In defence of the TikTok comedian
Zara Gladman welcomes a space to be funny away from the misogynistic comedy circuit
21/09/2023 … It was the pandemic that prompted me to download TikTok.
2023 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.
Thu 21 September 2023
Wed 20 September 2023
How the comedy industry uses humour to abuse and silence women
20/09/2023 … Over the last ten years, I have been researching the barriers to women’s participation in the UK comedy circuit.
Mon 28 August 2023
That Mitchell and Webb Sound at 20: A triumph of simplicity
28/08/2023 … In August 2003, David Mitchell and Robert Webb were set to front their own radio sketch show for the BBC and lead a new sitcom for Channel 4.
Sat 26 August 2023
'Unimaginable opportunities will arise because you decided to create something'
John Robins' uplifting speech at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards
26/08/2023 … John Robins today presented this year’s Edinburgh Comedy Awards along with last year’s winner, Sam Campbell.
Fri 25 August 2023
The Graham Linehan episode has proved that Comedy Unleashed are just as mediocre as the stand-up mainstream
Will Franken yearns for a real alternative to the careerists
25/08/2023 … For seven years running, I have not performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Wed 16 August 2023
There's no diversity among Fringe reviewers... so why should I tie my self-esteem to them?
Critics who all look and thing the same, says Anu Vaidyanathan
16/08/2023 … I believe there is no diversity in the reviewers who walk through one's door at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Why are all one-woman shows compared to Fleabag?
Because it was so iconic, says Sarah Cameron
16/08/2023 … As defining as BC and AD were for time, the industry can now be split into BF and AF – Before Fleabag and After Fleabag.
Tue 15 August 2023
Why is there so little political comedy at the Edinburgh Fringe?
Britain's a bin fire... more comics should be talking about it, says Ian Stone
15/08/2023 … It’s the halfway point at the Edinburgh Fringe and I’ve got a day off.