JOKE

JOKE is a new short film celebrating the life and laughter of beloved British comedian and writer Barry Cryer, directed by his son, Bob. It features ten of Barry’s favourite jokes, which are performed as sketches by some of Britain’s finest comic talents: Harry Hill, Sir Stephen Fry, Dame Judi Dench, Miles Jupp, Rebecca Front, Justin Edwards, Alison Steadman and the voice of Sir Michael Palin.

The film pays tribute to Barry’s gentle, upbeat, and deadpan worldview, which produced jokes closer to thumbnail short stories and mini one-act plays. Joke will honour not just the gags that defined Barry’s unique sense of humour, but also the warmth, generosity and silliness that endeared him to many comedy fans over the years. He became famous for reaching out to many younger comedians and comedy writers over the course of his career and was instrumental in giving many a helping hand at the start of theirs. By reimagining his jokes as sketches, Joke will ensure Barry’s legacy becomes a living, breathing testament enjoyed by many more generations to come.

From parrots with a colourful vocabulary to philandering couples looking for an alibi, Joke also takes in cynical vicars, thirsty hospital patients, spiky old ladies, spicy pub games, fruity vets and a trio of Barry’s finest Doctor jokes along the way.

JOKE premiered at the Slapstick Comedy Festival in Bristol as part of their Gala Evening on Friday, February 6th, 2026, alongside Charlie Chaplin’s The Kid, Buster Keaton’s The Boat, and Laurel & Hardy’s Leave ’Em Laughing. It was then repeated as part of the inaugural Golden Baz Award (named in honour of Barry and awarded to Armando Iannucci) on Sunday, February 8th, at the same Festival.

Bob Cryer

Director // JOKE

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