Guy Williams: the 10 funniest things I have ever seen (on the internet)
But I do respect your work.
As the world's democracies are pulled back into darkness by social media disinformation funded by corporations and billionaires, I appreciate the Guardian's journalism as one of the last reminders of civilisation. So as a token of my appreciation, I will now reveal 10 funny things I remember from back before Steve Jobs ruined the internet by making it appealing to idiots via phones.
People from overseas might be stunned to learn that in 1984 the New Zealand prime minister Robert Muldoon, struggling in the polls, went into his office and got wasted. When he came out later that night (visibly drunk) he fronted the nation's media and announced a snap election. Spoiler alert: the election went badly and he famously closed a TV debate by telling his opponent he loved him on air and then allegedly started to cry. That was when New Zealand got its first dose of neoliberalism. What a country!
John Clarke is one of New Zealand's greatest comedians and one of the first to break through in Australia … I hope to be the second!
One of New Zealand's most beloved variety acts, Jools and Lynda Topp are two yodelling lesbians who have spent their career fighting for gender, sexual, and racial justice. Check them out on YouTube, they have an amazing vibe and I guarantee you will smile watching them.
Flight of the Concords' One Night Stand on HBO was the performance that got me into comedy. Like every other 18-year-old in 2006 I was obsessed with them and the fact they were Kiwis was a genuine source of national pride for me.
I love musical comedy so much I add it to my phone and play it in my general music mix like it's Rihanna. Then I get in the car and my passenger is like 'WHAT THE HECK IS THIS?' I love Marcia Belsky so much I genuinely get chills when she sings the part where Sally Ride feels proud.
This is embarrassing but I decided to chuck in one of my own clips … I was going to put in just the viral voice message that inspired this story but that's only 60 seconds long. I may as well give you the option of watching more if you want it … I should also mention that Karen and I also did a podcast available now on all platfor … OK I'll stop!
Gala sets are really hard because they're so short. This is probably the best I've ever seen.
Another cracking gala performance. Two Hearts (Laura Daniel and Joseph Moore) are the next great NZ duo and probably our best musical act at the moment. Intentional shots fired at my brother, Paul Williams.
I love political comedy and Aamer Rahman is pretty much the king, now that Dave Chappelle has well and truly abdicated the throne by retiring from the art form to focus on destroying his own legacy.
Probably the best modern double act I've ever seen. I love Ian Boldsworth (Peacock), and Ed Gamble is the perfect straight man. It's also cool to see him before he got shredded!
Congratulations! You made it to the end of my list! May peace prevail on earth! Kia ora!
Guy Williams is touring Australia and New Zealand from 7 February (and potentially the UK later in 2025). Visit his website for dates and ticket info
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