As the news becomes ever more outlandish, how do we make sense of our current historical predicament and where are we heading? Cult American novelist Jarett Kobek has written a hilarious and provocative satire for our times: Only Americans Burn in Hell. Here at 5×15 he takes part in an unmissable conversation with acclaimed stand up comedian and writer Stewart Lee: an expert in satire this side of the Atlantic, and creator of Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle.
The book is set in 2019 and America is ruled over by a billionaire reality TV star. The media is owned by a transnational class of the shameless and the depraved. And the people have been silently robbed of their wealth, their dignity and their democracy. In this brave new world, going to see a superhero movie counts as activism, and arguing with the other serfs on social media is political engagement. BUT EVERYTHING’S FINE – as long as you never, ever ask yourself who makes money from the ticket sales and the ratings, or who owns Twitter…
“Jarett Kobek articulated things I’d been trying to understand but couldn’t find the words to” Stewart Lee
Recorded live in London in April 2019.
5×15 brings together outstanding individuals to tell of their lives, passions and inspirations.
Wharto15, Twitter
Wharto15, Twitter
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Alwyn, Digiguide.tv
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Rubyshoes, Twitter
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DVDhth's grandparents, Twitter
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FBC, finalgear.com
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Mini-x2, readytogo.net
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Yukio Mishima, dontstartmeoff.com
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Dominic Cavendish, Daily Telegraph
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Visualiser1, Twitter
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Anonymous, The Northfield Patriot
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James Dellingpole, Daily Telegraph
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Nicetime, Guardian.co.uk
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Joskins, Leeds Music Forum
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Al Murray, Comedian
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Fairy Pingu, Twitter
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Len Firewood, Twitter
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Aaron, comedy.co.uk
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Tweeter Kyriakou, Twitter
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Johnny Kitkat, dontstartmeoff.com
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Shane, Beverley, Dailymail.co.uk
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Anon, dontstartmeoff.com
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Dahoum, Guardian.co.uk
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Zombie Hamster, Twitter
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Esme Folley, Actress, cellist, Twitter
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Gmanthedemon, bbc.co.uk
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GRTak, finalgear.com
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NevW47479, UKTV.co.uk
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Lenny Darksphere, Twitter
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Pudabaya, beexcellenttoeachother.com
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Maninabananasuit, Guardian.co.uk
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Anon, BBC Complaints Log
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Cojones2, Guardian.co.uk
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Horatio Melvin, Twitter
BBC iPlayer edition of discussion of Stewart Lee on A Good Read
BBC iPlayer edition of discussion of Stewart Lee on A Good Read
Microcuts 22, Twitter
Microcuts 22, Twitter
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Mearecate, Youtube