Light bulbs. Mini Coopers. The hypodermic syringe. Britain has a proud history of exporting its best and weirdest creations and John Oliver- built in Birmingham from Liverpudlian parts- is the latest in this grand tradition. If Love Actually was released today, he'd deserve a mention in the Hugh Grant patriotism speech, wedged somewhere between Shakespeare and David Beckham's right foot. That may seem hyperbolic but, like Shakespeare, he excels at smart deconstruction of the upper classes and like David Beckham's left foot he's often seen in shoes, so the comparison stands. John Oliver's comedy career began at university as part of the famed Cambridge Footlights but don't hold that against him- he subsequently made a load of less stereotypical moves. After several seasons on the Edinburgh Fringe and in UK comedy clubs, he headed to America in 2006, where he's been based ever since. And thank god he did because he both deserved and has thrived in that much bigger pond. Here are just a few of the ways that Oliver is the best advertisement for Britain since those photos of the Queen fixing engines in World War II.
Brydie is an Australian writer and performer living in London and she complains exactly the same amount about the weather as every other Australian living in London. Yes, that is her natural lip colour, no, she will not be taking any further questions at this time.
