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’.
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.
Thu 20 October 2011
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.
Thu 13 October 2011
Oh, put it away!
Matt Thomas wishes comedians would leave their genitals alone
13/10/2011 … The other day I was involved in an early heat of one of the many comedy competitions.
Thu 06 October 2011
Unfair competition
Simon Caine hates new act contests decided by audiences
06/10/2011 … As I stand in the wings my heartbeat quickens.
Wed 05 October 2011
Mock The Week isn't the problem...
Bethany Black on the old 'women in comedy' debate
05/10/2011 … I keep getting dragged in to an argument on Twitter, an argument with people who ostensibly are attempting to fight my corner, but in reality do not understand the…
Tue 04 October 2011
Don't panic! The sitcom's not dead
Steve Bennett on the myth of a comedy 'golden age'
04/10/2011 … Whenever an icon of comedy dies, broadcasters traditionally dust down a long-forgotten episode of their greatest work to screen in tribute.
Tue 27 September 2011
What my Madelaine McCann joke taught me about comedy
27/09/2011 … A few years ago, I used to have a joke that went like this: 'You know when you've got something you desperately don't want to lose, you put it somewhere safe.
Mon 26 September 2011
If there was ever a good time for a rape joke...
Freddy Quinne on an unusual start to his gig
26/09/2011 … During my last 15 months in comedy, I’ve done over 150 gigs all over the UK.