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Brick Wall Comedy
Brick Wall Comedy

Comedy Central Presents

Hugh Fink

Comedy Central · 1999 · 21 min

A comedy writer breaks down corrupt boxing and plays the violin.

Hugh Fink performs stand-up with the precision of a sketch writer and the oddball energy of a classically trained violinist. His half-hour set hinges on highly specific, absurd observations. The centerpiece is a breakdown of the uselessness of baseball’s first-base coaches. He reenacts what it would sound like if ESPN mic’d up a coach just doing his job, yelling generic encouragement to players. It is a strange, niche sports bit that works because Fink commits to the absurdity of the role. He later pulls out a violin for a Jimi Hendrix-inspired performance, proving his childhood music lessons were not entirely wasted.

Filmed at the Hudson Theatre in New York City, the set aired during the second season of Comedy Central Presents in the summer of 1999. At the time, Fink was working as a writer for Saturday Night Live, where he frequently crafted material for Weekend Update. That analytical eye drives his stand-up here, moving from the traditions of corrupt boxing to the passive aggression of sarcastic waiters. He even tackles the realities of Texan hospitality.

The set list

6 bits

  1. Useless first-base coaches and corrupt boxing

    Defends the great American traditions of useless first-base coaches and corrupt boxing.

  2. Fictional resume boasts

    Opens his set by humorously claiming to be a former writer for 'The Magic School Bus' and lyricist for Madonna and Ricky Martin.

  3. Boredom at museums and fake exhibits

    Recounts getting bored by museum displays and improvising his own fictional artifacts and commentary in front of other visitors.

  4. Fear of sarcastic waiters and Texan hospitality

    Details his anxieties dealing with sarcastic restaurant waitstaff contrasted with hospitality in Texas.

  5. Jimi Hendrix violin performance

    Draws on his classical violin training to deliver a performance inspired by Jimi Hendrix.

  6. Dating and picking up women

    Riffs on his lack of skill when attempting to flirt or pick up women.

How it plays

Tone
Deadpan, relatable, witty, and self-effacing.
On stage
Easygoing presence characterized by deadpan delivery, effortless wit, and self-deprecating humor.
Pace
Effortless, steady observational cadence with precise timing.
About
sports and corruption, museum exhibits, dating and relationships, everyday errands, Texan hospitality, classical violin music

What the critics said

Praised as a masterclass in observational humor, highlighted by Fink's effortless deadpan delivery, relatable premises, and strong comic timing.

Summed up from reviews, articles and listings. Sources: thetvdb.com, metacritic.com, flixi.com, yidio.com, paramountplus.com, chapman.edu, imdb.com, hughfink.com.

Backstory

Featured as part of Comedy Central's signature half-hour showcase series highlighting emerging and established stand-up comics, taped in New York City with customized stage designs.

Details

Released
Runtime
21 min
Where
Comedy Central
Director
Paul Miller
Topics

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