Why I gave up working on a cure for cancer to get into comedy
Alex Berr on bringing her trauma to the Fringe
30/07/2025 … I entered university bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.
2025 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.
Wed 30 July 2025
Stuff your rules!
Forget etiquette and make comedy that's messy, inexplicable and human, says Parker Callahan
30/07/2025 … There’s this idea, perhaps you’ve heard of it, that in order to break the rules, you first have to learn them.
Tue 29 July 2025
The myth of making it
Success doesn't always look like you think it will, says Joe Sib
29/07/2025 … Let me start with this: I’ve performed in front of 20,000 people opening for Metallica, and I’ve performed in front of six people at a wine bar next…
Mon 28 July 2025
Why do we have to draw a line between comedy and theatre?
Edinburgh Fringe performer Derek Mitchell wants a genre-agnostic world
28/07/2025 … All live comedy is theatre.
Sun 27 July 2025
What does a successful Edinburgh Fringe even mean any more?
Mary O'Connell reappraises what she wants out of the festival
27/07/2025 … ‘Oh my god, you’re performing at the Fringe this year? Are you excited?’ ‘No.
Sat 26 July 2025
© Khara Pringle It's going to be a lonely Fringe
...so Diona Doherty hopes it's worth it
26/07/2025 … Next week, I’ll be in one of the busiest places on Earth: the Edinburgh Fringe.
Fri 25 July 2025
Why I am scared to go to the Edinburgh Fringe!
25/07/2025 … One day I was doing a show in New York City and an agent from the UK emails me and asks if I want to do the Edinburgh Fringe.
Thu 24 July 2025
Let women be funny with their bodies
Comedian Kate Owens on enduring sexist ideas
24/07/2025 … I’m a US-based clown and comedian making my Edinburgh Fringe debut with a messy, chaotic solo show called Cooking With Kathryn.