Why humour is always left-wing
08/11/2024 … Before the alternative comedy revolution and the political satire of Peter Cook and Lenny Bruce during the 1960s counter-culture revolution, there was the French…
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.
Fri 08 November 2024
Tue 24 September 2024
Is musical comedy too predictable?
Ashley Frieze on the prevalent tropes in his chosen genre
24/09/2024 … ‘I’m sorry, I can’t book you, I already have a musical comedian on that night’.
Mon 16 September 2024
A one-of-a-kind on the comedy scene who marched to the beat of his own drum
16/09/2024 … Gareth Ellis, half of the notorious double act Ells and Rose and a former deputy manager of London’s Backyard Comedy Club, died in May at the age of 34.
Fri 06 September 2024
How internet comedy is changing live stand-up – for the better
06/09/2024 … We are where we are, Toto.
Tue 27 August 2024
© Ila Desai/I Was There Photography 'You've got to laugh or else you'll cry' – what nonsense!
You can absolutely do both, says comic Marc Burrows
27/08/2024 … The English author and satirist GK Chesterton once wrote a lengthy defence of the humour in his work, arguing that ‘funny is the opposite of not funny, and…
Thu 22 August 2024
Laughing before the punchline...
I just can't help myself, says Viv Ford
22/08/2024 … I have a problem.
Wed 21 August 2024
Laughs lost in translation
Vlad Ilich on how to relate to British audiences when they can’t even remember your country’s name
21/08/2024 … Living in the UK is hard enough.
Mon 19 August 2024
15 lessons I learned from 15 years in comedy
19/08/2024 … This year marks my 15th year as a stand-up comedian.