Stewart Lee's Comedy Vehicle is a British stand-up comedy television show that is directed and produced by Tim Kirkby, directed by Stewart Lee, and produced by Richard Webb from BBC Studios / Awkward Films Ltd. The show debuted in 2009 and has since seen various seasons, with the latest of it being its third installment, released in 2016. It is a popular show that stands out in the plethora of stand-up comedy shows for its intellectual and satirical based comedy.
The show features a live audience, with minimal and straightforward camera setup, and has an intimate feel to it. Stewart Lee, the writer and performer of the show, talks about various subjects throughout every episode, from politics, philosophy, religion to his life experiences, all of which he presents in a thoughtful and critical manner. The show and Lee's performance are both a commentary on the society we live in, its challenges, and the absurdities of the world around us.
The show's form is introduced to us earlier on in the series, such as Lee dissecting his previous work in the first episode, but many skits are conceptually independent, rather than forming an overarching plot. The show focuses primarily on Lee's personal life, his opinions on popular culture, literature and music, politics and societal norms, told through a cleverly crafted narrative. Stewart Lee also interacts with the audience, adding another dimension of comedy to the show. The lack of a conventional structure to the show and Stewart Lee's casual, conversational style make it feel like an insightful collection of sporadic comedic sketches and social commentary, all strung together.
Another reason why the show is so successful is the manner in which it has been presented, as it gives Stewart Lee the freedom to express himself and perform in his manner, while still being relatable to a broad range of audiences. Furthermore, most of his arguments and unpredictable observations are often hilarious, and the result is a performance that leaves viewers laughing and thinking at the same time. Stewart Lee has proven himself an expert in taking mundane subjects and dissecting them with his trademark wit, intelligent humor, and cultural references.
Lee's comedy, while deeply rooted in his life experiences, also explores political and social activities, as well as everyday objects and human behavior. Stewart's impeccable sense of timing, use of language and silent pauses, make it feel as though he's in on the joke, and we are merely glimpsing as he spins his yarn. Stewart Lee is no ordinary comedian, and his work stands out in today's society saturated with relatable and situational humor, by offering something entirely different.
Each of the six episodes in the series 3 of Stewart Lee's Comedy Vehicle provides a blend of comedic commentary and satire, focusing on topics such as social media, the Scottish independence referendum, extremist Islam, and late Victorian exploration. Lee's objective is to question preconceived notions, challenge the audience and at times, even infuriate them. In doing so, he's able to both polarize and initiate dialogue, which, in the end, is the mark of great comedy.
Finally, an important aspect of the show is the refreshing look it presents to the world, eschewing gags and one-liners for intelligent conversations, weaving well-timed jokes into an array of probing and thought-provoking commentary. In summary, whether you're looking for some witty banter or keen social observations, Stewart Lee's Comedy Vehicle is the perfect show that fills a humor gap that hasn't really been adequately filled for too long. If you want to laugh, think and observe the world and society that surrounds us, this series is sure to provide all three.
