It’d be great if first joke from Friday nightap set at could be printed here in full, but it’d result in a lot of angry comments, some from people seriously offended, a few from others upset they missed a stand up act using “untouchable” subjects as matter-of-fact source material and doing it so funny.
Stanhope has attained an almost mythic status on an international level for his “nothing is sacred” (particularly himself) style of stand-up. Since he abandoned the comedy club circuit to be able to say what he wants, everyone in the audience at his shows now knows what they’re in for. Although, back in the day, people walking out of his shows, some storming out, (Stanhope’s 2007 DVD was titled “No Refunds”) were just something else for Stanhope to ridicule. Now, Stanhope ridicules his own fans (“You dressed for a Jimmy Buffet concert”).
Since Stanhope’s fiercely loyal audience is fueled by drugs and alcohol, like Stanhope himself, the jam-packed room was probably having a good time even before the show started. Two local comics (disclosure: both are friends or acquaintances or something), and bravely faced Stanhope’s crowd and represented Denver comedy very well.
Along with the unprintable opening joke, Stanhope started his hour-plus set with jokes about children and people who have kids. (“Have you ever thought of registering as a sex offender just so people can’t bring their kids to your house?”). He compared the latest attempt to get Americans to embrace soccer to Jehovah Witnesses in a small town, unsuccessfully proselytizing the same houses over and over.
Politics didn’t occupy as much of the show as in previous visits. He mentioned Obama’s election: “He got elected. So what? My life still sucks.” He talked about Europeans judging American politics, (“Letap talk about your politics.”) noting that many of the countries he performs in still have kings and queens: “How cool can the Netherlands (really) be with royalty?” and the UK, “Is this a country or a Renaissance Festival?”
Still, America was his chief target: “We live in a country where people drive with a crucifix AND a GPS system on their dashboards.” He pointed out how ugly people face the most discrimination, even though they’re in the majority. No Stanhope show would be complete without discussing drugs, alcohol, sex and pornography. However, despite being well-worn-out topics for many comedians, Stanhope delivers a fresh take on each. Wish some were printable here.
Itap here where many Stanhope reviewers trot out the $20 words and/or nominate Stanhope for sainthood. Stanhope certainly deserves the adulation he’s received. Doing what he does isn’t easy or there’d be a lot of Stanhope clones. Whatap amazing is how he makes it look easy and does it all under the influence of God knows what. Hypertheorize all you want about his act, the bottom line is itap funny, first and foremost.
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Mike Long is a Longmont-based writer and comedian and a regular contributor to Reverb.
Michael McGrath is a Denver area photographer. His work is available at . Visit .
