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.
Mike James witnesses the birth of a new Egyptian stand-up scene
28/10/2011 … My forays into stand up have been international: I started out playing to expats in Seoul, continued to drunks/students in Budapest, through to one forgettable experience…
Matthew Thomas says bad gigs are always the comic's fault
21/10/2011 … The other day somebody asked me why I like stand-up comedy.
Ted Shiress, who has cerebral palsy, joins the 'mong' debate
20/10/2011 … Ricky Gervais sure knows how to get people talking about him, and his latest ‘stunt’ involves tweeting about how he likes to use the word ‘mong’.
John Fleming gives advice to comics
17/10/2011 … Yesterday, I had tea with a very good but not yet famous comedy performer.
Matt Thomas wishes comedians would leave their genitals alone
13/10/2011 … The other day I was involved in an early heat of one of the many comedy competitions.
Simon Caine hates new act contests decided by audiences
06/10/2011 … As I stand in the wings my heartbeat quickens.
Bethany Black on the old 'women in comedy' debate
05/10/2011 … I keep getting dragged in to an argument on Twitter, an argument with people who ostensibly are attempting to fight my corner, but in reality do not understand the…
Steve Bennett on the myth of a comedy 'golden age'
04/10/2011 … Whenever an icon of comedy dies, broadcasters traditionally dust down a long-forgotten episode of their greatest work to screen in tribute.
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