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.
Bob Slayer is heartened by Kunt And The Gang's chart success
05/01/2011 … In 2009, off the back of a huge Facebook campaign, Rage Against The Machine caused one of the biggest shocks in UK chart history when they stopped X Factor from…
Diane Spencer on terrible comedy venues
05/01/2011 … The professional stage lights remained unlit, as they were reserved for music gigs or, as the pink tie-wearing venue manager put it, ‘real gigs’.
Ted Shiress describes his experiences
04/01/2011 … Can you name a comedian with cerebral palsy? If you asked such a question a decade ago, I’m pretty sure even the most hardcore of comedy geeks would struggle not…
Adam Henderson offers more advice
31/12/2010 … It was only five months ago that I felt it necessary to put together a bullet-proof guide for a fledging newbie to ascend to the throne of the comedy world.
23/12/2010 … Michael McIntyre holds a unique position in British comedy.
Sally Holloway on using comedy as therapy
23/12/2010 … As someone who teaches joke-writing formulae, I am often asked whether I think stand-ups need them.
Frankie Boyle's bullying could quosh the genuinely provocative, argues Deborah Frances-White
21/12/2010 … This weekend’s Observer ran a debate that has been raging since Tramadol Nights went to air: Is Frankie Boyle funny? The answer is clearly, yes.
Bobby Carroll on the state of the stand-up circuit
16/12/2010 … With the boom in stand-up on TV, burgeoning DVD sales and increasing number of comedy tours, these are exciting times to be a comedian – but not on the London…
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