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.
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…
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.
© Karla Gowlett Liz Guterbock on how vulnerable artists can combat exploitation
28/05/2025 … Live comedy is in a perilous state.
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.
© 2025 Home Box Office, Inc 02/05/2025 … The comedy-drama Hacks has returned for a solid fourth season that continues to be both funny and perceptive.
© NBC Part one, the sketches. By Lorcan Mullan
17/04/2025 … It should come as no surprise that Sky announcing a British version of the 50-year American institution Saturday Night Live was greeted with the usual ‘American…
...but only if we don't try to be a carbon copy of the original, says Burt Williamson
12/04/2025 … So, the American late-night TV juggernaut, Saturday Night Live is coming to the UK.
By comedian and designer William Stone
02/04/2025 … We all know as performers that no matter how good, original, and groundbreaking your show is, it doesn't matter if no one comes to see it.
We see you are using AdBlocker software. Chortle relies on advertisers to fund this website so it’s free for you, so we would ask that you disable it for this site. Our ads are non-intrusive and relevant. Help keep Chortle viable.