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.
by Shane Murphy, FremantleMedia Enterprises
21/08/2008 … It’s the perennial problem of the Fringe talent spotter: You're sitting in the front row of a tiny Fringe venue, at six or seven in the evening, it’s baking…
Michael Monkhouse says the art is underappreciated
18/08/2008 … Carla Lane once said: ‘I tell people I write comedy and they're disappointed… Last year I wrote two plays and everyone seemed impressed, like I was suddenly…
Corry Shaw on the pros and cons of free Fringe comedy
14/08/2008 … It is always tricky to schedule a timetable of shows that you want - or have - to see during the Fringe.
Steve Day on how the credit crunch could hit comedy
12/08/2008 … I'm in the Assembly Rooms cafe, waiting to meet Kate, wife of fellow comic Bill Bruce, to give back the keys to their lovely Glasgow flat that they so kindly let…
Dave Cohen on the truth about Edinburgh reviews
08/08/2008 … Oh to be in Edinburgh, now that England’s there.
© BBC Kevin Unitt reviews Stephens Merchant and Carlin
06/08/2008 … Stephen Merchant has both actual and metaphorical stature, given his 6ft 7in frame and his box full of Baftas and Golden Globes.
Edinburgh's unsung heroes, the 'clown fuckers'. By Anonymous
05/08/2008 … Hangovers, rehearsals, performances, package shows and parties… it’s the life of a comic at the Edinburgh Fringe.
© HBO Could this be the last great sitcom Michael J Bailey will enjoy?
01/08/2008 … Curb Your Enthusiasm – those three words are very special to me.
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