Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 06 May 08 - 09:06 PM

Well, I saw this Duck guy do "Dueling Banjos" with a banjo and a kazoo...

It was one of the high points of my visit to Whitby.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 06 May 08 - 08:42 PM

100 just to be boring !

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Michael
Date: 06 May 08 - 08:01 AM

Guest, Barney Stone: I was just reading this thread thinking 'When I get to the bottom I'll put in my two pennorth for John Tams and there he was.
Saw him & Barry Coope at Moor & Coast this weekend, his warmth and humour are amazing.

Mike

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Mr Happy
Date: 06 May 08 - 07:30 AM

Dr Sunshine is also appearing at Chester Folk Festival ay Whit in his other incarnation as Dave Hunt http://www.chesterfolk.org.uk/festhome.htm

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: GUEST,Rupert
Date: 06 May 08 - 07:04 AM

Dave Gibb has a rather humerous view of life.

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: GUEST,Barney Stone
Date: 05 May 08 - 02:07 AM

Not forgeting John Tams of course. Hardly a comedian but a man that has a wicked sense of humour and tells a fabulous anecdote. The other would be Doug Hudson. Haven't seen him live now in years but his solo shows were great. I particularly remember his song Sing Like Bob Dylan. A classic of its time.

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: GUEST,Captain Swing
Date: 04 May 08 - 07:44 PM

Walkaboutsverse !

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: The Sandman
Date: 04 May 08 - 06:06 PM

john foreman.

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 04 May 08 - 07:07 AM

Dr Sunshine are (is) at Southwell this year. I believe. I don't know whether its the old pavement show gig, or something new. He was in small letters on the reverse side of the handbill with Bill Caddick.

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: GUEST
Date: 04 May 08 - 06:19 AM

The sadly missed Joe Scurfield and the Old Ropes for me. Incomparable.
But the New Ropes are doing a fine fine job.
Don't miss them if they're near you

http://www.newropestringband.co.uk/

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Mr Happy
Date: 04 May 08 - 05:58 AM

WLD,

Cosmotheka, ditto

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 04 May 08 - 05:38 AM

Tony Capstick in my book was a great singer, and some of that was because he was a great comedian. He could put such personality into a song like John Blunt. All the hesitations - all the spoken and half sung words. It was a sort of poetry - it weaved a spell.

I can understand Richard's point, but some people just have a great way with a funny song. Its a skill, part of the way we English use language - and though it may not fit your narrow definition - it is a folk art, and one we should be glad we have it.

Think of Derek Brimsone singing Jeremy Taylor's Young Paul or George Formby. What Formby did - must reach back centuries - its so English, so Lancashire.

Cosmotheka were, to my mind, one of the best acts on the folkscene ever. I miss them terribly.

I saw Mr Gladstone's Bag, and they didn't really excite me as much as Cosmotheka - but they were pretty sharp - they had their shit together.

Anyway I like someone who can do a funny song. Bernard Wrigley is great, and its not just material. Its almost exclusively skill. Your heart plummets when a floorsinger gets up and attempts The Mole Catcher. But when Bernard gets out the bass concertina and looks down and says, this covers a multitude of sins! Gets me every time.

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Mr Happy
Date: 04 May 08 - 04:36 AM

Hard to catch us breath laffing so much at Dr Sunshine & Professor Wingnut, many moons ago!

Caught a glimpse've the good doctor of mirth at the Shrewsbury Stewards partly last weak end, absolutely spiffing!

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: glueman
Date: 04 May 08 - 04:16 AM

"Who cares? Wit is an adjunct. We should judge folk musicians on the quality of their folk music."

I promise not to make a habit of this but find myself in agreement with Herr Bridge. What has folk, even my sloppy backsliding definition of the genre got to do with comedy? A few comics came through the folk club circuit in the 60s and 70s for no better reason than that's where people who didn't go to the Palais or Cinderella Rockerfellas went. Even Victoria Wood who has written some truly brilliant stuff like Dinner Ladies makes me want to take a piece of four by two to her when she sits at that piano. I don't get wry ditties and satirical songs, nor by the watching figures do the rest of the nation.
Sing a great song well or tell jokes.

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 03 May 08 - 07:47 PM

A couple of blokes who play with us in the pub of a Friday night. You won't know their names anyway but bejaysus they are funnier, wittier and more warm-hearted than most of the paid dudes I've encountered.

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: cptsnapper
Date: 03 May 08 - 03:15 PM

I used to like The Pigsty Hill Light Orchestra as well as Maxi & Mitch

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: GUEST,The Mole Catcher's unplugged Apprentice
Date: 03 May 08 - 01:32 PM

"Who cares? Wit is an adjunct. We should judge folk musicians on the quality of their folk music."

How typical...darkly non-humourous as I've long suspected. It's the overall performance rather than the individual parts that's important, music, humour, audience approach. yeesh!

Charlotte R

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: GUEST,Rambling Syd Rumpo
Date: 03 May 08 - 01:19 PM

Good King Boroslav looked out,
On a feast of grungers,
Saw them whirdling 'round about,
Armed with rubber plungers.



Brightly shone their moolies then,
With their possetts glowing.
He knew not from whence they came,
But 'e knew where they were going!

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Acorn4
Date: 03 May 08 - 01:10 PM

In a more modren context, agree with previous posters that Les Barker and Keith Donnelly together take some beating. Love the line:-

"War is God's way of teaching George.W.Bush Geography".

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Acorn4
Date: 03 May 08 - 01:06 PM

In a former life, I went to a concert in a village hall in Sussex and saw a double billing of Ron Geesin and Jeremy Taylor. That somehow set the bar for me.

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Betsy
Date: 03 May 08 - 12:48 PM

Stan Crowther of Rotherham wrote some really funny stuff, unfortunately for most of us he became an MP so his songs "disappeared".

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: GUEST,Aunt Anastasia
Date: 03 May 08 - 07:26 AM

Obviously the Czeztikov brothers and Gary the amazing psychic goat boy !!!

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: GUEST,Old girl
Date: 15 Oct 07 - 06:30 PM

This has been a trip down memory lane, so many great acts with each one being hard to follow, we had Shep Wolley at our club last Thursday he is still One of my top 10 and I'm looking forward to seeing him again soon

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Susan B
Date: 15 Oct 07 - 02:05 PM

Balshazzar's Feast have the humour AND the great music. I was crying with laughter at Sidmouth, but I think that they reserve the laughs for live performance - their CDs are "just" great music.

That isn't to say that most of the other suggestions aren't great as well - it has been good looking through this thread and thinking 'I must get round to seeing so and so'

Susan B

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: naughtyforty
Date: 15 Oct 07 - 01:14 PM

Yes he did - he even appeared on the credits on one of his TV series!

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Seaking
Date: 15 Oct 07 - 08:13 AM

Jasper...sorry

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Seaking
Date: 15 Oct 07 - 08:04 AM

Didn't Keith Donnelly write for Jaspor Carrot at one time ?

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: nutty
Date: 15 Oct 07 - 08:01 AM

I have to disagree with Betsy with regard to Jasper Carrott.

I payed all of 2 shilling and six pence to see him perform at the Cutty Wren Folk Club in Redcar and came out with ribs that ached for weeks

Absolutely brilliant as a live folk club act - never felt the same about him on the TV.

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: naughtyforty
Date: 15 Oct 07 - 07:10 AM

For me it is definitely Keith Donnelly. His kids show is fantastic - he is brilliant at dealing with the kids comments always coming back with a funny retort. Apparently he can be hired for kids parties now. If only I lived in the Midlands!!!!

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Irene M
Date: 14 Oct 07 - 02:05 PM

Roaring Jelly and Bill Hill, but not at the same time.

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Seaking
Date: 14 Oct 07 - 01:51 PM

I saw The Amazing Mr Smith at Banbury last night, totally brilliant. Followed immediately after by Idiot and Friend, a fantastic line up for one show. Keith Donnelly was in great form, I loved it when he announced the Rugby result in the middle of one of his sketches... 'France - neuf, England - more than eneuf'.

Chris

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 14 Oct 07 - 08:31 AM

Why, Don, they would be comedians of course.

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 14 Oct 07 - 08:26 AM

Show Of Hands.

eric

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: paula t
Date: 14 Oct 07 - 07:05 AM

How about.....

Derek Brimstone,Keith Donnelly,Les Barker,Bernard Wrigley and the amazing Spooky Men's chorale?

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Folkiedave
Date: 14 Oct 07 - 04:38 AM

Couple of nominations for LNF so here is a Chris Sherburn story.

They were at the Rockingham Arms and there was a table on stage with a cup and saucer on which unnoticed by the band gradually moved to the front. Eventually it fell off with a bit of a crash and without missing a note Chris turned to Nick Scott and said " I think that were meant for you Nick".

Genuinely funny and extremely witty. Best Irish-style anglo-concertina player on the planet.

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 13 Oct 07 - 11:37 PM

I totally agree Chris. And he was a pretty damn good musician!

I was talking to Derek on the phone today, and he told me a brilliant joke which I won't steal his thinder by sharing with you - anyway _ I can't tell them like he does!

My phone call also forms the basis of another thread about Derek. Please check it out.

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: GUEST,Chris Newman
Date: 13 Oct 07 - 11:17 PM

The funniest person I ever saw in a folk club situation was Derek Brimstone. I know that he's retired from the general scene - a great shame.

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: TheSnail
Date: 13 Oct 07 - 10:10 PM

GUEST,Dave Usher

Does anyone have email contact information for any of the members of Mr. Gladstone's Bag?

John Watcham is current squire of the Brighton Morris Men.

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: GUEST,OldGit
Date: 13 Oct 07 - 06:46 PM

Dave Turner
Stan Arnold
Where are they now?

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 13 Oct 07 - 06:20 PM

And purveyers of funny songs, Richard?

Where do they fit into your particular world vision?

Don T.

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 13 Oct 07 - 06:07 PM

Who cares? Wit is an adjunct. We should judge folk musicians on the quality of their folk music.

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: GUEST,Dave Usher
Date: 13 Oct 07 - 02:45 PM

Does anyone have email contact information for any of the members of Mr. Gladstone's Bag?

I have some old recordings I made of them at a barn concert in Sidmouth in 1974 that they might want. If anyone else wants an mp3 copy, contact me and I will send it to you.

I am also trying to get the words for "Bakewell Witches" and "My Fiddle Is My Sweetheart", two of the songs they did there. I have most of the words from the recordings, but can't understand all of them. If anyone wants a challenge, perhaps you can help decipher the lyrics from the recording.

As for the Bakewell Witches tune, I am told that nobody in Bakewell knows there was a tune about that event. So it would be a real gift to Bakewell to repatriate their song.

Thank you

David Usher
[e-mail]
St. Louis MO USA
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: melodeonboy
Date: 09 May 07 - 06:01 PM

'ere; nobdy's mentioned Peter Buckley-Hill!

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: breezy
Date: 09 May 07 - 03:53 PM

Jeremy Taylor ?

All those mentioned are always entertaining.

As an 'act' the Old and new rope string bands did it most polished of all.

stan Accrington is very witty

Once there was a Stan Arnold

Vin Garbutt has the right balance of song and patter as could Anthony John Clarke if he put his mind to it !!!

H W and the P come highly recommended,

Sis and Les are an acquired taste whereby you need to be very knowledgeable of the originals

Alex cand Diz and Noel all deserve a mention

Gary and Vera along with Wriggley seldom ventured south, unfortunately

1812 were one of my favourites

Shep Woolley's career has taken a lift since playing the Windward Club and Brimmo can still woo you with his timing.

All in all , not that many, but great fun and its what the folk scene needs.



Did i notice villan creep in here

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: GUEST,Dark Slender Boy
Date: 09 May 07 - 02:17 PM

Obviously, the funniest folk act is Jim Carroll and Pat Mackenzie - a laugh, a song and a fist-fight.

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Brakn
Date: 09 May 07 - 08:52 AM

In a folk club - Accrington Stanley.
On a football pitch - Stanley Accrington.



or the other way round

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: GUEST,Bruce Michael Baillie
Date: 09 May 07 - 12:50 AM

...the Czeztikov Brothers and Gary the Amazing Psychic Dancing Goat Boy!

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Rasener
Date: 09 May 07 - 12:18 AM

Well I have His Worship & The Pig at FL on Saturday. They are funny, so I will let you know how funny.

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: GUEST,Anamika
Date: 08 May 07 - 06:30 PM

But what about these days?

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: GUEST
Date: 03 May 07 - 10:06 AM

"Countess Richard"

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: oggie
Date: 03 May 07 - 05:44 AM

In a folk club I think the best I ever saw was Tony Capstick in the early to mid seventies. He was still basically a singer with a strong set of songs with the comedy running between them rather than a comic who sang. Lovely man.

All the best

Steve

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: The Sandman
Date: 02 May 07 - 05:59 PM

Alex Campbell was.

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: growler
Date: 02 May 07 - 05:12 PM

Anyone seen 'Melodeonboy', AKA shirt murderer. If your around Keny, keep an eye open

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: GUEST,BY ECK
Date: 02 May 07 - 08:59 AM

Definitely Muppett, saw him do a set in Ilkley the other week and he had the audience in stitches, even the bar staff came round to watch him.

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: GUEST,Tunesmith
Date: 30 Apr 07 - 03:41 PM

There's no judgement involved. They just didn't go down well. Billy's attempts at humour fell flat, and Gerry's lack of projection was amazing. And, it wasn't just me who felt like that. That was the concenus of opinion of the gang of people I was with.

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Rasener
Date: 30 Apr 07 - 03:22 PM

WEll that doesn't say much for your judgement then Tunesmith LOL :-)

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: GUEST,Tunesmith
Date: 30 Apr 07 - 07:25 AM

It's funny(!) that Dave Higham should mention The Humblebums( with Billy Connolly) because I saw them supporting Fotheringay( would that be right?), and I remember thinking that they couldn't create any sort of rapport with the audience! Amazinging, when you think that Gerry was a terrific songwriter and Billy went on to be a comedic icon.

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: GUEST,Valmai Goodyear
Date: 30 Apr 07 - 07:04 AM

If you get the chance hear John Joseph of Sussex, but wear a hard hat in case of ballistic onions (from him, not from the audience).

Valmai
(Lewes, Sussex)

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Jeremiah McCaw
Date: 30 Apr 07 - 05:13 AM

". . . and Maxi and Mitch." Haven't seen them on our side of the pond for some years. Loved 'em. Are they still a going concern?

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Dave Higham
Date: 29 Apr 07 - 10:45 AM

I haven't a clue who's funniest now, but I'll tell you who I found to be hilarious between 40 and 20 years ago. The Humblebums (Billy Conolly), Noel Murphy (and 'Shaggis' on banjo, who went on to become Elton John's guitarist), Jake Thackray (a genius), Vin Garbutt, Roaring Jelly, Tony Capstick (much maligned,but when he was on a roll, especially on rare occasions with Dave Burland, he was wonderful and as good a traditional singer as most), Diz Disley, Cosmotheka, Mr Gladstone's Bag (with my hero John Watcham, The best Anglo player on this planet) and Maxi and Mitch. I could go on.

And a few of them are still around.

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: muppitz
Date: 29 Apr 07 - 10:15 AM

Mrs Ackroyd band!!!!!!

muppitz
x

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: GUEST,Keith
Date: 29 Apr 07 - 08:56 AM

John Otway.

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: GUEST,Arnie at work
Date: 29 Apr 07 - 08:54 AM

Anyone seen Flossie Malavialle yet? Her anecdotes of the days she spent teaching English in the N.East, told in her French accent, had the audience in stitches at Deal last year. I recall her saying that she didn't teach the kids so much as stop them from killing each other in school time. Can't wait for her return this year.

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 28 Apr 07 - 04:58 PM

Oh aye - and the Oldham tinkers can still do it.

"We call our dog Grieg"

"Why's that"

"All he does is pee agin't suite..."

:D

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 28 Apr 07 - 04:56 PM

Everytime I stand up to sing anything everyone falls about laughing so I guess it must be me.

But my vote goes for Stanley Accrington and Staff Folk.

Cheers

Dave

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: GUEST,PB
Date: 28 Apr 07 - 02:58 PM

Sorry Sooz miss your mention of His Worship

PB

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: danensis
Date: 28 Apr 07 - 02:33 PM

Many years ago I saw Mike Harding at a theatre in Oldham. He started at half past seven, had a quick break about quarter past nine, and carried on until after eleven. At that stage he went off the side of the stage, negotiated with the caretaker, and said that if we promised to get out quick he could do another half an hour. We never stopped laughing from the moment he started till we left at the end. In that time I doubt he did more than half a dozen songs, the rest was stories.

As for Jasper Carrot, I remember himgetting booed off stage at St George's Hall in Liverpool 'cos the audience were waiting for Harvey Andrews. When I saw Carrot twenty years later he was still doing the same "letters to Insurance companies" gags that he was then.

John

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: GUEST,PB
Date: 28 Apr 07 - 01:36 PM

Noticed Fred Wedlock - we did support for him at Lancaster and yes he is one funny (and nice) Guy, everyone at the concert left the hall with a smile and to reiterate a quote once made about us and apply it to Fred's Concert "There wasn't a dry seat in the house"

Also *I've not seen mentioned yet, but well worth a mention, not only for their funnyness but great songwriting abilities - His Worship and the Pig. (*they have now)

PB

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Bugsy
Date: 27 Apr 07 - 09:26 PM

Derek Brimstone or Steve Womack.

Two Comedy Jewels!

Cheers


Bugsy

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Sooz
Date: 27 Apr 07 - 02:32 PM

Mrs Ackroyd Band, His Worship and the Pig, Bernard Wrigley.....

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Apr 07 - 08:47 AM

Fred Wedlock....seen him a couple of times at Swinton, and he made me laugh so much my ribs hurt!
Regards,
Myrtle.

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Apr 07 - 08:21 AM

Yes, its got to be last night's fun. Chris is a funny guy!

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 27 Apr 07 - 08:20 AM

Gary Aspey without a doubt.

eric

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: GUEST,Tunesmith
Date: 27 Apr 07 - 08:15 AM

I used to love Cosmetheka. I thought their introductions were often much funnier than their classic music hall material.

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Grab
Date: 27 Apr 07 - 06:28 AM

Les Barker is 100% for material but -100% for presentation.

My vote would have been Artisan, except sadly they're not performing together any more.

Show of Hands have some pretty good inter-song banter too, and it generally seems spontaneous, unlike others where it's pre-rehearsed. Cloudstreet (now moved back to Oz, I think) are also good. I'd not say they were funny acts as in presenting comic material though.

Past funny people would have to include Jake Thackray somewhere close to the top of the list.

Graham.

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: concertina ceol
Date: 27 Apr 07 - 05:57 AM

I saw Stanley Accrington & Keith Donnerly at Whitby Folk Week a couple of years ago and they were hilarious. I like Les Barker very much and he is extremely funny but he is not a "folk act" (or is he?). I would have classed him as a "performance poet".

I used to like Sid Kipper (and the Kipper Family) but I think he has gone off the boil slightly in the last couple of years.

As someone else said Chris Sherburn is extremely funny and an amazing concertina player. So two reasons to see Last Night's Fun :-)

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Splott Man
Date: 27 Apr 07 - 05:54 AM

I can't disagree with any of the previous.

How about The Amazing Mr Smith?
In their day, The Pigsty Hill light Orchestra, Gasworks, Cocky, Brownsville Banned, Mechanical Horsetrough.

One of the most naturally funny people I know has got to be Hilary Spencer.

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: gecko
Date: 27 Apr 07 - 05:52 AM

'Last Night's Fun' for pure ad-lib wit and fantastic music!
YIU
gecko

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Betsy
Date: 27 Apr 07 - 02:49 AM

Great question and all good answers.
Garburtt doesn't really qualify as "Funniest Folk Act" as he doesn't purport to be a comic-type act,and you wouldn't(or shouldn't) book him purely as a Funny Act.In fact 99.9% of the songs he sings are serious subject-matter. The fact that his intros and stories are side splitting funny and brilliantly constructed makes him the funniest I've seen. In addition to all the good candidates mentioned above ,let me throw in another talented person - Dr. Bernado Wrigley, and, in their hey-day Mike Harding,Tony Capstick (R.I.P), Mike Elliot were certain to work their magic.
Apparently Jasper Carrot ran his own folk club in the Midlands , but we never saw him in our neck of the woods.

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Apr 07 - 06:40 PM

last nights fun!!!! chris is wetting pants funny

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: GUEST,Edward De Bono
Date: 26 Apr 07 - 06:02 PM

Tone Deaf Leopard are at the ctting edge of new wave comedy - can't be beaten!

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 26 Apr 07 - 04:34 PM

Linda - I think it might have been the audience who were hysterical? And, yes I should have added Vin to the list of performers who have reduced me to tears!

Kitty

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 26 Apr 07 - 04:30 PM

Shep Woolley was hysterical at the Cyril Tawney Celebration.

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: GUEST,Tunesmith
Date: 26 Apr 07 - 04:20 PM

I love Vin Garbut. I saw him last year at the Maghull Day of Folk and he had turned his - not so funny - heart condition and subsequent hospital experiences in to a comedy tour de force. The man's a national treasure!

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 26 Apr 07 - 04:13 PM

Oh dear, how invidious - those already mentioned have all reduced me to tears of laughter, and no-one else's even got round to mentioning His Worship and the Pig yet! (Booked at Herga on 3 December)

Kitty

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: bubblyrat
Date: 26 Apr 07 - 03:49 PM

Sid Kipper gets my vote, although at Miskin in 2005, Shep Wooley was excruciatingly funny. But, as I have said before, and others agreed, nobody could beat Diz Disley, Jon Isherwood & Pat Nelson performing together ( now no longer possible, sadly ).

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Scotus
Date: 26 Apr 07 - 03:44 PM

Although he's no longer exactly a folk act - how about Billy Connolly?

Jack

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Mikefule
Date: 26 Apr 07 - 01:37 PM

I haven't seen enough to nominate a funniest folk act, but Bill Whaley has the best deadpan delivery of any performer I have ever seen, live or recorded. Deadpan humour is one of the hardest sorts to perform.

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: synbyn
Date: 26 Apr 07 - 12:43 PM

The Amazing Bonzo & Doris.......... never forgot!

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Effsee
Date: 26 Apr 07 - 12:29 PM

Vin Garbutt!

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Bernard
Date: 26 Apr 07 - 12:26 PM

Les, Sid, Stanley... can't choose between 'em!

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: MikeofNorthumbria
Date: 26 Apr 07 - 12:17 PM

New Rope String Band.

Wassail!

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 26 Apr 07 - 12:11 PM

Funny ha-ha, or funny peculiar?

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: JennyO
Date: 26 Apr 07 - 12:07 PM

Les Barker for sure. Can't wait till he comes back to Oz again!

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Morticia
Date: 26 Apr 07 - 12:01 PM

Sid Kipper or Les, I can never choose

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Paco Rabanne
Date: 26 Apr 07 - 11:57 AM

Muppet.

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Apr 07 - 11:53 AM

MORRIS   PRANCERS???

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 26 Apr 07 - 11:46 AM

Les Barker does it for me !¬

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: GUEST,Anamika
Date: 26 Apr 07 - 11:43 AM

I haven't had the pleasure of seeing them together - I bet they bring the house down!

Subject: RE: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: concertina ceol
Date: 26 Apr 07 - 11:37 AM

Stanley Accrington and Keith Donnerly (as a joint act).

Subject: Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?
From: GUEST,Anamika
Date: 26 Apr 07 - 11:35 AM

Who is the Funniest Folk Act in the UK?