Self-deprecation is a key skill in the arsenal of any self-respecting Jew. Just ask stand-up comic Philip Simon, who was recently named Lastminute Comedy/Kill for a Seat's Comedian of the Year.

The 36-year-old, from Borehamwood, beat off stiff competition from 300 other acts to claim the title, after entertaining the crowd with the foibles of his Jewish life. "I figure if I put myself down, it beats someone to the job," said the comic, whose prize includes slots at several comedy gigs up and down the country.

He explained why he thought Jews were predisposed to self-mockery: "We have our mothers to big us up, so we don't need to do it ourselves."