Comedians: Say what you want, but know it will affect people
Andrew Learmonth knows what the couple who walked out of Ricky Gervais were going through
04/04/2017 … I threw myself back into work after my son died.
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.
Tue 04 April 2017
The night I performed to rich racists
Mat Ricardo on a gig that turned sour
04/04/2017 … A while ago – and enough time has passed that I can mention this without the people involved knowing that I'm talking about them – I did a gig.
Wed 08 March 2017
Unamused by the Moose
Janet Bettesworth has complaints over new act contest
08/03/2017 … I have heard lots of comedians say: ‘I hate comedy competitions.
Fri 03 March 2017
Trump's worthless dollar says so much
Mat Ricardo on the sort of person who'd stiff a busker
03/03/2017 … I'm going to tell you a true story, that might mean something, and it might not.
Thu 02 March 2017
© Vikki Ellis 7 times history was like comedy
By archaeologist and stand-up Paul Duncan McGarrity
02/03/2017 … We are told that those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it, but as a comedian I am also told that the rule of three requires a premise to be reinforced…
Wed 15 February 2017
What's wrong with grassroots comedy
Barrie Morgan has issues... especially in Northern Ireland
15/02/2017 … There are two major things wrong with Britain’s grassroots stand-up comedy scene: not enough quality gigs and not enough coverage Inevitably, there…
Fri 10 February 2017
How can we improve the image of improv?
10/02/2017 … The general consensus is that 2016 was a crap year, with Brexit, Trump and the deaths of beloved celebrities (and David Gest).
Tue 07 February 2017
Here's some feedback: Keep your opinions to yourself!
Sonia Aste doesn't take criticism well...
07/02/2017 … I’m fed up and not taking it anymore! Next time someone asks ‘Can I give you some feedback?’ I’ll respond ‘You could ……