Why does comedy always have to be funny?
Dave Cohen calls for a return to pathos
07/01/2011 … Something wonderful and magical has vanished from the world of comedy.
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 07 January 2011
Thu 06 January 2011
Pretty funny... for a woman
Taylor Glenn writes another of those 'sexism in comedy' articles...
06/01/2011 … I should start by saying that I sigh, rather deeply, when I see the myriad of articles about ‘Being A Woman In Comedy’ that get shared to their social network…
Wed 05 January 2011
My greatest Christmas present
Bob Slayer is heartened by Kunt And The Gang's chart success
05/01/2011 … In 2009, off the back of a huge Facebook campaign, Rage Against The Machine caused one of the biggest shocks in UK chart history when they stopped X Factor from…
Call this a gig?
Diane Spencer on terrible comedy venues
05/01/2011 … The professional stage lights remained unlit, as they were reserved for music gigs or, as the pink tie-wearing venue manager put it, ‘real gigs’.
Tue 04 January 2011
Disability? It's a good start for comedy
Ted Shiress describes his experiences
04/01/2011 … Can you name a comedian with cerebral palsy? If you asked such a question a decade ago, I’m pretty sure even the most hardcore of comedy geeks would struggle not…
Fri 31 December 2010
Turning pro: Tips for fledgling comics
Adam Henderson offers more advice
31/12/2010 … It was only five months ago that I felt it necessary to put together a bullet-proof guide for a fledging newbie to ascend to the throne of the comedy world.
Thu 23 December 2010
Comedy can't thrive on Britain's Got Talent
23/12/2010 … Michael McIntyre holds a unique position in British comedy.
Comics: Your insecurities are a joke
Sally Holloway on using comedy as therapy
23/12/2010 … As someone who teaches joke-writing formulae, I am often asked whether I think stand-ups need them.