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The New Breed of JAM Performers - Graham Norton

Messages in this topic: 1
Robert L. TorresJun 11, 2008
 

 
Ah, here we are, about to discuss one of the most popular and
successful JAM performers: Graham Norton.

What can I say? He is certainly outrageous in his subject matter,
no matter what subject is thrown at him, good ol' Graham manages to
break down all sorts of barriers regarding what might be seen as
taboo, and manages to have leave the audience in hysterics.

For example, when given the subject of 'Socks', he immediately
begins to talk about the Clintons' family pet and how Hilary doesn't
mind having it around, as its the only pussy she doesn't mind Bill
stroking.

Graham is an absolute delight to listen to, in that he seems to have
inherited Kenneth Williams' talent for elongating words beyond the
realm of hesitation in order to get to the end of the minute without
actually pausing.

In fact, there was one very funny discussion and humorous suggestion
made by Tony Hawks and Ross Noble that 'elongation' ought to be
included in the rules or at least that 'elongation' ought to be
connected to hesitation in some manner, much to Graham's chagrin.

Graham made his JAM debut actually on the televised version of the
program back in 1994, I believe the other panelists were Tony
Slattery, Ann Bryson and Arthur Smith. And I remember the episode he
appeared in was hilarious. In fact I recall during his subject
of 'Tipping Taxi Drivers' he was elongating things out to an extent
that he was challenged on hesitation by Arthur Smith, and when
Arthur starts going, he does the exact same thing as Graham, thus
allowing Graham to get the subject back.

That same episode also featured something of a running gag in that
he was challenged by Tony Slattery twice on two different topics for
making up words, saying things 'Hey hoolah' or 'Willy nilly, hey
hoophoorah' and it was so absolutely hilarious, I have a hard time
breathing because of the laughter.

Graham had an interesting approach to playing the game because
sometimes he'd be grateful to be interrupted, other times he be
outraged in pure Kenneth Williams style over the fact that it didn't
matter what he did to get the subject away from someone, all and
sundry seemed to conspire against him. Not to mention his own
outrage over the points situation where he starts off in the lead
and then because of Nicholas' over generous point giving, Graham
ends up being in last place. I remember smiling with delight when
Graham was all like 'Oh, it's very funny now isn't it? Oh, give her
a point, give her a point! It doesn't matter!'

Graham seemed either lucky or fortunate to be asked to be part of
the panel for the 35th Anniversary edition of the show in
representing the New Breed of JAM performers along with Paul. And I
seem to recall in that same episode Graham becoming incensed over
the notion that people kept thinking his shirt was see-thru, and him
denying to the high heavens that it wasn't.

As we all know, Graham has a very successful chat show which seems
to have been on the air for quite a while, and has no signs of
slowing down. I've watched a few episodes of Graham's show every
now and then, and it is wonderful, and definitely the perfect format
for his flamboyant personality.

His committment to his show obviously means he has less time to
appear on JAM, but still manages to appear on it all the same, which
is wonderful.

I seem to recall that he won a BAFTA award, I wonder if it was for
his talk show?

I also seem to recall that one of Graham's acting gigs was a
recurring role as an overexcited and full of pep Priest on the
series 'Father Ted'.

Anyone else wish to share their thoughts on this incredible
Irishman?

 
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