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.
Christian Talbot wants a new comedy hero your parents will hate
02/04/2013 … Given that Alexei Sayle is making a return to stand-up and Rik Mayall and Adrian Edmondson have been in the spotlight over their cancelled Hooligan's Island project,…
02/04/2013 … Last week, at a gig, I witnessed what I considered to be an act of plagiarism.
Chris Stokes on his DIY recording
29/03/2013 … In a couple of weeks I am doing a live recording of my debut solo stand-up show An Opera Written on Napkins.
Jarred Keane hits back at 'middle-class whining'
23/03/2013 … I am writing in response to the recent article by Jay Richardson, They Exploit… something or other as the current creative mouthpiece and regular host for Charlie…
Mark Maier has a triple dose of Louis CK in various venues
22/03/2013 … To catch the subtle tics, the smirks, the raising of a contemptuous eyebrow in the vast cavern that is the O2 Arena, is nigh on impossible.
Bob Slayer has some issues with the new girls on the block...
21/03/2013 … I’m very fond of poking a stick at the insane and irrelevant elements of the Edinburgh Fringe industry and making a stand against the widespread pay-to-play practices.
Gareth Berliner wants comics to mind their language
19/03/2013 … In my stand-up set, I used to use the word ‘midget’ without a second thought.
Ralph Jones comes to a reluctant realisation
15/03/2013 … I reached a significant realisation recently.
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.