In the spoof, comedian Lenny Henry, was ‘inserted’ into the crowd as King George VI stammered whilst making a speech to thousands of people. The scene is pivotal to the movie in demonstrating the impact that the stammer had on the King’s life, and the lives of those around him. Lenny Henry’s ‘gag’ was to screw his face up and shout “blimey your Highness, we’ve only got 7 hours you know.”
My Story
As anyone who’s attended my workshops will know, I tell the story of having had a severe stutter whilst at school. I was also bullied from during those days until my mid 20's, and even though now I speak with relative ease, that experience left an indelible imprint on my life.
As anyone who’s attended my workshops will know, I tell the story of having had a severe stutter whilst at school. I was also bullied from during those days until my mid 20's, and even though now I speak with relative ease, that experience left an indelible imprint on my life.
It was unfortunate to have seen this type of cheep humour traded as an introduction to what such a wonderful event as Comic Relief undoubtedly is.
I have so many memories of the bullies at school rolling in fits of laughter at my obvious discomfort and embarrassment - which sounds a little like Lenny Henry's 'gag' that began Comic Relief last Friday, doesn’t it?
Spontaneity
Some argue that comedy should be uncensored on television and radio. As a business trainer and ex-professional singer/actor who loves the spontaneity of comedy I understand, but surely one of the 1st rules of comedy is that the other person is laughing, too - and I can’t imagine many stutterers laughed at that joke on Friday.
There's a fine line between being a comedian and a bully. Comedians laugh with their audience, bullies laugh at them. Bullies justify their actions by saying, "it was only a bit of fun, a joke", and those that support them agree by saying, "well, what harm could it do?"
Some argue that comedy should be uncensored on television and radio. As a business trainer and ex-professional singer/actor who loves the spontaneity of comedy I understand, but surely one of the 1st rules of comedy is that the other person is laughing, too - and I can’t imagine many stutterers laughed at that joke on Friday.
There's a fine line between being a comedian and a bully. Comedians laugh with their audience, bullies laugh at them. Bullies justify their actions by saying, "it was only a bit of fun, a joke", and those that support them agree by saying, "well, what harm could it do?"
Lenny Henry
Lenny Henry is an excellent comedian. Though surely if he wanted to include such a topical joke, as ‘The King’s Speech’, maybe he should also have considered an equally crass joke about the horrible events still unfolding in Japan. Funny, or outrageous? Beyond the pale, I know, but that's one of the differences between someone who truly believes what they say is respectful and funny (and great comedy is), and someone who doesn't care - plus of course, a bully is never brave enough to really ‘go it alone’ as such a joke about Japan would obviously have been. Bullies select 'easy' targets, targets unable or too embarrassed to fight back.
Lenny Henry is an excellent comedian. Though surely if he wanted to include such a topical joke, as ‘The King’s Speech’, maybe he should also have considered an equally crass joke about the horrible events still unfolding in Japan. Funny, or outrageous? Beyond the pale, I know, but that's one of the differences between someone who truly believes what they say is respectful and funny (and great comedy is), and someone who doesn't care - plus of course, a bully is never brave enough to really ‘go it alone’ as such a joke about Japan would obviously have been. Bullies select 'easy' targets, targets unable or too embarrassed to fight back.
It's sad to think so little has changed since my school days, and to think such a stupid insult of a joke could be used as the introduction to a major charity fundraiser. There are so many other 'untouchable' subjects in comedy, whereby moral decency rules the day (as it should).
Apology
Lenny Henry overstepped the line during last Friday’s show. The comedian became the bully. As Richard Curtis has now apologised, I hope Lenny Henry is man enough to do so to, without any quip, excuse, straight down the line, “sorry.”
Lenny Henry overstepped the line during last Friday’s show. The comedian became the bully. As Richard Curtis has now apologised, I hope Lenny Henry is man enough to do so to, without any quip, excuse, straight down the line, “sorry.”
