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.
Richard O'Smith on 'inappropriate' subjects for jokes
16/01/2009 … This risks being a premature revelation, given there are still several months until the unfurling of Edinburgh’s 2009 Festival programme, but here goes: my proposal…
05/01/2009 … The world has awoken to controversy – more bloody controversy – over what a comedian said.
Simon O'Keefe on the perils of flagging up new material
05/01/2009 … As a comedian, one of the biggest thrills I get is when I do something new on stage and it kills.
Chris Hallam on the future of mimics
18/12/2008 … Let’s face it: these are hard times to be an impressionist.
Dave Cohen promises not to express an opinion about you-know-what...
11/12/2008 … Is there anyone left in Britain yet to make their feelings known about (I can barely bring myself to type it) the ‘Brand-Ross affair’?Last week it was Ricky…
Paul Savage on his first year of running gigs
19/11/2008 … It recently occurred to me that I have been putting on comedy nights for a whole year.
Philip Johns on the difference between 'adult' and 'grown-up' comedy
17/11/2008 … Although Manuelgate is fading from view, the aftershocks are still being felt, as the debate widens to the level of offensive material in British entertainment.
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