We are huge fans of stand up comedy here at 8Ball. Stand up comics seem to springing up ten to the penny, some great and some, well, not so! Stand up comedy is a skill that very few can master. People are either great or they can literally die on stage. Seen as it’s Saturday, we thought we’d treat you to some of our favourite stand up clips from recent(ish) years.

If you lack a sense of humour and/or find colourful language offensive, we suggest that you don’t watch these. Also, it’s probably best you don’t play these out loud at work! We’re always looking out for you 8Ballers!

Mitch Hedberg

The late Mitch Hedberg was an absolute comedy genius, with a unique and somewhat hazy view of the world. However, we think he’s extremely funny. He’s one of those comics that you’d be happy for your mother to watch. His act doesn’t rely on swearing or offensive material, which we kind of like (every once in a while!)

Eddie Izzard

Eddie Izzard is somewhat of a veteran in the comedy game, having started his stand up career in the late 80s. His style is heavily influenced by Monty Python and he’s delivered entire performances in French; just one of the amazing feats that he has endeavoured in his lifetime. Not so long back he completed 43 marathons in 51 days! He’s quite an incredible guy and his unique stand up routines are absolutely awesome.

Micky Flanagan

Our favourite cock-er-ney, Micky Flanagan, has been on the comedy circuit for a number of years now, but has only recently burst into the main stream, making regular appearances on comedy panel shows and prime time stand up shows. He gives passionate performances every time (grow up!) and we think he’s ace. Here he is appearing at last years Edinburgh Comedy Festival.

Bill Bailey

Music and comedy are a great combination (if executed well!) and one man that certainly knows how to blend the two is Mr Bill Bailey. Bill is our favourite ‘crusty’ and his musical talents match up to his comic brilliance. In his live shows he shows off his fancy instruments and pretty much rips modern music to shreds. In this clip he performs a song about the mighty Corby trouser press in the style of Kraftwerk.

Paul Calf (aka Steve Coogan)

Everyone knows Steve Coogan for Alan Partridge, yet he has ingeniously created a whole host of characters over the years, which he often brings back to life in his live shows. Paul Calf is a Mancunian born and bread who loves the ‘occasional’ beer and hates students. The character was originally called ‘Duncan Disorderly’, which should pretty much give you the gist of what he’s all about.

Adam Buxton

Now, this guy isn’t really a stand up comedian; you’ll probably know him as one half of TV and radio duo Adam and Joe. He cropped up at the Summer Sundae festival in Leicester a few years back and he came up with this genius little song. We had to throw this in for good measure!

Why did the chicken cross the road? Because he wanted to take a closer look at some cool dude sporting one of 8Ball’s funny tshirts. Ok, that was lame but make sure you take a look today!