USA Breakthrough Opportunity for Al Murray : Pub Landlord.

Not much comedy news pops up that's easily understood without having developed a long and detailed knowledge of it or the context for it, and since there isn't much online discussion concerning upcoming DVD releases of British Comedy that extends into such explanations either, I will take my opportunities in the more major stories to introduce a few acts that are well established and make this my recommendation of their work too.

Here's the next one then, Al Murray (Pub Landlord) is a parody of a stereotype - a xenophobic, small-minded, nationalistic, sexist, beer-swilling, 'mans man'. the job of Landlord attracts a range of very strong male character types, the kind of man who likes the dominance of the male presence in Pubs but can reluctantly cope with the ladies too, and although it's in flux or disappearing, people like this still exist but have increasingly become a laughing stock - hence the intentional opportunity you have here. The act itself originates in 1994, with the first national tour occuring during the last few years, and Murray has been nominated several times for the Perrier Comedy Award (and won it once) as well as having had his own UK sitcom, quiz show, and special appearance shows too. Very popular, he certainly is, and very funny.

This is a laugh at him opportunity, not a laugh with him opportunity. Al Murray does lengthy tours into which he switches between a huge array of material, improvisation and heavy audience interaction. Yes, it's one of those 'don't buy seats in the first ten rows' kind of shows, unless you're sadisticly inclined. Now I think there's a good chance of you getting a little sense of what's on offer, the latest news is that Al Murray has landed a USA pilot with Fox called 'Union Jackass', to be written by Dan O'Keefe (Seinfeld), and this could give Murray the rare opportunity to make a name outside the UK, with an act which is very British. You can also see Al Murray play Harry Hill's "Big Brother Alan" when his original series appear on R2 UK DVD during the Summer of 2006. Get in while you can then. [Source : Chortle]

'Al Murray' Official Site. Not in any way safe for work, contain some lengthy clips.
'Al Murray' Profile at Chortle, alternative Profile at BBC Comedy Guide.
'Al Murray' Tour Review at Comedy Online.

'Al Murray : My Gaff, My Rules' Live 2003 R2 UK DVD at Amazon.co.uk [Direct Link].
'Al Murray : Glass of White Wine for the Lady' Live 2004 R2 UK DVD at Amazon.co.uk [Direct Link].
'Al Murray : Giving It Both Barrels' Live 2005 R2 UK DVD at Amazon.co.uk [Direct Link].