Shock of the world, ma
He's one of the most notorious stand-up comics on the circuit, once even sparking a brawl among outraged audience members. But Jim Jeffries says he's just trying to make people laugh.
Paul Nolan, 27 Feb 2008
Australian stand-up Jim Jeffries is the kind of comic who isn’t afraid to tackle taboo subjects – but some people fail to see the funny side. At a gig in Manchester last year, for example, one Irish audience member took exception to Jeffries’ reply to a female heckler, and promptly stormed onstage and punched him.
This resulted in a mini-brawl, as other members of the crowd rushed to Jeffries’ defence, and security personnel arrived on the scene in an attempt to restore some order to proceedings. The incident has been viewed well over 100,000 times on Youtube, and sealed Jeffries’ status as one of the most controversial comedians on the UK circuit.
“People can get angry,” says Jeffries, matter-of-factly. “That’s the only time it’s ever happened to me, although I have seen glasses and bottles being thrown at other comedians. There was no real warning that it was going to happen, but I was quite touched by the audience members who stuck up for me.
“With regard to it being an Irish person, hopefully I’ll enjoy a more friendly reaction when I go over there for my show! I’ve actually been many times, both as a tourist and as a performer. I’ve probably played around 20 times in Ireland. I love it there.”
Jeffries began performing as a stand-up in 2000, having been inspired to get into comedy by the likes of Richard Pryor and Billy Connolly (whom he saw on multiple occasions in Australia whilst working as an usher in a theatre). He has enjoyed a very successful career, earning a devoted cult following, landing coveted support slots with big name comics like Dennis Leary, and appearing on shows such as Have I Got News For You and Never Mind The Buzzcocks.
On one of Jeffries’ appearances on the latter programme, the guest host was none other than Jeremy Clarkson. How did he get on with the Top Gear presenter?
“He was a sound guy,” enthuses Jeffries. “He was quite nervous before he went out there, which I found interesting, because he’s meant to be this really arrogant, flash kind of guy. He wasn’t paralysed with anxiety, exactly, but he was quite wary that he had to be properly funny now, not just interesting. But he handled it really well, he was very funny. I found him to be a really charming bloke.”
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