Some people think of clean comedy as an afterthought, something for children's parties and old-lady luncheons.
Those people don't understand comedy.
They don't even understand old ladies, really. They often enjoy adult humor as much as anyone. But clean comedy isn't a niche market, and it's not any less funny than other forms of stand-up. Okay, so you don't get the cursing and adult content. Instead, the comedian has to really work to make you laugh, instead of just relying on four-letter words for a cheap chuckle.
Not all dirty comedians do that, of course. Some of the very best are totally NSFW. But we've all seen performers who know how to curse, but can't write a joke. Clean comedians can be funny without all that, and some are very successful.
Like Brian Regan.
Regan's well known for being clean and funny. His relatable material covers childhood and everyday events, and turns them into hilarious premises. He can be goofy, clever, theatrical and sarcastic all in the same joke. In fact, you don't even realize he's playing clean until much later. It doesn't seem like he's trying to avoid adult humor. It's just that the funny stuff he says isn't dirty. You can laugh with your parents, young adults, friends or anyone who just enjoys well-written jokes.
Even old ladies.
This September, you'll have a chance to see Regan live when he performs at Ruth Eckerd Hall on Sept. 21. Tickets will go fast (his show at this same venue sold out a couple years ago), but you'll have first crack at them Friday morning at 10 a.m. Don't sleep in if you want good seats.
Here's a bit of Regan's stand-up.
$53.50. Thursday, Sept. 21 at 7:30 p.m. Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater. 727-791-7400. rutheckerdhall.com.
This article appears in Apr 6-13, 2017.