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.
Isabelle Farah offers a field guide to the Fringe cliques
01/08/2023 … Ah, the foot is on the pedal for the Edinburgh Fringe bandwagon, with its merry troupe of funny people aboard! But this family is a dysfunctional one: the…
Stuart Goldsmith on finding laughs as the world burns
31/07/2023 … The world’s on fire and we all know it, and we all know we’re not taking action fast enough.
30/07/2023 … I’ve produced panel shows at festivals and corporate events worldwide since 2015, and have worked with thousands of acts - from Netflix stars to open spots…
Salma Hindy & Danielle Deluty find liberation in comedy
29/07/2023 … In theory, comedy allows subversion of powerful people and institutions, like religion.
Alison Spittle has some recommended viewing
28/07/2023 … There are as many documentaries on the Edinburgh fringe as students flyering the Royal Mile – loads! I myself was the subject of a documentary filmed nine…
Mary O’Connell on throwing the financial and artistic dice at the festival
23/07/2023 … So, you want to do an Edinburgh Fringe show about something kinda niche.
© Lee Jameson Sophie Santos celebrates the boom in queer stand-up
21/07/2023 … As a queer person, I was lucky.
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