My son asked me what my favourite jokes were. Obviously there are far too many to mention (joke in itself … I rarely remember actual jokes) but two sprang to mind. And they’re both excellent examples of northern comedians’ ability to grab their multi-cultural surroundings and to celebrate it – in humour that brings folk together, rather than dividing them:
1) VICTORIA WOOD ( From ‘DINNER LADIES’)
Dinnerladies – set in northern Manchester.
SCENE: Dinner-lady Brenda (white, very northern) and dinner-lady Anita (SE Asian origin and v northern) are serving at the hatch. Posh Philippa from Human Resources is queuing for her ‘lunch.’ Anita has recently been trying to improve her appearance and image. All of a sudden, Anita throws down her ladle and dashes out – in tears.
PHILLIPA: Goodness! What on earth is wrong with poor Anita?
BRENDA: She’s reet upset. Bin lahk it all mornin’
PHILLIPA: But why?
BRENDA: It’s ‘er urdoo
PHILLIPA: But I’m sure she speaks her native language very well!
BRENDA: No – ‘er urdoo (pointing at her hair) ‘ER URDOO!
2) PETER KAY
“’Ey – ‘Ow does Bob Marley like ‘is doughnuts best?
Easy. Wi’ Jam in.”
Loved the Dinner Ladies, thanks for sharing.