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.
Chris Chopping writes... while he's supposed to be relaxing
23/04/2011 … I'm writing this on the last day of a week-long family holiday and what an idyllic week it's been! Cast adrift on a raft of rest and relaxation I've hardly bothered…
21/04/2011 … The rebuttal Funny Women unleashed against critics of its £15 ‘pay-to-play’ entry fee – which has now been removed from its website due to the backlash…
....but they're getting too safe, says Blake Anderson
21/04/2011 … The sitcom is one of the hardest things to write.
18/04/2011 … A few months ago, I had an idea for a joke that I knew that some people wouldn't like.
Dave Cohen on toothless topical comedy
15/04/2011 … One of the many myths about live comedy in the Eighties was that the circuit was awash with left-wing feminists spouting man-hating, racist-bashing polemic.
Rob Alderson shares his bugbear
11/04/2011 … In the past week, and I swear this is true, I have seen four comedians, ranging from good to excellent, and I swear to God, each one over-seasoned their sets with…
Diane Spencer has a bad time down under
08/04/2011 … Sunday night, I arrived at the venue, soaked from the rain, to see that the pool tournament posters for Tuesday had replaced mine.
Norman Cho on why he'd rather stay a comedy hobbyist
30/03/2011 … My first inkling that becoming a professional stand-up might not be all that I wanted came during a seven-minute open spot I did for Mirth Control at the Alexander…
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