The Best Stand Up Comedians to Improve Your English
Hi guys!
In today’s post we are going to be taking a look at which stand comedians can help you to improve your English!
Stand up comedy can be an excellent way of learning new vocabulary and getting used to the way people talk when they are speaking colloquially. It can also be a great way to learn new cultural insights from around the world.
A word of warning: this post is mainly directed at more advanced levels (B2/C1/C2) as it can be quite challenging to keep up with a stand up comedy. If you are a lower level you may want to try watching short youtube video clips before trying to watch an entire hour + long stand up show.
In today’s post we are going to be taking a look at some of the best English speaking stand up comedians.
1. Billy Connolly
One of the UK’s most famous stand up comedians. Born in Glasgow, Billy Connolly originally wanted to become a folk singer, even singing in a group with Gerry Rafferty! In the 1970s however, Connolly turned his attention to stand up comedy.
In addition to his stand up shows, Connolly has also appeared in numerous films including Pocahontas and The Hobbit.
Connolly is known for his relatable and often improvised comedy. He tends to use a lot of swearwords in his shows and will often discuss controversial topics such as: religion and sex.
Recommended Viewing:
- Billy and Albert
- Billy Connolly Live 1991
- Billy Connolly Live 1994
2. Hannah Gadsby
One of the best comedians to come out of Australia in recent years. She rose to prominence after winning the national final of the Raw Comedy festival in 2006.
Gadsby normally focuses on topics such as LGBTQ rights along with her own personal issues.
Recommended Viewing:
- Douglas
- Nannette
3. Tommy Cooper
Tommy Cooper was a prop comedian who mixed comedy and magic in his shows. Cooper is perfect for students who struggle to follow long monologues as his jokes are more visual.
Cooper was distinctive for his large size and red fez which he wore whenever he was performing.
Tragically Cooper died of a heart attack while on stage performing in 1984.
Recommended Viewing:
- Feztifal of fun with Tommy Cooper.
- Just Like That
4. John Mulaney
John Mulaney is best known as a stand up comedian, however he has also appeared as a voice actor in Netflix’s Big Mouth.
Mulaney is known for his storytelling style. His comedy often focusses on day to day life.
Recommended Viewing
- Kid Gorgeous
- The Comeback Kid
5. Hannibal Buress
Hannibal Burress has been performing stand up since 2002 and in this time has become one of the USA’s most well respected stand up comedians.
Buress is particularly well known for bringing attention to the allegations of sexual assault made against Bill Cosby by numerous women in 2014.
Recommended Viewing
- Animal Furnace
- Live From Chicago
6. Aziz Ansari
You may recognize Aziz Ansari from his work in Parks & Recreation and Master of None but Ansari is also a brilliant stand up comedian.
Ansari’s comedy usually focusses on his personal life, often discussing his love life.
Recommended Viewing
- Right Now
- Live at Madison Square Garden
