Page 26 - Katherine Ryan press pack 2015-20

Chris Rock

Tamborine Netflix

Rock’s first special for a decade includes some bitter ramblings of a recently divorced
dad (“Housewives are the most gangster motherfuckers”), but also his trademark
insight into American racism – updated for the Trump era – plus an introspective
vulnerability that’s all new.
Best bit: “Bad apple? That’s a lovely name for murderer.” EEJ

Comedians of the World Netflix

This globetrotting strand showcases 47 comics from more than a dozen territories
performing polished half-hours in their native language (roughly half are in English).
UK/US talent includes sly satirist Nish Kumar and saucy Nailed It! host Nicole Byer,
but venturing further afield reveals the irks and quirks that animate standups from
Brazil, India, the Middle East and more.
Best bit: Iranian-German comic Enissa Amani biting the hand that feeds by
slagging off sub-par Netflix subtitles. GV

Dave Chappelle

Equanimity & The Bird Revelation Netflix

It’s true, late-era Chappelle is sometimes guilty of lazy provocation, but a comic of his
skill always entertains. Even the way he puffs on an e-cig between punchlines is
funnier than most standups on their best night.
Best bit: “It’s easier to ruin an orgy than you think. All you gotta do is wait for it to
get kind of quiet and then go: ‘Eww.’” EEJ

Doug Stanhope

No Place Like Home NextUp

One of comedy’s most uncomfortable watches broadcasts from his home town of
Bisbee, Arizona, with off-colour, orthodoxy-baiting material on global poverty,
mental health and beheading videos. Often brilliant, often hard to stomach.
Best bit: “Isis is using social media to recruit disenfranchised, angry youth. And
that’s what I do! That’s my demographic!” BL

Eddie Murphy

Raw Amazon Prime

It’s still the highest-grossing standup film of all time, but Murphy has admitted parts
of his 1987 special now make him cringe. The homophobic slurs have certainly dated,
although Raw’s Cosby mockery seems prescient. And the purple leather outfit?
Timeless.
Best bit: Murphy’s impression of his stepfather angrily misremembering Motown
lyrics must be appreciated in full. EEJ