Straight man (comedy)

A straight man in comedy set up punchlines for the comic, and acted as a feed. They were not meant to themselves be funny. On stage and television, they were the comic's partner in a double act. According to Teddy Baxter: "[As a straight man] you've got to know when to roll with the punches, and when to hit back."

- Teddy Baxter

Steven Taylor was offered 40 shillings a week to act as a straight man alongside Teddy Baxter. He was unfamiliar with the concept, but understood there was a line of demarcation between himself and whoever filled role of comic.

Baxter used to be in a double act with Stan, and the pair performed before theatre audiences. Before Steven filled that position, Baxter's career had been in decline. Critics expressed that he was no longer funny on his own, simply providing comic relief in films. (AUDIO: The Vardan Invasion of Mirth)