Straight man (comedy): Difference between revisions
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[[Steven Taylor]] was offered 40 [[shilling]]s a [[week]] to act as a straight man alongside Teddy Baxter. He was unfamiliar with the concept, but understood there was a line of demarcation between himself and whoever filled role of comic. | [[Steven Taylor]] was offered 40 [[shilling]]s a [[week]] to act as a straight man alongside Teddy Baxter. He was unfamiliar with the concept, but understood there was a line of demarcation between himself and whoever filled role of comic. | ||
Baxter used to be in a double act with [[Stan (The Vardan Invasion of Mirth)|Stan]], and the pair performed before [[theatre]] | Baxter used to be in a double act with [[Stan (The Vardan Invasion of Mirth)|Stan]], and the pair performed before [[theatre]] [[audience]]s. Before Steven filled that position, Baxter's [[career]] had been in decline. Critics expressed that he was no longer funny on his own, simply providing [[comic relief]] in [[film]]s. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Vardan Invasion of Mirth (audio story)|The Vardan Invasion of Mirth]]'') | ||
[[Category:Entertainment]] | [[Category:Entertainment]] | ||
Revision as of 21:37, 25 September 2019
A straight man in comedy set up punchlines for the comic, and acted as a feed. They were not meant to themselves be funny. On stage and television, they were the comic's partner in a double act. According to Teddy Baxter:
[As a straight man] you've got to know when to roll with the punches, and when to hit back.
Steven Taylor was offered 40 shillings a week to act as a straight man alongside Teddy Baxter. He was unfamiliar with the concept, but understood there was a line of demarcation between himself and whoever filled role of comic.
Baxter used to be in a double act with Stan, and the pair performed before theatre audiences. Before Steven filled that position, Baxter's career had been in decline. Critics expressed that he was no longer funny on his own, simply providing comic relief in films. (AUDIO: The Vardan Invasion of Mirth)
