Abstract
In this chapter we explore the concept of the hegemonic comedian, specifically exploring the relationship between class, gender and race in comedy in the UK. I argue that it is particularly important to consider the intersectional ways that people are marginalised within the industry. Alongside data from my interviews, I refer to key recent events and debates within the industry to argue for the need to critically reflect on the role that class discrimination, sexism and racism play within comedy in the UK.
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Notes
- 1.
In 2023 Channel 4 Dispatches documentary, Russell Brand: In Plain Sight outlined multiple allegations of sexual assault and inappropriate behaviour against Brand, and it has been widely speculated that Ryan is referring to Brand here. However, at the time of writing this book this has not been corroborated by Ryan.
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Sedgwick, C. (2024). Comedy, Diversity and the Hegemonic Comedian. In: Inequality in Contemporary Stand-Up Comedy in the UK . Palgrave Studies in Comedy. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-55932-7_2
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