OPINION: Comedy is hard enough, let alone in the current climate

As well as WhatsApp groups for things like ‘Martin’s 40th Birthday Party’ (he’s now 46), ‘Christmas Drinks’ (which never happened) and ‘Favourite Family Members’ (this could cause a broygus), I am also a member of a group for Jewish comedians.

This was started a couple of years ago when we all noticed a small but significant rise in antisemitic incidents around the country. It was just a place to chat, share stories, laugh, and of course plan world domination.  Since October 7 this group has sadly become much more relevant. The laughs have all but stopped. Such horror does not lend itself to humour. But it is sharing stories of hate that preoccupies our WhatsApp group now because of growing antisemitism within our industry.

Comedy isn’t the easiest job in the world at the best of times, but trying to make people laugh in the current climate is a challenge. In addition to this, mentioning you’re Jewish on stage is like performing at your first ever gig; you’re not sure how the audience is going to react. You hope they like you. You hope you don’t die.

It would help if Jewish comedians weren’t so rare on UK TV. That important cry for more diversity rarely stretches to Jews and I can’t remember the last time I saw a comic of the faith on a panel show or Live at The Apollo (was it Simon Brodkin, I really can’t think of any others). I just know there aren’t many of us, and the odd one here or there would be nice.

Oh and whilst we’re on the subject, it’s quite upsetting that some of those non-Jewish comedians who have been given these opportunities, now use their increased fan base to share their antisemitic vitriol. If there were more Jewish voices on TV, people wouldn’t be so surprised when some of us mention we are Jewish on stage. Maybe then the preconceived idea of a Jew would not be an ancient stereotype with Klezmer opening music.

Recently I’ve been performing on cruises and I’m still amazed by the number of people who make a point of coming up to me after the show to tell me I am the first Jewish person they have ever met! There are still many audience members who don’t believe I am Jewish at all. They think I have simply created my ‘Jewish Welsh Character’ for comedic effect. To be fair my parents created him.

But of course, there are Jewish comedians on television, and David Baddiel is one who counts., Following on from his successful book and documentary Jews Don’t Count, he is currently touring three shows at theatres around the country. So has he noticed a difference with audiences of late and is he more worried now?

“I haven’t had anything specific happen, and in fact I’ve had loads of supportive messages,” says the man who has been epically trolled .“But like all Jews at the moment I’m accompanied in everyday life with low-level dread and a sense of things not being entirely safe – which we are not used to in Britain. We’re not used to feeling this anxious.”

“For me I guess it’s bigger as I’m recognisable and people know I’m Jewish,” he adds. “But it’s not really made me change what I am doing. Actually, from a free speech pov I am very much in favour of the marches going ahead, but it’s complicated as, basically, I’m not going to be going into Central London when they’re happening. This is despite being someone who’s always made it clear that I don’t feel that my identity as a Jew should be defined in any way by Israel. But I’m not sure that nuance is going to be understood by some of the angrier chanters. So it does feel odd that there are no go zones in my city.”

Though he isn’t worried about audiences coming to the shows, he had actually hired security for some of the gigs. “I open with a joke about it at the moment. I explain that hiring security is quite expensive and, although I don’t want to conform to the stereotype, there is a price point where I’d rather get stabbed.” Which is as worrying as it is funny.

Some Jewish comedians have chosen to stay schtum about being Jewish. I don’t blame them as I’ve also done this twice in my career– and regretted it both times. But what about those whose acts revolve around their faith? Like Josh Howie. Howie has been incredibly vocal on social media as well as on stage, where he performs proudly wearing a Magen David. Does that bring its own problems?

“I wear a Magen David to show that I’m not afraid. Comedy is 99% confidence and I refuse to apologise for who I am. You want to heckle me, fine, but be prepared. Because I’m not going to back down.” It was after speaking out against antisemitism online that club promoters received emails and calls demanding Josh be taken off the bill. Fortunately the promoters ignored the emails and the shows went ahead without incident.                                                                                                                                        “I’ve been calling out comics and others in our industry in a confrontational manner,” says Josh. “It’s not about getting people cancelled. I’m just trying to expose their utter hypocrisy and challenge the lies and propaganda. When people see someone like you or I taking a stand, hopefully it inspires them to speak up as well.”

Personally, I have certainly had some support from comedian friends who sent messages to say how appalled they are by the increase in antisemitism and the anti-Jewish comments made by comedians without any repercussions. This means a lot and I understand that these same friends don’t want to speak out publicly for fear of backlash. But even just saying it privately means that when this awful period of history is over, though never to be forgotten, it’s those friends who will be remembered.

So, as Jewish comedians, we will continue to schlep around the country selling our jokes while hoping our audiences are less hateful than some in our industry. Oh and by the way, if you are a Jewish comedian who is not in our WhatsApp group, it’s either because we forgot to add you, that you are full of self-loathing or…… you’re just too funny for us.

Bennett will be performing as part of the 12th Night Comedy Show at the Radlett Centre on January 6th https://www.radlettcentre.co.uk/What-s-On/Comedy/Rabbi-Santa