Reviewed by Chris Tozer

This 4 DVD collection features over 10 hours of comedy from the initial series that claims to be "apeeling comedy for the whole family." By that, the promoters mean that none of the comedians used any bad language or told dirty jokes during filming. Despite the "family" tag children wouldn't enjoy the shows as the jokes are really only geared for an adult audience. There are only a few specific references to religion throughout the collection so thank goodness it can't be dubiously labelled as Christian Humour. Over a dozen professional stand-up comedians contributed to the series and each is seen performing in front of a live audience - mostly of prosperous white couples in their late 30s. Each performance is interspersed with short excerpts of interviews with fellow comic Thor Ramsey - who MCs each show. All the comics are pretty funny although many of their jokes would be lost on a British audience. I can't imagine the Bananas series being broadcast over here as many of the jokes refer to exclusively contemporary life in America. The first DVD in this collection is exclusively devoted to the brilliant comic Taylor Mason - complete with his vast array of puppets. The disc also includes the collection's only non-'live' show and the only programme actually aimed at children. It showcases Mason's considerable talent as a ventriloquist with a vast array of Muppet like characters who live in his attic. During a power outage (cut) they learn the importance of saving energy. For me it's the best show in the collection. As Bananas 2 has recently been broadcast in the States and is already out on DVD the show clearly must be making a good impression across the Atlantic. But, I just can't see Bananas finding a big UK fanbase.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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