Who's the best of this bunch?

[NorthernDave]

Coogon is the only character actor, the others just play themselves.

As long as that character is closely based on Steve Coogan perhaps.
I haven't seen anything with him in where I haven't though "A-ha!" within minutes of him appearing on screen - even Philomena which was a very good film.
Partridge is comedy gold, but for every Alan (or Paul / Pauline Calf) there has been a Tony Ferrino in the debit column

Mind you, John Thomson owes Coogan his entire career - he's been playing "Fat Bob" in pretty much everything he's been in for the last 20-odd years.

 

[ianrauk]

I find Kay as funny as cancer. Both Coogan and Gervais have both had moments of genius but both believe in their own publicity far too much.

 

[CanucksTraveller]

I don't think Kay or Gervais could have done anything as nuanced as "The Trip". Steve Coogan is the more talented all round writer and performer.

 

[shouldbeinbed]

Steve Coogan every time. Peter Kay comedy acting in stuff rather than his stand up routine. Gervais not at all.

If you want to see a masterclass in the appalling businessman type then I recommend Steve Coogan's half hour vehicle for his Gareth Cheeseman character: Dearth of a Salesman

To be fair to Ricky Gervais the person though, he is very vocal and principled in his stance on animal rights. I respect and admire that in him and if it means the cripplingly unfunny David Brent character has to persist to allow him that platform so be it. I'll just not tune in.

 

[stalagmike]

What about Barker, Jason, ...or (whisper it) Enfield?

 

[Beebo]

I love this dark humour.


View: http://youtu.be/ob1rYlCpOnM

 

[stalagmike]

I love this dark humour.


View: http://youtu.be/ob1rYlCpOnM

He he. Love it. As it happens that's one of the few impressions I can do well.

 

[Electric_Andy]

I can relate to Peter Kay's honest and down to earth humour the most. I also love Gervais, he is a clever chap and knows how to deliver un-PC stuff with some tact. That is what separates him from Bernard Manning I suppose. Coogan is great as well, but if I had to only watch/listen to one person it would be Kay, then Gervais, then Coogan.