We had our company awards bash last night and the compere was none other than Omid Djalili – a man who I generally find very funny.
Sadly, last night he fell flatter than an apartment block in South London and just wasn’t funny.
Awards gigs are a tough job. Sure the comic can go on and do some of their normal routine, but the audience also hopes that the funnyman will make some hilarious references to your job and where you work.
For some unknown reason, Mr Djalili didn’t make any effort to do that at all.
In fact, he seemed even more desperate than normal to play his ‘race’ card. All his jokes were about what it’s like to be an Iranian… jokes that I’ve heard him tell on numerous other occasions, when he’s appeared on TV or radio.
Sure, as journalists we’re probably slightly more cynical than many audiences, but fundamentally we just want to laugh and we’d had enough wine to get us in the mood for a good giggle.
And I’ve seen enough other comedians bring the house down at events such as last night, so it’s not an impossible job.
I can’t believe that this is Omid Djalili’s first big corporate gig, so let’s just say many of us were slightly disappointed!
