International comedy is harder than Eddie Izzard says
09/02/2015 … An interview with Eddie Izzard in The Guardian last week was a great testimony to his commendable efforts to demonstrate that comedy can cross borders between cultures…
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.
Mon 09 February 2015
Fri 06 February 2015
If you're not funny,you're nuts
By Joe Deez, who was punched on stage by an open spot
06/02/2015 … Most comedians choose this career to make people laugh.
Wed 04 February 2015
Which side are you on in the war against satire?
Alan Varley is disappointed by one leftie liberal
04/02/2015 … This week, The Independent published a column by Yasmin Alibhai-Brown headlined 'Political satire is funny, but it also causes cynicism and apathy'.
Sun 25 January 2015
Was the BBC really horrified by Frankie Boyle?
Steve Bennett on an odd reason for axing a sitcom
25/01/2015 … The Daily Mirror yesterday reported that the Frankie Boyle’s-written Radio 4 sitcom Blocked had not been picked up for a series.
Fri 23 January 2015
It's good to be back doing open mics
Karen White on what he learned leaving, and returning to, the circuit
23/01/2015 … ‘I’m let loose, from the noose’ AC/DC, Back in Black)Much as I love them, it’s not exactly a frequent occurrence to find myself relating to AC/DC lyrics…
Thu 22 January 2015
What are you all laughing at? What’s wrong with you?
James Smyth wants more depth in comedy criticism
22/01/2015 … Comedy is subjective.
Wed 21 January 2015
Farty TV and BBC Three
21/01/2015 … The redoubtable independent production company, Farty Television, have offered £100million to take over the digital channel BBC Three, which is facing a radical…
Dear Chris Bryant...
Margaret Thatcher Queen Of Soho's open letter to the Labour MP and 'classist gimp'
21/01/2015 … Dear Chris Bryant MP,You classist gimp*.