I knew almost nothing about comedy... but it didn't stop me becoming a stand-up
Says Dutch comic Micky Overman
20/07/2018 … My cousin showed me my first American stand-up special when I was 22.
2018 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.
Fri 20 July 2018
Wed 18 July 2018
If comedy's hard, you're doing it wrong
So says veteran writer Nick Hildred
18/07/2018 … ‘Comedy is so hard’, ‘Making comedy is difficult’, ‘Comedy’s the hardest thing to get right’: this is the sort of thing…
Thu 12 July 2018
Why it's never JUST a joke
Douglas Walker wants comics to abandon the disclaimer
12/07/2018 … At one time or another we have all made a joke that upset someone.
Mon 02 July 2018
Trade shows are for schmucks and braggards
What COULD Mat Ricardo be talking about?
02/07/2018 … A long time ago, I got myself booked to perform at a trade show.
Sat 30 June 2018
How to raise money for the Fringe
30/06/2018 … Edinburgh: Go Big! Go Bold! Go Bankrupt! How to RAISE Money for the Fringe Edinburgh is almost here.
Fri 29 June 2018
© Steve Ullathorne Funny business: how to make money at the Fringe
29/06/2018 … If there’s one thing you’ll hear everyone at the Fringe complaining about (apart from the price of beer and that review they totally didn’t deserve) is just…
Mon 25 June 2018
Why class is also a diversity issue for comedy
Adam Rowe wants more regional voices on TV, too
25/06/2018 … Last week, the BBC’s comedy chief Shane Allen said that the times where our genre has been dominated by ‘white Oxbridge men’ is over.
Mon 18 June 2018
'Are you OK to get home?
A few simple steps could make comedians safer at night, suggests Meryl O'Rourke
18/06/2018 … The horrific killing of young Australian stand-up Eurydice Dixon walking home after a gig in Melbourne last week has highlighted the vulnerable position many comedians…