run at Sentier des Halles and performs in the ideal comedy cellar to an international crowd. But a little audience participation revealed the majority of the audience to be frogs – unsurprising when most gags are an affectionate form of French-bashing. The man is engaged to a Parisian, after all. Starting with the pitfalls of being a Rosbif with a near perfect French accent, Taylor’s energetic set goes on to cover cultural differences, French administration and subtle linguistic differences, with fresh and hilarious anecdotes. Gags occasionally err on the side of toilet talk but who doesn’t love hearing a Brit talk shit? There are laughs to be had for any expat as he also recounts his time living in Montréal and Madrid.
Making people laugh in one language is hard enough but in two – simultaneously – takes a certain je-ne-sais-quoi. Taylor’s glasses and pint in hand stance all play a part in his stellar comedic timing, as do his oh-so-British expletives. Life as a ‘franglais’ is a niche ripe for humour, and his slick brand of comedy is sure to go down a storm with Anglophones and Francophones alike. Expect to leave wanting more.