It's A Funny Old World.

After looking at the Charlie Hebdo cartoons and reporting that I didn't find them funny, this got me thinking. Me and thinking are usually best kept apart, but I did wonder just how different humour is around the world.

I didn't find the Charlie Hebdo cartoons shocking, or morally upsetting. I think there is very little that would do either of those things to me, but they were more like something a playground bully would say to taunt one of their victims. That's the problem with humour, it's like all art forms: it's very subjective. And before any of you art snobs scoff at the idea that comedy is an art form, have a go at stand up, then let me know how you got on!

I don't think that humour travels that well, except for slapstick. This is why programmes such as 'You've Been Framed' are sold all over the world: it appeals everywhere. I don't get American sitcoms, if I'm honest. I don't like British Sitcoms either. But I used to love "The Simpsons" and I love "Family Guy". Then I found out that most of the writers were British for both these programs.

When I have worked in Germany I have seen so-called comedy shows that were anything but! Having said this, the German people thought they were the funniest things on TV. Japanese comedy is all about sado-masochism as far as I can see, and you would have to be Japanese to find them funny.

I think that the Irish are naturally funny. Sit in an Irish bar for one evening and the craic is always good, before the arguments start. They have a wonderful way with language. I might think this because I have Irish family, I don't know. I also have Italian family and they are not funny!

So what is it that makes different countries find such different things funny? Why are some countries vicious while trying to make you laugh, where others are more subtle? I write and perform comedy on a daily basis. Whether its funny or not is not up to me to decide (there's something wrong with you if you don't like it, though!). I have had a thought. It would be wonderful, in the wake of the Charlie Hebdo massacre, for comedians, writers and actors from all over the world to get together and write the ultimate sitcom that lets us all poke fun at our differences. We could merge different styles of comedy from each country so there would be something for everyone to enjoy. Forget about who may be offended, and think about who will be happy.

After the things that have happened of late, and are still happening now around the world, why don't we use the legacy of Charlie Hebdo and create a world comedy without the sugary rubbish, but with cutting, funny satirical material written about people by people from all over the world. I even have a title:
                
Je Sius Drole!