In 2011 Jimmy hosted 6 x 30-minute episodes of Jimmy Carr’s Comedy Cuts on BBC Radio 2. The audio files have now been removed but the BBC website pages can still be viewed here.

Shows written by Jimmy Carr & Dominic English (here).

Ep 1 – How to Become a Stand-Up

First broadcast – Sat Jan 15^th 2011, 10pm

Jimmy Carr hosts the first of six comedy masterclasses in which he discusses his passion for all aspects of comedy and plays some of his favourite comedy clips.

In the first episode, Jimmy takes a look at what it takes to become a stand-up comedian. Featured comedians include Eddie Izzard, who talks about swimming; Bill Bailey finds out about the appeal of photographing kebabs; Peter Kay wonders at the marvels of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire; and Rowan Atkinson performs his schoolmaster sketch.

Ep 2 – The Theory of Jokes: Part 1

First broadcast – Sat Jan 22^nd 2011, 10pm

Tonight, he takes a look at the theory of jokes and plays clips from the likes of Les Dawson on being healthy, Lee Evans on forgetting stuff, Frankie Howerd on a memorable visit to the doctors, and Michael McIntyre on relieving himself in the sea. All these clips and more are supplemented by Jimmy’s witty and anarchic take on the world of comedy.

Ep 3 – The Theory of Jokes: Part 2

First broadcast – Sat Jan 29^th 2011, 10pm

The third episode takes a further look at the theory behind jokes. The featured clips include Tommy Cooper on his holiday experiences; Peter Cook and Dudley Moore ruminating on art; Ardal O’Hanlon on back problems; while Morecambe and Wise try having a bath.

Ep 4 – How To Tell Jokes

First broadcast – Sat February 5^th 2011, 10pm

In the fourth episode, Jimmy takes a look at how to tell jokes and he plays clips from the likes of Jack Dee on getting sunburnt; Bob Newhart on introducing tobacco to America; Sarah Millican on her weight issues; and Dara O’Briain on how he copes with pain.

Ep 5 – The Ingredients of a Joke

First broadcast Sat February 12^th 2011, 10pm

In the fifth episode, Jimmy takes a look at the ingredients of a joke and he plays clips from the likes of Peter Ustinov on his days in the army; Alan Davies on the finer points of chivalry; Lenny Henry talks about his charismatic parents; and Bill Bailey does Billy Bragg.

Ep 6 – The Nature of Laughter

First broadcast Sat Feb 19th 2011, 10pm

In Jimmy Carr’s final comedy masterclass of the series, he takes a look at the nature of laughter. Featured comics include Richard Pryor on kids; Russell Kane talks about his characterful dad; Reginald D Hunter is horrified by our customer service; and George Carlin takes a look at joining book clubs.