Should comedy be taken seriously?
Jerry Sadowitz shares his thoughts...
11/11/2011 … I REALLY find it offensive when I hear gags about people with mental disabilities.
Latest 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 11 November 2011
Wed 09 November 2011
Can you have comedy with a conscience?
Jahnavi Goldstein wrestles with her ethics
09/11/2011 … I love comedy, I love making people laugh and I treasure the ability and gift comedians have to turn pain into the powerful solace of laughter.
Mon 07 November 2011
When is a joke racist?
John Fleming shares his thoughts
07/11/2011 … I normally try not to quote from people’s stage acts but, occasionally, American comedian Lewis Schaffer mentions on stage that an Edinburgh Fringe reviewer once…
Fri 04 November 2011
Comedians, wear your poppy with pride
04/11/2011 … I must look a right state before I go on stage.
Fri 28 October 2011
Cairo practice
Mike James witnesses the birth of a new Egyptian stand-up scene
28/10/2011 … My forays into stand up have been international: I started out playing to expats in Seoul, continued to drunks/students in Budapest, through to one forgettable experience…
Fri 21 October 2011
You've only got yourself to blame...
Matthew Thomas says bad gigs are always the comic's fault
21/10/2011 … The other day somebody asked me why I like stand-up comedy.
Thu 20 October 2011
Why Ricky Gervais is wrong
Ted Shiress, who has cerebral palsy, joins the 'mong' debate
20/10/2011 … Ricky Gervais sure knows how to get people talking about him, and his latest ‘stunt’ involves tweeting about how he likes to use the word ‘mong’.
Mon 17 October 2011
What TV producers are *really* looking for
John Fleming gives advice to comics
17/10/2011 … Yesterday, I had tea with a very good but not yet famous comedy performer.