Why comedy storytelling matters in a world of short clips
By Edinburgh Fringe comedian Em Stroud
15/08/2026 … In a world full of social media and viral clips, never has the craft of comedy and storytelling been more important.
2026 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.
Sat 15 August 2026
I feel like a piñata, the audience beating my hopes and dreams out of me with sticks of indifference.
Dan Rath reviews a week of disastrous shows
15/08/2026 … SHOW REPORT #1 (Friday) I go up holding a Red Bull, a glass of biodynamic grenache and a bottle of Perrier.
Fri 14 August 2026
People don't hate culture, they just feel shut out... that's where comedy comes in
Max Norman – aka Coco The Time Travelling Tart – on making art come alive
14/08/2026 … A couple of years ago, I found myself in a position many comedians will recognise.
'I have to admit it, my stammer affects my comic timing'
James Beckett on trying to turn his disability into an advantage
14/08/2026 … Timing is everything in comedy, isn’t it? Laughs per minute, neatness of delivery and economic use of words are industry KPIs [key performance indicators]…
Thu 13 August 2026
Why men communicate through humour
By Edinburgh Fringe double act Burger And A Pint
13/08/2026 … James Trickey and Ted Milligan – performing at the Edinburgh Fringe as the sketch duo Burger And A Pint – have come together to try and explain why men…
Wed 12 August 2026
Lost in translation?
Sammy J on converting Aussie references for a UK audience
12/08/2026 … ‘Sorry mate … what’s a Dunkaroo?’ Dammit.
Finally, I'm talking about my Iranian background...
Patrick Monahan on his most personal show yet
12/08/2026 … This is my most personal show to date! The only thing I don’t tell you in this show is my bank card’s PIN number, and that’s only because I can’t…
Tue 11 August 2026
Men have always told me what to wear on stage
...now Hannah Platt has the answer: whatever she damn well wants
11/08/2026 … You don’t need to believe me.