'He's a comic with a toolbelt and not a single loop is empty' | Morgan Rees picks his comedy favourites

'He's a comic with a toolbelt and not a single loop is empty'

Morgan Rees picks his comedy favourites

Edinburgh Fringe comedian Morgan Rees shares his Perfect Playlist.

30 Rock

This show and Tina Fey are the reasons I took writing seriously. Each episode is just 20 minutes of fast and propelling plot, ingenious characters and conflicts, and laden with superb jokes.

In my opinion, Jack Donaghy is one of the greatest comedy creations out there. He steals every scene, and i'm drunk with jealous that people got to write for this character. It's the perfect watch for inspiration and relaxation. I love it (except the time they did blackface).

Rhys Nicholson

Undeniably, a Rhys Nicholson hour is my ideal show. Physical, tight, silly and full of jokes. I'm in awe of his breadth of topics, pure observational, gender and queer issues, and his storytelling appears effortless.

This is a comic with a toolbelt and not a single loop is empty. Even his style has made an impression on me, emboldening me to experiment with new outfits on stage.

In essence, probably the most recent big influence in my comedy career. If you like a laugh, check this out.

Joan Rivers

Though I always knew about stand-up, Joan Rivers was the first person to make me sit and go: 'That's what i want to do.'

Watching her Live at The Apollo set, she was a powerhouse of unrelenting energy jokes, ranging from scathing to silly. Often not noted, she was a great physical performer, I regularly think of her joke about her toothpick legs.

Though I don't stand by a lot of her stances towards the end, I sometimes like to rewatch this set and remind myself: This is how it started.'

Earthquake: Legendary

My Lord, this set is the funniest thing I have ever seen. I've easily watched this six times o and it was only released recently. Earthquake: Legendary is the best documentation of killing it there is.

I have sent this to so many people saying: 'If you ever think you've killed, watch this.' Again, rapid jokes, supreme delivery, utilises every square inch of the stage, this is a master at work.

I'm gutted that I was ignorant to Earthquake but I pray that due to this Netflix release, others have made the same wonderful discovery that I have.

Henry Paker

The greatest show I have ever seen is Henry Paker's Man Alive. So much so, I went to see it four times. I'm aware how psychotic that sounds.

It was a show that blended both top-class observational comedy with a beautiful story and animation. The feeling of elation exiting his show each time is something I've never forgotten.

I distinctly remember thinking, 'I want my audience to leave feeling this.' There isn't a clip of the show online, but I regularly binge watch his multiple TV appearances. And should he ever be performing near you, race to go.

Morgan Rees's debut stand-up show Bi And Large is at the Pleasance Courtyard Bunker One at 6.10pm.

Published: 7 Aug 2022

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