A Frank dismissal

When we think of Frank Skinner, an activity I’m sure we’re all guilty of indulging in once in a while, we think of ‘popular comedian’ and ‘talk show host’. One phrase that would rarely spring to mind is ‘practicing catholic’, albeit it is no less true.

Recently interviewed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Skinner voiced the belief that Christianity should fight back at atheism in comedy. He urged fellow Christians to come together to fight atheists undermining religion.


The cleverest comedians usually ignite their careers by focusing on a characteristic, usually something that stands out or has been a hindrance in some way. For example, when Sarah Millican first exploded onto the comedy scene, her material bore much resemblance to a bitter, middle-aged divorcee that could be compared to a Geordie Bridget Jones.

Shappi Khorsandi and Omid Djalili initially filled their acts with jokes about living as an ethnic minority, and were very successful in doing so. However, comedy veteran Skinner would not receive the same reception if he introduced to his audience a routine about the advantages of Catholicism. It’d be far more productive to take this energy elsewhere, because of all people, Skinner should understand what is funny. Atheism-bashing and extolling the virtues of organised religion is not.

To demonstrate my literary struggles, the above article was rejected by the editor of a website I've been freelancing for. I was also subsequently back-benched. His reason being: ' I'm sure there are many people who don't often think of Frank Skinner'. It would seem I need to work on my sarcasm.