I live in Cumbria which is very much in the North - i love watching Ricky Gervais and have been listening to him regularly on the train to and from work on my iPod having downloaded his podcasts. His friend with the head like an orange - Karl Pilkington - is sometimes featured on them and i think he too is really amusuing. These podcasts inspired me to buy Karls books.
I thought Extras was ok and never got into the Office!!
I don't work in an Office myself and never have.
I guess everyone has a different sense of humour - just like all other tastes in individuals that differ. Thank God we are not yet all cloned.
Anyhow thats my opinion - i also love watching Frankie Boyle, Dara Obrian, and i think Hugh Dennis is fantastic on Mock the week.....Personally, i am not too keen myself on Russel Howard, saying that he seems a nice guy i Just don't find him funny.