The History of Sketch Comedy

A Journey Through the Art and Craft of Humor With Keegan-Michael Key

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The History of Sketch Comedy

By: Elle Key, Keegan-Michael Key
Narrated by: Keegan-Michael Key
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About this listen

From the beginning of time, there have been many monumental questions that have perplexed the human race such as: Why are we here? What is the meaning of life? And... Who’s on first?

In The History of Sketch Comedy, Emmy and Peabody-winning actor, writer and producer Keegan-Michael Key (Key & Peele, The Prom, Jingle Jangle) embarks listeners on an epic, insightful and utterly entertaining voyage through the annals of sketch comedy. Key takes us from the early flatulence jokes of Ancient Greece and the acting troupes of Europe in the 1500s, to the rise of The Second City in Chicago and his own comedy origins on the ball fields near Detroit’s 8 Mile. Equal parts masterclass, personal odyssey and virtuoso performance; Key's The History of Sketch Comedy dissects the landmark characters, concepts and performers that pushed the boundaries and forged new ground in the comedy pantheon, and along the way reveals his own experiences of discovering and being influenced by them.

Over the course of ten half-hour chapters, one of the most beloved voices of our time treats listeners to a private, millennia-spanning interpretation of sketch comedy history, from its humble past to its immodest present.

©2020 Audible Originals, LLC (P)2020 Audible Originals, LLC Performing Arts
Episodes
  • Episode 0: History of Sketch Audio Trailer

    Episode 0: History of Sketch Audio Trailer
    Jan 4 2021

    From the beginning of time, there have been many monumental questions that have perplexed the human race such as: Why are we here? What is the meaning of life? And... Who’s on first?

    In The History of Sketch Comedy, Emmy and Peabody-winning actor, writer and producer Keegan-Michael Key (Key & Peele, The Prom, Jingle Jangle) embarks listeners on an epic, insightful and utterly entertaining voyage through the annals of sketch comedy. Key takes us from the early flatulence jokes of Ancient Greece and the acting troupes of Europe in the 1500s, to the rise of The Second City in Chicago and his own comedy origins on the ball fields near Detroit’s 8 Mile. Equal parts masterclass, personal odyssey and virtuoso performance; Key dissects the landmark characters, concepts and performers that pushed the boundaries and forged new ground in the comedy pantheon, and along the way reveals his own experiences of discovering and being influenced by them.

    Over the course of ten half-hour chapters, one of the most beloved voices of our time treats listeners to a private, millennia-spanning interpretation of sketch comedy history, from its humble past to its immodest present.
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    1 min
    Free with 30-day trial
  • Episode One: The Earth Cooled, and Then the Dinosaurs Came

    Episode One: The Earth Cooled, and Then the Dinosaurs Came
    Jan 28 2021
    Keegan covers the pre-history of sketch comedy, and dives into some of the seeds of comedy, drama and theater; which were planted by Sumerians and the Ancient Greeks. He also takes us on a personal history and explores his own career in comedy; including growing up in Detroit, and watching Saturday Night Live with his father.
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    33 mins
    Free with 30-day trial
  • Episode Two: I’m Gonna Get Medieval On Ya

    Episode Two: I’m Gonna Get Medieval On Ya
    Jan 28 2021
    We jump forward to medieval times, and the royal jesters’ politically sensitive role in court politics. Keegan moves on to describe the traveling troupes of Commedia del’Arte and their performers who forged comedy character tropes we know and love in sketch today. Keegan also shares his experiences as a performer at a Renaissance faire in Michigan… and yes he still has the full wardrobe.
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    37 mins
    Free with 30-day trial

What listeners say about The History of Sketch Comedy

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Profile Image for Jessica

History made funny

It is easy to watch and laugh at comedy but it isn't always easy to know the mechanics behind why you laugh and what draws you in. This is a great overview of comedy throughout the years and countries. It is a pity it only scraped the surface of sketch comedy outside of America or the influence of women and minorities.

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Profile Image for kaylim

this is the best

big fan of keegan-michael key. he made this the best experience you could hope for. even if you don't know who he is give it a try and see what im talking about. enjoy the ride!

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super fun

great listening easy and fun and great look into the history of sketch comedy yes

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Wow, fantastic!!!!

Loved every minute of this series, and so glad I came across it. Highly recommend it.

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Love, love, LOVE this book

Mr Key, I truly had a blast laughing along with you. Well told, enthralling story of one of my favourite genres. Thank you for making this book a pleasure to listen to.

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Profile Image for Ray Hecht

Informative, but limitations of the medium

Keegan-Michael Key is excellent, he's smart and educated and knows his stuff. He's also funny.

But the medium of podcasts may not be the best way to share this knowledge. I did learn a lot about theater and classic film etc. And yes, analyzing comedy does tend to take away from the funny so that's not always his fault...

Yet overall, I wish it was a visual documentary. And I also wish they had the rights to all the clips he does impressions for, even if it was only audio, would have been much more entertaining that way is all.

Still, was worth listening for anyone who enjoys sketch and comedy.

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