Second Late, Late Show appearance

July 2012

More Matt Kirshen videos

Original Review:

Two things are obvious the moment Matt Kirshen takes to the stage, First, that he appears shockingly young; second that he has a permanently beaming rictus grin that makes The Joker look positively moody.

Both have provided him with plenty of comic fodder. Indeed, the set that first introduced him to the circuit four years ago was substantially based on his appearance, full of references to the fun he could have fooling paedophiles.

It may be a slightly obvious tack to take, but what set this routine apart – and what has defined all Kirshen’s work since – is the dogged determination to wring every possible gag out of an idea, advancing each one way beyond the point at which most comics would have stopped. He’s the King of the Tagline, for his skill at adding jokes upon jokes.

Nowadays he increasingly applies that comic rigour outwardly, rather than just to himself, with witty anecdotes and smart commentary about vaguely topical issues.

Bad science of the type peddled by bogus ‘doctor’ Gillian McKeith and a legion of other modern-day quacks might initially seem like an easy target, but Kirshen nails it not only with the perfect line, but several follow-ups, as his pernickety, analytical mind goes into outraged overdrive.

Such sharp writing – intelligent, but with the emphasis firmly on the funny rather than the clever – stands him in excellent stead, and ensures a fine punchline-packed set.

Skip to page: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

He is fantastic and I think I have fallen in love with him. He is beautiful.

Claire, March 2020

Very smug, no one found him as funny as he found himself. Also been using the same material for soooo long!

Mark, October 2012

Really good.

William Frost, April 2010

Terrible! you'd get better laughs out of a rock!

MOB, October 2009

Saw him tonight and slightly spoilt by sychophantic laughter from one or two audience members/friends. Some good material but lacked the charisma to carry it off.

jg, July 2009

Absolutely woeful last night in Derby

Kev Clarke, June 2009

Saw last night at charity gig. Was one of the best performers on the bill and handled the most bizarre heckle amazingly!

Chris, June 2008

Saw him last night, and he was truly woeful. Not as funny or as clever as he clearly thinks he is, and quite smug with it. Cannot handle hecklers at all, and totally lost it when he was heckled. If Last Comic Standing is the Pop Idol of the comedy world, I think we've found our Gareth Gates.

Shona, May 2008

Skip to page: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5