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.
Matt Taylor yearns for some proper satire
29/10/2009 … It's incredible to think that, within days of the BBC broadcasting a TV programme that dominated the papers and almost caused a riot in Shepherds Bush, Auntie has…
Anthony Harvison reviews a forgotten Alan Bennett gem
27/10/2009 … Beyond the Fringe, the pioneering satirical revue that first brought Alan Bennett to the public's attention, is rightly remembered for its daring attacks on public…
Stand-up Kevin Bland reviews an unusual comedy performance
23/10/2009 … For someone who has been on the circuit for so long, and despite a not insignificant following in the North, Griffin still looks ill at ease when taken out of his…
Terry Frisby on the Jongleurs crisis
21/10/2009 … I’ve been a comic on and off for over 12 years, even at one time making a full time living off the circuit.
Liam Mullan explains how Seinfeld changed everything
21/10/2009 … Curb Your Enthusiasm’s seventh season has a running storyline in which Larry David attempts to woo back his wife Cheryl by orchestrating a cast reunion of Seinfeld,…
By Italian stand-up Giacinto Palmieri
15/10/2009 … It’s accepted wisdom that comedians are allowed to crack jokes about their own ethnic, religious or national groups that would seem offensive coming from outsiders.
Matt Price on the parallels between comedy and boxing
14/10/2009 … I interviewed professional and amateur fighters for a few years, boxed as an amateur superheavyweight and learned the hard way that I wasn't suited to being repeatedly…
01/10/2009 … The comedian’s onstageAnd he’s pissed at the poncey liberal middle classesSo far up their own arsesHe wants to explode their politenessTest their preconceptionsWhich…
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