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.
Janet Bettesworth on why she can't be doing with stand-up via video link
27/05/2020 … A brave and talented promoter, whom I’ll call Graeme, has recently announced his plans to create a Zoom comedy night that really works, sourcing fresh technology…
© Unitas Photography Learning a new medium can only be positive, argues Steve Hofstetter
21/05/2020 … With the global pandemic, many comedians have turned to virtual shows for the first time.
By James Brassett from the University of Warwick
18/05/2020 … The return of writer, presenter and social critic Charlie Brooker has filled a hole in the universe of misery that has overwhelmed our TV screens of late, resurrecting…
Former law lecturer and stand-up comedian Ollie Horn explores...
15/05/2020 … Conan O'Brien said: ‘Short of murder, stealing material is the worst thing any comic can be accused of.
07/05/2020 … I know it’s cowardice to start an article with a disclaimer, but now we're into the 1,500th hour of hiding inside.
Emma Sullivan celebrates the lo-fi
27/04/2020 … A huge amount of comic material is being produced in response to the pandemic and far from being professionally produced, much of it is emerging directly from the…
Old-school comic Jeff Stevenson tells how he joined the alternative circuit
14/04/2020 … In the 1990s, Jeff Stevenson was a journeyman ‘old school’ comedian, performing on cruise ships, doing TV-warm-ups, panto, and the occasional bit of…
Jemma Bennett explains why she is such a fan of Chris and Rosie Ramsey’s podcast
01/03/2020 … Chris and Rosie Ramsey are to break a world record for the world's biggest live podcast audience – and I’m not surprised.
We see you are using AdBlocker software. Chortle relies on advertisers to fund this website so it’s free for you, so we would ask that you disable it for this site. Our ads are non-intrusive and relevant. Help keep Chortle viable.