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.
Dave Cohen on the comedy stars returning to the stage
05/11/2008 … One comedian who must have been relieved at the recent fury surrounding Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross is Steve Coogan, who has now relinquished his tabloid title…
Michael Monkhouse reviews Shelley Cooper: Britishness in Rome
04/11/2008 … The English Theatre of Rome is opening up its new season, and what finer way to do so than with Shelley Cooper and her Edinburgh Fringe show Britishness.
Comic JoJo Sutherland offers her thoughts on the Brand/Ross scandal
30/10/2008 … Is watching or listening to someone suffer really so funny? Do we roll around in laughter because another person is made to feel humiliated and distressed? Are we…
24/10/2008 … We’re frequently told that women aren't funny… but could it be true? I phoned my mum and asked her what she thought.
14/10/2008 … When comedy historians look back at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2008, what will they say? After a baffled pause to marvel that anyone ever thought that much rain…
03/10/2008 … There was a period in the early Eighties, after The Young Ones had leapt from nightclub obscurity to television stardom, when live comedy could have died out.
Mick Perrin on his new festival showcasing the best of the Fringe
15/09/2008 … In an age of reusing and recycling, Edinburgh comedy shows are a bit like disposable nappies.
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