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.
Says former crew member Helen Bauer
11/08/2019 … In 2009, I went to the Edinburgh Fringe for the first time, I was 18 years old and had just finished college with a C in general studies and an E in economics, but…
...and that's great, says Sam Morrison
08/08/2019 … Last year, Netflix released The Comedy Lineup featuring 12 of the most interesting and unique up-and-comers doing 15 minutes.
Filippo Spreafico says there are still plenty of ways to work in the periphery
07/08/2019 … Each year I arrive at a Fringe Festival, be it in Europe or Australia, I hear the tired leitmotifs: ‘This year’s Fringe is getting more and more mainstream’,…
06/08/2019 … When I turned 28, I had never had an orgasm.
04/08/2019 … In 1997, the band I was the frontman for, Dawn Of The Replicants, appeared on the BBC Two TV show Edinburgh Nights with Mark Lamarr, We closed the show with our…
Eric Lampaert on whether the Fringe will help him with his problems
03/08/2019 … Like many performers, I subconsciously stepped onto the stage seeking a love that could potentially replace the kind I lacked in previous years.
But Luke Rollason is asking his audience to keep theirs on
02/08/2019 … Being at the Fringe can feel like walking around a giant, three dimensional version of the internet.
James Phelan – Paul Daniels's nephew – on moving with the times
01/08/2019 … For as long as I can remember I’ve been surrounded by magic.
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