Jimmy Carr, Orchard Theatre, Dartford

Jimmy Carr, Orchard Theatre, Dartford | reviews, news & interviews

Jimmy Carr, Orchard Theatre, Dartford

Rude, crude and frequently funny - but lacking in warmth of human kindness

by Veronica LeeSunday, 16 January 2011

Jimmy Carr: The sharp-suited comic is slick and witty, but something is missing

Jimmy Carr, a comedian who has more than once got into hot water over jokes that some find offensive, does a very strange thing for the encore of his latest show, Laughter Therapy - he gives a lecture cum homily on the limits of offensiveness, and how anything is permissible if the audience allows it. “I know my jokes are cruel and brutal and unacceptable,” he says. “But they have only one purpose - to make you laugh.”

That’s not to say all of Carr’s humour is even borderline offensive; much of it is simple punning or witty wordplay

Buy

Explore topics

Share this article

The future of Arts Journalism

You can stop theartsdesk.com closing!

We urgently need financing to survive. Our fundraising drive has thus far raised £33,000 but we need to reach £100,000 or we will be forced to close. Please contribute here: https://gofund.me/c3f6033d

And if you can forward this information to anyone who might assist, we’d be grateful.

Subscribe to theartsdesk.com

Thank you for continuing to read our work on theartsdesk.com. For unlimited access to every article in its entirety, including our archive of more than 15,000 pieces, we're asking for £5 per month or £40 per year. We feel it's a very good deal, and hope you do too.

To take a subscription now simply click here.

And if you're looking for that extra gift for a friend or family member, why not treat them to a theartsdesk.com gift subscription?

more Comedy

Help to give theartsdesk a future! Support our GoFundMe appeal

Jamie Foxx, Netflix Special review - doctors and divine intervention Comic discusses his recovery from a stroke

Ricky Gervais, Touring review - new show, not-so new gags Set relies on established tropes

Kemah Bob, Soho Theatre review - Thailand, massage and mental health Texan's full-length debut is a personal story

Natalie Palamides: Weer, Soho Theatre review - a romcom of two halves Comic plays male and female roles simultaneously

Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Brighton Dome review - a foster carer's tale Comic skilfully melds a personal story with sharp social commentary

Rose Matafeo, Arcola Theatre review - Starstruck star muses on love Kiwi comic on dating, phone apps and Taylor Swift

Ellen DeGeneres, Netflix Special review - no mea culpa and few jokes Former chatshow host’s bizarre take on cancellation

Joe Rogan, Netflix Special review - US podcaster leaves the controversy - and the jokes - at home Nothing edgy about this hour

Zoë Coombs Marr, Soho Theatre review - stock checks and spreadsheets Australian comic's autobiographical show

Adam Sandler, Netflix Special - songs, silliness and deconstructing stand-up The comic and director Josh Sadie have fun with the form

Blu-ray: Laurel and Hardy - The Silent Years Always watchable, occasionally hysterical collection of silent shorts

Follow @theartsdesk