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Stewart Lee is an English stand-up comedian, writer, director and musician. He made his name in the mid-1990s as one half of the radio duo Lee and Herring, a popular success followed through with extensive touring to build up a loyal live following. He co-wrote and co-directed the mock Broadway hit Jerry Springer: The Opera, a critical success that spurned a wide backlash from christian groups who staged a series of protests outside its early stagings. After a return to the live circuit, and through BBC and Channel 4 specials and series, Lee has rebuilt an audience and a reputation as an anti-populist comedian.
Lee remains a significant draw in UK stand up. Although his audience figures are comparatively low, he is well regarded by critics and has been a pundit on BBC political programming. In December 2011 he won British Comedy Awards for best male television comic and best comedy entertainment programme for his series Stewart Lee's Comedy Vehicle. A 2009 article in The Times referred to him as "the comedian's comedian, and for good reason" and named him "face of the decade". In June 2012 Lee was placed at number 9 in the Top 100 Most Influential People in UK Comedy. His stand-up features frequent use of "repetition, call-backs, nonchalant delivery and deconstruction", a device he often self consciously refers to on stage.
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