Joanne McNally: 'I work with Richard Ayoade: I still can't read him'

Joanne McNally's latest show, Unacceptable, is set to push the boundaries of what's considered acceptable in our increasingly sensitive society. As a comedian and single mum, McNally is unapologetic about her provocative opinions, which she's eager to share on the new panel show. But what's truly interesting is her candid admission about working with Richard Ayoade, a comedian known for his deadpan delivery and, allegedly, his unreadable nature. McNally's comment, "I still can't read him," highlights the fascinating dynamic between the two comedians and raises questions about the role of satire in today's cancel culture.

Unacceptable's premise revolves around six comedians trying to be as provocative as possible, with the intention of swinging the studio audience in their favour. McNally describes it as a satirical take on cancel culture, "There's cancel culture and all that jazz, so this is a very satirical take on that." While the show's intention is to poke fun at the culture of outrage, it's hard to ignore the irony of a show that's designed to be as offensive as possible. This raises questions about the limits of satire and whether it's possible to critique cancel culture without contributing to it.

The show's cast, consisting of McNally, Ed Gamble, Richard Ayoade, Romesh Ranganathan, Katherine Ryan, and Harriet Kemsley, is an eclectic mix of comedians with different approaches to humour. Gamble is the charming host, McNally is razor-sharp with her quick wit, and Ayoade is, as McNally notes, "unnervingly deadpan." Their differing styles create a fascinating dynamic, with Ayoade's deadpan delivery serving as a perfect counterpoint to McNally's sharp tongue. However, McNally's comment about not being able to read Ayoade suggests that there's more to their relationship than meets the eye.

A panel show lives and dies by the chemistry of its leading cast, and Unacceptable's cast is no exception. McNally and Gamble have clearly developed a close bond, finishing each other's sentences like best teammates do. Ayoade's absence is noticeable, but his deadpan delivery is a key part of the show's dynamic. The line-up between hosts and team captains is a key aspect of the show, with Gamble noting, "I would be in a room with you; I might be occasionally at the BFI, so I might see Richard. But Joanne and Richard absolutely not." This comment highlights the show's artificial nature, with the comedians acknowledging that they wouldn't normally interact with each other outside of the show.

Joanne McNally's Unacceptable is a show that's designed to push the boundaries of what's considered acceptable. But can satire really save us from cancel culture, or is it just a Band-Aid solution? McNally's comment about not being able to read Ayoade suggests that there's more to their relationship than meets the eye. As the show navigates the complex world of satire and cancel culture, it's clear that Unacceptable is a show that's not afraid to take risks. But will it be enough to save us from the culture of outrage, or will it just contribute to it?

I predict that Unacceptable will be a hit with audiences, but it will also spark a heated debate about the limits of satire and the role of comedians in critiquing cancel culture. As the show navigates the complex world of comedy and social commentary, it's clear that McNally and her castmates are willing to take risks and push the boundaries of what's considered acceptable. But will it be enough to save us from the culture of outrage, or will it just contribute to it?