Jack sees irony in American humour

HERE in Blighty we used to be renowned as the kings of it but

believes that we are fast losing our sense of irony, so much so that the comedian reckons Americans have now become far more au fait with it than we are.

“It is harder to convince people that if you say something unappealing, you’re being ironic,” the 55-year-old tells Radio Times. “I grew up being told that Americans don’t get irony. I think they’re masters of irony compared to what we do.”

He goes on to suggest certain US comedies and comedians now seem to have gained a better grasp of it. “If you watch The Simpsons, Family Guy or so many comedians – they’re so good at saying one thing, believing another and getting the audience to follow. We’re losing that.” Meanwhile, the man behind upcoming ITV sitcom Bad Move, which he also co-writes, clearly isn’t a fan of the younger generation of comics feeling the need to project their – normally Left-wing – political persuasions into their acts.

He adds: “It seems to be an imperative that you show your colours and stand up for your side, which is usually the Left. Instinctively, I want comedians to be independent of all of that.

“I don’t want them to be hailing a new type of government. I’ve always thought it was my job to question all of it.”