The death of American alt-comedy
Ismael Loutfi yearns for the time stand-up wasn't macho and reactionary
18/07/2025 … I started performing stand-up when I was 18, towards the end of Obama’s first term.
Latest 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.
Fri 18 July 2025
Tue 15 July 2025
© Ian Bowkett The night an MC told a racist joke after my set
15/07/2025 … In 2022, I wrote an article on the little incidents I’ve experienced on the circuit around race.
Mon 14 July 2025
The Loon Under Laughter
By Dan Hough, with apologies to George Orwell
14/07/2025 … My favourite comedy open-mic, the Loon Under Laughter, is only two minutes from a train station, but it is on a side-street, and drunks and rowdies never seem to…
Sun 06 July 2025
Less is more: in praise of innuendo and allusion
Kim Wells is losing his tolerance for graphic comedy
06/07/2025 … Kim Wells reflects on how the relaxation of censorship and the diktats of ‘good taste’ has allowed comedy to become more explicit since the days he ran…
Mon 02 June 2025
How to make money and get noticed at the Edinburgh Fringe
Comedian and ISH comedy award founder Nathan Cassidy
02/06/2025 … So how do you make money and get noticed at the Fringe? Let’s answer the first one, you need to spend less than you make.
Wed 28 May 2025
© Karla Gowlett Comedians need to organise
Liz Guterbock on how vulnerable artists can combat exploitation
28/05/2025 … Live comedy is in a perilous state.
Tue 27 May 2025
Britain is funnier. Deal with it, America
Fred McAlpine flies the flag...
27/05/2025 … Let’s get one thing out of the way: British comedy is the best comedy in the world.
Fri 02 May 2025
© 2025 Home Box Office, Inc Hacks is a compelling look at women's precarious place in the entertainment industry
02/05/2025 … The comedy-drama Hacks has returned for a solid fourth season that continues to be both funny and perceptive.