In defence of racist jokes
John Fleming sticks up for Bernard Manning
31/01/2011 … I once put on a show at the Hackney Empire theatre in London where a top-name comic refused to introduce or be on stage with comedian Jimmy Carr because, in the…
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.
Mon 31 January 2011
Tue 25 January 2011
The tragedy of great sitcoms
25/01/2011 … One night last year, I sat through an entire evening of BBC3 comedy – four programmes – without a single smile.
Jerry Sadowitz: More than just nigger jokes
Gavin Allen enters the heart of darkness
25/01/2011 … Have you ever seen a magician saw a woman in half?One has to wonder at the sick mind that invented that illusion; dismemberment as entertainment with an added gush…
Fri 21 January 2011
Not The 10 O'Clock News
Liam McCloud on Channel 4's new topical show
21/01/2011 … With the likes of Jimmy Carr and David Mitchell, it’s clear Channel 4 is pulling out all the stops in its first live news-based comedy debate programme.
Whoa! Slow down, cowboy....
Paul Cronin urges new comics not to rush into promoting
21/01/2011 … So you have just finished a Stand-Up For Beginners course and completed your first five-minute set on stage.
Wed 19 January 2011
Why I'm sticking with Episodes
Chris Hallam has the last word on the Matt LeBlanc sitcom
19/01/2011 … Judging any comedy by its first episode is a risky business.
Mon 17 January 2011
Edgy? No it's hack...
Nat Wicks despairs of 'dark' material
17/01/2011 … Walk into any open mic or lower priced circuit gig and take a seat.
Fri 14 January 2011
Mind your language...
Katy Shaw on the linguistics of comedy
14/01/2011 … EB White said something to the tune of: ‘Analysing comedy is like dissecting a frog.