The conceit of this podcast is that Clive Anderson invites a different member of the comedy circuit to share with him their own seven wonders of the world. Essentially: Room 101 in reverse. It is a deliciously simple premise which allows an entirely different show within a familiar format depending on the proclivities of the guest in question.
Glorification of the sublime: potential annihilation of the ridiculous
For this particular episode, comedian Simon Brodkin was in the hot seat. Brodkin is likely best known to audiences for his high-profile pranks highlighting misdemeanours or ineptitudes of major figures such as Seb Blatter, Kanye West, Donald Trump, Philip Green… most famously perhaps presenting Theresa May with a P45 at a Tory Party conference.
Brodkin’s comedy, then, is urgent and angry. This is a fella prepared to get arrested for what he believes in, after all. But his demeanour is part warm-hearted geezer, part spiky haired mensch. The kind of Dad who’ll help out with the kids football team but then fill them up with so many E-numbers that they all puke up on the minibus back home.
The format allows humour and profundity in equal measure: a set up for both glorification of the sublime, and potential annihilation of the ridiculous. With seven subjects to explore, there is sure to be something for everyone to connect with, and Anderson keeps the narrative flowing with his razor-sharp wit cloaked by his apparent bumble. Part of the charm lies in not knowing who will be joining our esteemed host on stage, giving us all a chance to laugh, learn and think in equal measure.
