In comedy on the other hand you have to be talented to survive

In comedy, on the other hand, you have to be talented to survive.Although a few people have built careers on their friendships with superior comics – Ernie Wise, David Frost and David Baddiel are obvious examples – they’re the exception rather than the rule. A bad but thriving stand-up makes as little sense as a bad but thriving footballer.It’s comedy’s meritocratic nature that ensures that the quality is as high now as it’s ever been – if not higher. Of course, it’s still possible to see a respected comic do a routine that’s as rib-tickling as toothache. But it’s also possible to see a 31-year-old comic from Bolton and to believe, hand on heart, that he’s the second-funniest man in British history. The fun ones – and the worst in the businessRory BremnerBest: Peter Kay – incredible warmth; Eddie Izzard and Ross Noble – boundless invention; Eric Morecambe – visually funny; Billy Connolly – personality combined with pure rage. Worst: Pass.Alexei SayleBest: Richard Pryor When I first saw him I was very impressed.

I had never seen that kind of anecdotal comedy before, as American comics weren’t very big in Britain.He’s been very influential towards me, which is why I consider him the best comedian ever. Worst: Pass.Jeremy HardyBest: Kevin McAleerWorst: Jim Davidson Everything he’s ever done has been poor from beginning to end.Adam HillsBest: The Marx Bros. Because of the intelligence and the silent comedy and the character comedy all combined: the wit of Groucho, the physical comedy of Harpo and the character comedy of Chico. And because of the general mayhem and disregard for authority which all good comedians should have.

Worst: PassTony LawBest: Sean Lock and Simon Munnery They surprise and go the road less ridden.Worst: Anyone who takes themselves too seriously or is a button-pushy hack.Helen LedererBest: Dawn French. She can reliably make any situation funny from the inside and outside A gift Worst: Harry Worth. Because his hapless persona made me want to slap him and tell him to brace up.Dara O’BriainBest: Jackie Mason He’s the master. He defines rat-a-tat-tat delivery – joke after joke after joke the whole way through He’s a glorious craftsman of the building laugh You can feel the years of experience Worst: Pass.Lucy PorterBest: Woody Allen He’s the funniest writer ever.Worst: Jim Davidson Where do I begin…?Will SmithBest: Stan Laurel The greatest ever film comic I love looking at pictures taken of him off camera. On screen he could empty his eyes to give that blank, dopey look.