Tim Vine - Live - So I Said To This Bloke [DVD]

As the world record holder for the number of jokes told in an hour, "Not Going Out" star Tim Vine is no stranger to the stand-up comedy stage. This new stage show of daft puns, groan-inducing one-liners and deranged comic songs faithfully follows the formula of 2004's "Tim Vine Live" DVD. As such, it contains very few surprises.

The punning rate on this DVD is extraordinary - so much so that by the time you've recovered from one gag, Vine is often three or four further on. His box of improbable props has expanded since the 2004 DVD; if anything, Vine relies more on these to get laughs and slightly less on the simple absurdity of the word-play in which he excels. The "pen behind the ear" routine, in particular, is mystifying and could be a turn-off for those who aren't already fans - although it does provide the set-up for one of the best sight gags in the show. Where Vine has raised his game is in the musical numbers, which are a good deal more sophisticated than the ones in the 2004 show. "My Marvellous Metronome" and "I'm Allergic to Choruses" stand out as comic highlights, and with "Flag Hippo" Vine reaches hitherto uncharted levels of surrealism.

As with the 2004 DVD, there's an impressive package of extras which range from the sublime ("Flag Hippo in Love") to the ridiculous (an absurd, and not altogether successful, Sunday-morning-TV-style spoof interview with the man himself). Best of the bunch is Vine's video diary shot backstage during the panto season. There's also an intriguing short from a psychologist exploring the underlying reasons for an addiction to appalling puns.

For those who like their comedy ground-breaking or subversive, Tim Vine is never going to be the artist of choice. But there is something refreshingly old-fashioned about a comedian whose stock in trade is a simple joy in playing with the absurdities of the English language. He's probably one of the few comedians whose shows can safely be watched by all the family. His jokes certainly bring out the big kid in me.

It's kind of absurd that a lot of people take comedy so seriously. Tim's crtitics seem to be this type of person.

Just because Tim doesn't do thoughtful, poignant commentary on life and social ills, doesn't mean he's any less funny.

Humour has many styles and Tim has carved out his own unique style.
If you can imagine a cocktail of Harry Hill, Tommy Cooper and (scarily), a touch of Victor Borge, you're kind of in the right area.

Importantly, Tim doesn't take himself too seriously and he knows it's not deep humour. But to then say "anyone could do it" is doing Tim a huge injustice.

Stand-up comedy is extremely difficult to begin with. I myself have started out recently and to get up in front of people and try to remember even five minutes worth of stuff and then perform it correctly, is one of the hardest things you can do. I think some of our comedy critics should try it themselves and see just how hard it is.
So for Tim to effortlessly pour out gag after gag, well, you have to take your hat off to him for that alone.

"So I Said To This Bloke" is Tim's second DVD and is basically a special recording of a reworked version of his "Current Puns" show. I saw both "Current Puns" and his recent tour "Punslinger" live and thoroughly enjoyed both of them. I've been waiting for the chance to show my friends and family 'Pen Behind The Ear' and finally I can, as this is included here! 'Pen Behind The Ear' jaw droppingly long, but is worth it for the two pay-off lines!

Tim is multi-dimensional too, which is showcased here. We get the standard Vine puns: ("Last night I dreamt I wrote Lord Of The Rings: I was Tolkien in my sleep"), silly visual gags ("R, R, O, OK"), absurd songs ("Allergic To Choruses", "Puddings & Starters") and off the wall bizarreness such as 'Flag Hippo', which is an absolute joy. How he came up with that is anyone's guess. I particularly enjoyed Flag Hippo's reaction when Tim tells him off!! Brilliant! You can see why Harry Hill is a fan.

All in all, this is a silly, absurd, stupid, fun-filled, unique gem. Unique in the fact that there's no one else like Tim out there and also, without getting too schmaltzy, it's something the whole family can sit down and watch together, something that is rare these days and also, perfect for Christmas.

Forget about the TV on Christmas Day, stick this in the DVD player and get the whole family laughing together.

Here's hoping this time next year, I'm able to review "Punslinger" on DVD.

Tim Vine does seem to be one of those love him or loathe him comedians, but i have to say that i absolutely adore him. I adore him to the point where i hate reading negative reviews about him, but i suppose everybody is entitled to their own opinion. Anyway this dvd is Tim at his absolute best!! If you like his other dvds then you will properly love this!! his puns are hilarious, incredibly witty and very clever, even his groaners. His songs are totaly pointless, but that is the whole point lol, they are all brilliant and some of them are genius, e.g 'the importance of rehearsal' and 'alarm bells.' He is incredibly charasmatic on stage, he has a wonderful boyish energy, and is without a doubt, the sweetest, most adorable performer i have ever seen. Part of his adorableness comes from the fact that his humour is innocent, not in the least bit offensive and he never swears once! How refreshing for a modern day comedian. He is completely loveable on stage and i have had the good fortune to meet him briefly and he is just as loveable and nice off stage, a total legend!! anyway, buy this if you like Tim Vine, if you don't like him then dont buy it lol, and if you have never seen any of his stand up before then i urge you to try him out, and you might just end up loving him as much as me.