
S6 EP8: Jimmy Carr discusses the secret to his comedy, being a late bloomer, and controversial stand-up gigs
The Louis Theroux Podcast
Stage poise, experience and conducting audiences
Jimmy compares stage time to piloting, crowd work techniques and how experience builds confidence.
For this Christmas bonus episode, Louis sits down with writer, comedian, and panel-show super-host, Jimmy Carr. Jimmy discusses what lies behind his unique brand of ‘edgy' comedy, why he remained a virgin until the age of 26 and performing at the Riyadh Comedy Festival despite public criticism.
Jimmy’s film, ‘Fackham Hall’, is out in cinemas now.
Warnings: Strong language and adult themes.
Links/Attachments:
Book: Before & Laughter, Jimmy Carr (2021)
https://www.jimmycarr.com/product/book-laughter/
Fackham Hall (2025)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt29008225/
Jimmy Carr Tour
https://www.jimmycarr.com/tour/uk-ireland/
Alex Hormozi quote:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DIzTPjPTZB0/
Book: Homo Ludens by Johan Huizinga
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/203913/homo-ludens-by-johan-huizinga/
Peter McGraw’s Benign Violations
https://petermcgraw.org/a-brief-introduction-to-the-benign-violation-theory-of-humor/
Book: Discipline and Punish, Michel Foucault (1975)
Bob Monkhouse joke about cancer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTUvRW7gtGU
Jimmy Carr: His Dark Material (2021)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16259786/
Nadine Dorries’ comment about Jimmy Carr joke:
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/nadine-dorries-jimmy-carr-netflix-jewish-roma-b2008317.html
Jimmy Carr’s joke about injured soldiers:
Saint Lawrence, the patron Saint of comedy:
https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/2015/08/10/st-lawrence-patron-saint-of-comedians
TV Show: ‘Game of Thrones’ (2011-2019)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0944947/
Dave Chappelle quote:
TV Show: ‘The Black and White Minstrel Show’ (1958-1978)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0198065/
TV Show: ‘The Young Ones’ (1982-1984)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083505/
Titania McGrath quote:
https://x.com/TitaniaMcGrath/status/1453065592651517964
Musical: We Will Rock You, Ben Elton (2002)
https://wewillrockyoulondon.co.uk/
John Betjeman’s Slough poem:
https://allpoetry.com/poem/8493391-Slough-by-Sir-John-Betjeman
TV Show: ‘The Office’ (2001-2003)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0290978/
Naval Ravikant
TV Show: 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown (2012 – 2025)
https://www.channel4.com/programmes/8-out-of-10-cats-does-countdown
The Fog of War (2004)
https://tv.apple.com/gb/movie/the-fog-of-war/umc.cmc.3j815y9s5id2nvfztrlfh75il?action=play
Eric Weinstein’s Intellectual Dark Web
https://www.whatisemerging.com/videos/inside-the-intellectual-dark-web-eric-weinstein
Hillary Clinton’s ‘deplorable’ speech:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-us-2016-37330420
Jordan Peterson on compelled speech
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-37875695
Credits:
Producer: Millie Chu
Assistant Producer: Emilia Gill
Production Manager: Francesca Bassett
Music: Miguel D’Oliveira
Audio Mixer: Tom Guest
Video Mixer: Scott Edwards
Shownotes compiled by Elly Young
Executive Producer: Arron Fellows
A Mindhouse Production for Spotify
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