Can there be comedy without tragedy?
Jaques Hattie wonders if his life was too easy for jokes
31/08/2011 … As I try to make my way in the world as a writer of comedy, I’ve come up against a bit of a problem; to be funny, you have to have suffered.
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.
Wed 31 August 2011
Tue 30 August 2011
I hate the Inbetweeners
Joe Daniels argues that it's not funny, it's bigoted
30/08/2011 … With the annual hubbub of the Edinburgh Fringe cacophonously screaming in our ears all August, it always feels a bit weird getting back to reality, and catching…
When the show needn't go on
Ian Hawkins knows when to walk
30/08/2011 … A couple of dispiriting events happened in the last week that made me look again at my policy of 'the show must go on'.
Fri 26 August 2011
Alas poor Eric...
Martha McBrier has a tough time on the Fringe
26/08/2011 … Free shows at the Edinburgh Fringe sell themselves.
Thu 25 August 2011
Lessons from the Edinburgh Fringe
Andre King learns a thing or two
25/08/2011 … So this is it… Edinburgh Festival! A chill of anticipation grips my spine.
Wed 24 August 2011
Who reviews the reviewers?
24/08/2011 … As the Edinburgh Fringe draws towards its conclusion, it gives performers some time to reflect on the weeks that have passed – and one thing none of us can stop…
Wed 17 August 2011
The star-t of a problem
Mark Davies says 1* reviews should be published
17/08/2011 … Last week I read with interest that Scottish what’s on guide The Skinny will not be giving any performance at this year’s Fringe anything less than two stars.
Fri 12 August 2011
The comics on Show Me The Funny are good – whatever TV tells you
Andy Kind on ITV's reality show
12/08/2011 … Last year, I was on 4thought.