I don't use plants – and I'll pay out if anyone can prove that I do
28/08/2017 … For the past month, I’ve been performing the Hyprov show at the Edinburgh Fringe, which mixes stage hypnotism with improv games.
2017 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.
Mon 28 August 2017
Mon 21 August 2017
'I fricking love history'
Tony Law on what inspires his comedy
21/08/2017 … First of all, I can't write OK.
Fri 18 August 2017
So I'm single...
Naz Osmanoglu on going it alone after years with a sketch group
18/08/2017 … I’m not sure how other comics work, but the other day I found myself walking around in my pants with piles of books sellotaped to my shoes.
Wed 16 August 2017
The working class has been forced out of comedy
...and don't expect the Arts Council to fix it, says Rob Mulholland
16/08/2017 … Being an artist these days isn't cheap.
Mon 14 August 2017
Me versus the gong
Ellyn Daniels on the brutality of the new act challenge
14/08/2017 … A talent manager once asked me how stand-up was going and I told him that stand-up was very much like an abusive boyfriend: it beats me down until I threaten to…
Sun 13 August 2017
Fringe Clinic #4: Exercise
Comic and medic Ed Patrick shares tips to keep you Fringe fit
13/08/2017 … In the final instalment of our guide to surviving the Edinburgh Fringe, comedian and doctor Ed Patrick offers tips on getting some physical exercise.
Sat 12 August 2017
© Huw jennings Fringe Clinic #3: Sleep
Kwame Asante on getting some shut-eye
12/08/2017 … In the third of our series on surviving the Edinburgh Fringe, doctor and comedian Kwame Asante offers his tongue-in-cheek six-point guide to sleep at the festival:1.
Fri 11 August 2017
Fringe Clinic #2: Sex
Comedian and doctor Matt Hutchinson puts a dampener on the fun
11/08/2017 … In our continuing series of how to survive the Fringe, medic and comedian Matt Hutchinson tackles the burning issues in festival romance… If…