Laughing before the punchline...
I just can't help myself, says Viv Ford
22/08/2024 … I have a problem.
2024 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 22 August 2024
Wed 21 August 2024
Laughs lost in translation
Vlad Ilich on how to relate to British audiences when they can’t even remember your country’s name
21/08/2024 … Living in the UK is hard enough.
Mon 19 August 2024
15 lessons I learned from 15 years in comedy
19/08/2024 … This year marks my 15th year as a stand-up comedian.
Sun 18 August 2024
'Jokes are the sweeteners that make difficult subjects palatable'
Njambi McGrath on confronting colonialism with comedy
18/08/2024 … The runaway success of Richard Gadd’s Baby Reindeer and Hannah Gadsby’s Nanette are testament that no subject is off limit to comedy.
Sat 17 August 2024
Doing half the Fringe? It's the way forward
Suchandrika Chakrabarti on why she decided to start her Edinburgh run today
17/08/2024 … I’m back at Edinburgh Fringe this year with a new show, two years after my debut in 2022.
Fri 16 August 2024
What comedians can learn from sports psychology
Coaching tips could help comics' wellbeing, says Jaz Mattu
16/08/2024 … Here I am, in the dimly lit car park, bracing myself for a three-hour drive home.
Thu 15 August 2024
How to watch improv
Sit down, shut up and shout out your suggestions, says Lizzie Skrzypiec of Murder She Didn't Write
15/08/2024 … It’s an exciting time for improv.
Wed 14 August 2024
Where are the comics breaking through at the Fringe?
14/08/2024 … My first time performing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival was in 2013.