Joe Lycett Proves to Get a Laugh Abroad: Sometimes a Brummie Has to Pull Out the Black Country Comedy Card
Comedian Joe Lycett has showcased his ability to bring laughter to international audiences, highlighting the unique charm of Black Country comedy in his latest TV series, The United States of Birmingham. The Birmingham-born comedian, known for his wit and cultural phenomenon status in the second city, embarked on a journey across North America to unite various places named Birmingham.
During his travels, Joe encountered Randy, an American bus driver, who became a key figure in demonstrating the power of Black Country humour. "When trying to get Randy the American bus driver to laugh, he had to pull out the Black Country card out of his comedy pocket to get the guffaws going," a scene from the series revealed. Joe shared a few choice Black Country phrases with Randy, which quickly paved the way for their newfound friendship. This comedic approach is at the heart of The United States of Birmingham, a series that aims to unite people from diverse backgrounds who share a connection to Birmingham.
The series, which is available to watch on Sky Max and streaming service NOW, follows Joe as he visits multiple Birminghams across North America, exploring their histories and cultural commonalities with the UK’s Birmingham. In an interview, Joe explained, "In 2024 I went on an insane voyage across North America visiting all the places called Birmingham (there are LOADS of them), in a quest to unite them all with an internationally recognised Treaty of Friendship." This ambitious project has taken Joe to towns and cities across multiple states, where he has met eclectic Americans and even discovered a man called Wayne from Dudley.
One of the most notable discoveries Joe made during his travels was that Taylor Swift, the global music sensation, has a connection to Birmingham. While specific details about this connection remain scarce, Joe’s finding has undoubtedly piqued the interest of fans and locals alike. The series also features Joe immersing himself in American culture, as seen in an exclusive clip where he visits the American Gothic House in Iowa. There, he meets Carrie, who shows no sympathy for those who get scared experiencing new things for the first time.
The team behind Sky Max has expressed their delight with the new series, highlighting Joe’s role as Birmingham’s ambassador. According to a spokesman for Sky, "It’s no secret that the nation’s Mummy, Joe Lycett, adores Birmingham. In his self-appointed role as the second city’s ambassador and, with the blessing of the actual Lord Mayor of Birmingham, everyone’s favourite comedy activist is on a mission to put Birmingham firmly back on the map – in fact, all over the map." The series aims to achieve this by forming official ‘Friendship Agreements’ with as many Birminghams as possible, culminating in an annual global event – the International Day of Birmingham.
The United States of Birmingham is a unique blend of comedy, culture, and exploration, offering viewers a fresh perspective on the connections between different communities. As Joe Lycett continues to showcase his comedic talents on the international stage, he remains committed to promoting Birmingham’s rich cultural heritage. The Express & Star has learned that Joe’s efforts have been well-received by audiences and critics alike, making The United States of Birmingham a must-watch for those interested in comedy, culture, and community.
For those interested in watching The United States of Birmingham, the series is available on Sky Max and streaming service NOW. With its unique blend of humour and cultural exploration, this series is set to delight audiences and provide a fresh perspective on the power of comedy to unite people from diverse backgrounds.
Source: https://www.expressandstar.com/news/2025/05/06/joe-lycett-proves-to-get-a-laugh-abroad-sometimes-a-brummie-has-to-pull-out-the-black-country-comedy-card/
