DVD Review: Thou Shalt Laugh 2: The Deuce

Thou Shalt Laugh 2: The Deuce

Me and a mate used to be regulars at the Comedy Store in Sydney. Almost every Thursday we’d be there for improv night or to see some stand up. Some comedians were fantastic, some less so. One particular comedian became our bench mark for bad stand up. “How funny was it?” “**** funny (Name omitted because I don’t feel like slagging him in a public forum)” “Oh, THAT bad was it?” You got to learn a lot about a comedian through their set – their hopes, their dreams, their political leanings. But I don’t recall ever seeing a comedian who was upfront about being a Christian. In Thou Shalt Laugh 2: The Deuce, every Comedian is a Christian. So was it any different?

The comedians on this DVD include: Tim Conway, Taylor Mason, Thor Ramsey, Victoria Jackson, Dan Nainan and Bone Hampton. Their routines vary from observational humour to ventriloquism. Each of them are of a high quality – if you saw them at a comedy venue or on a TV comedy special, they’d fit right in. They are funny, engaging and have their own unique styles. They are not cheap knock-offs of other comedians. You wouldn’t find yourself thinking “He’s just a watered down Christian version of Seinfeld.” Each of their sets are G rated, but don’t sacrifice the funny because of it.

I was intrigued how each of them wove Christianity into their sets. I never felt like the jokes were a set up to them delivering a gospel presentation. Their references didn’t feel forced, but occurred naturally. And they weren’t afraid to have a laugh at their faith. It made me think about the conversations I have during the day. And how I sometimes feel like I can’t make the transition from talking about the football to talking about Jesus. And that when I do make that transition, it feels forced and laboured. I think there’s a lot to learn from these comedians on how to naturally insert Jesus into our day to day talk.

Victoria Jackson finished off her set with a ukulele song about how she wished she had shared the gospel with a friend before they died. It was funny and touching and sweet. I’m not sure how a non-Christian would have seen this. I’m hoping they would have felt the earnestness. I’m hoping they would see a woman who wanted people to know about Jesus, not because she has to be right, but because she cares.

Thou Shalt Laugh 2 was an enjoyable viewing experience. I watched it on my own and was laughing out loud. I’m sure I’ll find a reason to show it at youth group or in a sermon one day. And I’ll definitely be looking out for the first volume. If you want a preview, check out their website. I bought my copy at the Bible Society NSW bookshop. If they don’t have a copy in store, I’m sure they can order it in for you.