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.
© C4 Analysis by Belfast-based academic Alison Garden
26/05/2022 … It’s a summer evening in Derry in 1997, the night before four teenage girls and a wee English fella get their GCSE results.
© Super Festivals from Ft. Lauderdale, USA, CC BY 2.0 By voice specialist Erica Tobolski
01/05/2022 … Though Gilbert Gottfried’s voice has alternatively been described as 'shrill', 'annoying' and 'grating', you can’t…
© LightField Studios Inc / Alamy Stock Photo Academic Seb Coxon on the role of humour at Easter
18/04/2022 … Just how serious is Easter? For non-churchgoers (like myself) with a sweet tooth (guilty, again) the answer to this question is probably: not very, although the…
14/01/2022 … Recently, a number of newer comedy acts have asked me for tips on how to become or improve as an MC.
11/01/2022 … It’s never easy is it? The moment you fall in love with live stand-up, you want more.
A potent testament to the power of comedy
23/12/2021 … Three years ago, NHS nursing assistant Sarah Hughes, below, reluctantly went to a comedy gig, despite suffering severe depression.
Comedy historian Alan Stafford on the tragic decline and miraculous recovery of Carr Lynn
23/11/2021 … In November 1934, several newspapers carried an advert for Vick Vapour-Rub, endorsed by ‘BBC star’ Mr Carr Lynn, right.
Comedian Luke McGibbon shares his tips on getting around creative stagnation
22/11/2021 … New comedians often ask promoters and others: ‘How do we get better? How do we get bigger gigs’ And the answer they usually get is: ‘Keep gigging.
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