What my Madelaine McCann joke taught me about comedy
27/09/2011 … A few years ago, I used to have a joke that went like this: 'You know when you've got something you desperately don't want to lose, you put it somewhere safe.
2011 Opinions
Chortle's Opinions section is an arena for fans to share their views on any aspect of comedy.
We invite general comment pieces about particular aspects of the comedy scene (although reviews of individual shows or performers tend not to be suited to this section except in very rare circumstances). Contributions should be at least 500 words in length, in a similar tone to something you might read in a broadsheet newspaper, and emailed to steve@chortle.co.uk
We reserve the right to edit pieces – although we will be careful not to change the meaning of anything – or not to use them at all. By submitting an article you grant Chortle indefinite licence to use it freely; though you retain the copyright on it to use it elsewhere.
Tue 27 September 2011
Mon 26 September 2011
If there was ever a good time for a rape joke...
Freddy Quinne on an unusual start to his gig
26/09/2011 … During my last 15 months in comedy, I’ve done over 150 gigs all over the UK.
Fri 23 September 2011
Horses for courses
Mark Olver on whether any comedy venue is 'perfect'
23/09/2011 … Yesterday, Toby Martin wrote on these pages how he disliked the experience of watching comedy at the Komedia in Bath.
Thu 22 September 2011
Big isn't beautiful
Toby Martin thinks his local Komedia is overpriced
22/09/2011 … What you really need from your average comedy club are tables that are side-on to the stage, high ceilings that swallow up the laughter and suppress what ambiance…
Wed 21 September 2011
Out of character...
Milo McCabe wonders whether he should be himself
21/09/2011 … I've been doing a character called Philberto on the comedy circuit for about four years now, and when I come off stage a significant number of people aren't sure…
Tue 20 September 2011
How to MC
Australian comic Danny McGinlay offers some tips
20/09/2011 … Being the compere on a comedy night fills many seasoned performers with trepidation.
Wed 14 September 2011
Itchy feet
Laura Lexx on the thin line between comedy and madness
14/09/2011 … I sat in the audience of a gig tonight and watched a comedian.
Tue 13 September 2011
Tony Hancock vs Peter Cook
Ian Hawkins on a changing of comedy generations
13/09/2011 … Comedy Nerd Pub Quiz: In which film did Peter Cook appear with Tony Hancock?Answer: The Wrong Box, directed by Bryan Forbes and released in 1966.