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…
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.
Tue 29 July 2025
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.
Tue 22 July 2025
I found success online... but it felt pointless and ephemeral
Archie Henderson, aka Jazz Emu, on how he used that fan base to make something more interesting
22/07/2025 … I started uploading content as musical character Jazz Emu in late 2018 in a very different comedy environment.
Mon 21 July 2025
Comedy needs more liars
Edinburgh Fringe comic Nick Hornedo on why he made up some of his true story
21/07/2025 … When I wrote the ending to my solo show, I knew it was bullshit.