Lee Mack's Joke Leaves John Cleese In Near Tears | The Graham Norton Show

Lee Mack tells his infamous 'Kent' joke leaving John Cleese & Martin Clunes in near tears.

#TheGNShow #TheGrahamNortonShow #GrahamNorton

Follow us!

[jalex]

There's a bloke in a pub in Kent who tells a story about the time he was at Lee Mack's first gig.

[jimstephens]

Cleese laughed, composed himself for a moment, and then he doubled over and stamped his feet when the joke hit him again. You know a joke is great when it gets that second wave of laughter.

[gemm]

I love that when Lee says, “It was my first attempt at doing stand up, ” John immediately leans in and is already into the story.

[DapperTroy]

I remember reading that Lee Mack said this was one of the biggest highlights of his life. Making John Cleese, his hero, like many who grew up with Monty Python, barrel over with laughter. You can see it in Lee’s face when his eyes clock John Cleese and Lee is besides himself for making his comedy hero laugh.

[HugoGojibiter]

It’s really cool when you realise how this is literally Lee taking a story of him failing to deliver a punchline, and making the failed punchline the actual punchline of this new joke, and it’s a banger

[xcz]

It's a testament to John Cleese's greatness as a comedian that he literally can't wait to hear yet another joke and punchline. He's dying of laughter because he simply loves comedy. And Lee Mack is an absolute genius story teller, so he should feel thrilled that John Cleese was in hysterics over his story.

[JediPhoenix]

If you can get that kind of reaction from John Cleese, you're doing something right. 🤣

[flyawaytodie]

You know you've made it as a comedian when John Cleese puts his face in his hands whilst silently trying to not die of laughter.

[elvisburgers]

Mack’s delivery and timing is impeccable here, and demonstrates the mastery of his craft. You know what’s coming with the gag, he massages your anticipation, then delivers the killer punchline perfectly. One of our truly funniest and talented comedians.

[wharsmetoothpicson]

It's all in the timing. Literally everyone knows where this joke is going a minute before the punchline but Lee Mack's delivery is absolutely perfect.

[decodolly]

Absolute banger of a story from Lee Mack but can we all just take a moment to appreciate Martin Clunes's "And it's still in your act!".

[CaptainAmaziiing]

If I could make John Cleese laugh, I'd still owe him a million more.

[kiriakoz]

It’s the pauses where you slowly realise how he must’ve messed up which made this so good.

[BrutusMaximusAurelius]

I love how John immediately seems to sense where this is going.

[seriouslyphrasing]

“This bloke shouts out me!”
*best wheeze ever by anyone*
Making John have that reaction is something to be proud of!

[razzle]

I read Lee Mack's autobiography recently in which he remarks that making Cleese crack up with laughter was one of the proudest moments of his career.

Let's face it, Cleese is pretty much 'comedy royalty' in the same way that Elton, Eric, Mick, etc. are 'rock royalty'. I like Mack & he's right to feel proud.

[dekkstr_music]

Can we just take a moment to appreciate how well Lee sets up and delivers this story? Even his anecdotes are a masterclass in comedy

[anrecedinghairline]

Best part about this clip is that Lee Mack literally explains how to wind up to comedy gold, THEN literally acts on it.
Starts off with padding, and winds up slowly, taking pauses to allow the reality of the punchline to set in before it's said. Literally perfect.

[paradoxproductions]

I love how John is listening intently, and is trying to figure out the punch line, but bursts in hysterics as soon as it was delivered. That is worth more than an award.

[JoeHuman]

Must feel pretty good to get John Cleese cracked up like that.