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.
Alan Varley checks the privilege of the stars
05/12/2013 … Last month, John Major gave a widely reported speech in which he said, ‘In every single sphere of British influence, the upper echelons of power in 2013 are held…
David Jesudason on a London open-mic institution
03/12/2013 … The Fitzroy Tavern on Charlotte Street is always busy with international students drinking Alpine Lager.
Andy Field's tips on how to succeed in comedy without any actual success
02/12/2013 … Having a great time while achieving little to no discernible success is an art.
Al Cowie says comics have a relevance that MPs don't
28/11/2013 … The comedian, the funny man, the clown, the fool.
David Ward has some advice for comics
27/11/2013 … Text the promoter on the day.
Michael Connell takes on the 'issues'
25/11/2013 … You become what you hate.
Paul F Cockburn on the issues gay comedians face
21/11/2013 … ‘Homosexuality still remains to some extent a taboo and therefore a basis–if not a target–for comedy,’ wrote Tom Crawshaw on these pages last month.
Robin Ince on walking off stage prematurely
19/11/2013 … I have just experienced one of the rarer events in my career, I cut a gig short, very short.
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