More than 50 comedians feature

Dying Laughing, a documentary about stand-up featuring Jerry Seinfeld, Stewart Lee, Billy Connolly, Steve Coogan, Eddie Izzard, Chris Rock, Sarah Silverman and the late Garry Shandling has landed a UK release.

More than 50 professional comedians feature in the 90-minute documentary, which will now be released in cinemas and on demand on June 16.

At the time, the Hollywood Reporter said: ‘At the film’s weakest, the echo effect of overlapping sound bites is merely repetition… but obvious psychologizing about the need for approval gives way to a nuanced look at a singular form of entertainment.’

Other comedians interviewed include Frank Skinner, Amy Schumer, Jo Brand, Lee Mack, Frankie Boyle, John Thomson and Victoria Wood.

In a statement, the co-directors said: ‘Over two years, as the film began to emerge from the thousands of miles traveled and hundreds of hours or interviews, we learned about the physical and emotional dedication that it takes to become a stand-up comedian, and that the prospect of failure haunts even the most experienced and celebrated practitioners.

‘We hope that the audience will find the final piece as touching, thought-provoking, inspirational, and as funny, as we do."

Nolan Gallagher, founder of distributors Gravitas Ventures added: ‘It’s rare that we, as fans, get such transparency into this industry from such amazing comedy legends. This compelling documentary evokes not just laughter, but truly runs the gamut of emotion for the viewer.’

Here are a couple of clips from the movie:

Published: 11 May 2017