Key Moments
Comedian and actor Lee Mack Q&A at the Oxford Union
Oxford UnionKey Moments
Comedian Lee Mack reveals his secret to successful comedy: relentless self-doubt and a 'one in 25' joke success rate, explaining why the funniest people often don't pursue comedy.
Key Insights
Lee Mack's successful comedy relies on a 'one in 25' joke success rate, with only about 8% of jokes tried out at open mic nights making it to his tour.
Mack admits he rarely writes jokes for himself in his sitcom 'Not Going Out,' preferring others to deliver them, and cites a joke about a deceased gran as a favorite he didn't write.
He regrets not taking a role in 'Red Dwarf' due to a dispute over alcohol sponsorship, an decision he now considers idiotic compared to his moral stance.
Mack believes comedy requires immense work ethic and a "desperation to be liked," citing talented individuals who don't pursue it due to a lack of this drive.
He finds sitcom writing for 'Not Going Out' incredibly challenging to keep fresh, comparing it favorably to "proper jobs" but acknowledging its difficulty within the comedy world.
Mack avoids performing in his 'wanker'-filled hometown and prefers a general audience over industry peers like fellow comedians, fearing their critical 'tutting.'
The surprising formula for comedy success: desperation and self-doubt
Lee Mack challenges the notion that inherent funniness dictates comedic success. He posits that while natural talent exists, a crucial ingredient for comedians is a profound "desperation to be liked" and a strong work ethic, drawing a parallel to footballers like Gary Neville who excelled through hard work rather than raw skill. Mack suggests that many funnier individuals never become comedians because they lack this drive. He candidly shares his own rigorous process: trying out around 25 jokes nightly at an open mic, with only about two making it to his tour, translating to a successful 'hit rate' of roughly 8%. This constant self-testing and vulnerability stem from a core belief that most of what he says might not be funny, making the successful landing of a joke a genuine surprise and a win. This perspective, he explains, is similar to everyday conversations where humour is infrequent, emphasizing that consistent laughter from strangers is a hard-won achievement, not a natural byproduct of being funny.
A career regret: turning down Red Dwarf
When asked about missed opportunities, Lee Mack singles out a regret involving the long-running sitcom 'Red Dwarf.' As a fan who grew up watching the show, he was offered a part but declined due to a simultaneous dispute with his own sitcom over alcohol sponsorship. Mack, who has a personal history with alcohol-related family issues, objected to his show being sponsored by alcohol brands. He felt unable to participate in 'Red Dwarf' on a channel that featured such sponsorship, viewing it as a principled stand. However, he now regrets this decision, realizing he made an "idiot" choice by conflating the two issues. He wishes he had taken the role, separating it from his broadcast sponsorship argument, and considers it the job he most wishes he had accepted.
The challenges of writing a long-running sitcom
Writing for 'Not Going Out,' now in its extended run, presents a significant challenge in maintaining freshness. Mack describes the process as "hard," especially compared to what he terms "proper jobs" he held for ten years prior to his comedy career. While acknowledging that comedy is less physically demanding than, for example, coal mining, he finds sustained sitcom writing to be the most difficult aspect of his profession. The key to keeping the writing engaging for himself, and by extension the audience, is to focus on topics he personally finds funny or interesting. He uses the example of an episode set in an escape room, which originated from his own bewildering and somewhat trapped experience in one. By writing about his genuine curiosity and confusion, he found the process of creating the episode inherently fresh and engaging. Mack stresses the danger of trying to predict audience desires, advocating instead for authenticity in what the writer finds funny or intriguing.
The influence of Northern roots on comedy
Mack acknowledges that his Northern (specifically Yorkshire and Lancashire) background likely influences his comedic sensibilities, though he finds it difficult to precisely analyze its impact. He notes that people often don't recognize their own accent or mannerisms until others point them out. He references iconic Northern comedians like Eric Morecambe and Stan Laurel as figures he admires, suggesting a geographic connection to comedic talent. However, he humorously notes true analysis would require a psychiatrist's couch, ultimately attributing his life's path to his past experiences and perhaps his parents.
Audience preferences: avoiding industry recognition
Mack expresses a strong preference for a general audience over encountering familiar faces from the entertainment industry during his shows. He recalls a time, particularly during his stand-up days in London, when seeing well-known comedians or actors like Charlie Higson in the front row was unsettling. He prefers the anonymity that comes with performing for people who are simply there to enjoy an evening's entertainment, rather than critics or peers who might be analyzing their every line. This is also why he avoids performing in his hometown, fearing recognition from his past, where he might be remembered as 'Lee McKillop' (his real name) from school, potentially with negative associations.
Why the funniest people might not be comedians
Mack elaborates on his earlier point that not all naturally funny people become comedians. He states that many possess the inherent wit but lack the intense drive, the 'desperation to be liked,' and the sheer hard work required to pursue comedy as a career. The demanding nature of stand-up, which involves constant writing, testing, and performing, often for little initial reward, deters those who don't possess this deep-seated motivation. He contrasts this with himself, implying that his drive, perhaps stemming from a need for validation, propelled him forward.
The perils of direct jokes and heckles
Mack recounts an amusing interaction with an engineering student who heckled him during a gig with a witty retort about bank accounts. This student's ability to think on his feet and deliver a relevant, albeit slightly risqué, joke impressed Mack, highlighting how unexpected wit can emerge from unexpected places and audiences. This anecdote underscores his appreciation for quick-thinking and clever responses, even when they challenge him.
Self-analysis and the comedy persona
Mack touches upon the difficulty of self-analysis, especially regarding how one's background shapes their comedy. He believes that aspects like accents or unique traits are more readily observed by outsiders than by the individual themselves. He also discusses the performer's persona, noting that 'Lee Mack' is a stage name, a constructed identity distinct from his real name, Lee McKillop. This separation is crucial for maintaining his professional distance and creative output, particularly when performing.
Mentioned in This Episode
●Software & Apps
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Common Questions
Lee Mack implies that while he is a comedian, the nature of joke-telling at home might differ from his professional performance. The question prompts him to consider if his wife still finds him funny, suggesting a playful tension between his public persona and private life.
Topics
Mentioned in this video
Mentioned as an example of a footballer with no natural skill but achieved success through hard work.
Mentioned alongside Gary Neville as an example of a successful footballer who lacked natural skill but worked hard.
Featured in a discussion about a joke from 'Not Going Out' series two, written by gag writers, involving his character's gran.
Lee Mack compares a young audience member to him, and notes that he and the audience member are among the few who recognize him.
Cited as one of the two funniest men from Britain, influencing Lee Mack's comedy. Also mentioned as a desired audience member.
Cited as one of the two funniest men from Britain, influencing Lee Mack's comedy. Also mentioned as a desired audience member.
Star of 'The Fast Show' who attended one of Lee Mack's gigs, making Mack feel mortified.
Lee Mack expresses regret over not taking a offered part in this show due to a dispute with his own sitcom's sponsorship.
Mentioned as a film starring Rick Moranis, used in a comparison to an audience member's appearance.
Mentioned in relation to Rick Moranis as another film he starred in.
Referenced in the context of Rick Moranis's filmography.
A British comedy sketch show from the 90s that Lee Mack enjoyed. Its star, Charlie Higson, once attended one of his gigs.
Lee Mack's popular sitcom, which is discussed in terms of writing, favorite episodes, and character dynamics.
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