If it gets a laugh - it works. If it doesn't, it doesn't.

by KeyBrilliant2666 2 days ago

People don't want to hear a funny rehearse speech anymore. Personally, I love classic standup. But my friends have favorite comedians they haven't even seen the specials of, they just watch them on podcasts. They prefer listening to people off the cuff, where I want to see their best hour of jokes. The tilt towards crowd work is stand up trying to keep itself alive while the general audience cares for it less and less.

by Anonymous 2 days ago

The stereotype is using bad crowd work as a cliche of the bad generic stand up comedian. Good crowdwork is basically being able to improv with people you have no control over and still hold the room and keep people entertained. I won't say it's the "highest" level, bc different styles are of comedy are just different. But definitely not a low form in any way...

by Anonymous 2 days ago

Homie doesn't understand improv.

by Wledner 2 days ago

That's BAD crowdwork. Good crowdwork can definitely be a part of a good routine. Good comics can use it to alter the mood, change directions, or throw the crowd off a long set up. Done successfully, it's also an impressive display of wit, I don't begrudge a professional who uses a little crowdwork, especially if they're good at tying it into their set.

by aliza31 2 days ago

I agree. I like setups and punchlines. The only person i find crowd work entertaining from is Stavros or when it randomly happens.

by mohrrosemary 2 days ago

You've just described Paul Smiths (UK) entire act

by Anonymous 2 days ago

Like when Rickles was doing it every night?

by Suitable-Ebb 2 days ago