Creativity is kryptonite for depression
Mat Ricardo's monthly dispatch from the variety circuit
05/07/2016 … I'm sitting on my local beach as I write this.
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.
Tue 05 July 2016
Thu 30 June 2016
Gotta laugh...
John Ryan on using comedy to deal with life's ups and downs
30/06/2016 … I am a comedian by trade.
Wed 22 June 2016
© Lars Thornhill This is why your joke isn't working
Tom Crowley offers some advice for writers
22/06/2016 … Let's address the inherent arrogance of my daring to write this article.
Tue 21 June 2016
Brexit will batter the comedy industry
Stephen Grant considers the effects of an Out vote
21/06/2016 … There’s no denying that weaving topical comedy into your set is a great thing; it shows your keen mind tackling the issues of the day and can release the pressure…
Mon 20 June 2016
© Steve Ullathorne So long, sketch comedy...
The Beta Males explain why they're quitting the genre
20/06/2016 … The Beta Males are leaving the world of sketch comedy, with a farewell show at the Udderbelly.
Wed 15 June 2016
Are pro-Brexit comedians scared to speak out?
'Out' voter Geoff Norcott thinks so....
15/06/2016 … For a guy like me, one of the worst things about voting Conservative and advocating Brexit is you find yourself in company you wouldn’t usually keep.
Mon 13 June 2016
Should I really be asking strangers to fund my comedy?
Amy Howerska on crowdfunding the Fringe
13/06/2016 … I am going cap in hand with a crowdfunding project.
Tue 07 June 2016
Who are white male comics to tell ME what's racist?
Ariane Sherine's continuing adventures in stand-up
07/06/2016 … Last month, I wrote an article here which had the headline Is this routine lazy?.