Why was I conditioned to see my body as a problem that needs fixing?
By Edinburgh Fringe comedian Jess Fuchs, who started Weight Watchers at 12
31/07/2026 … When I was 12, I started Weight Watchers.
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 31 July 2026
Thu 30 July 2026
© Steve Ullathorne How defending men on death row made me a better comedian
...and vice-versa, says Josh Pickar
30/07/2026 … The first time I came out as gay to a client on death row, he said, ‘Josh, I don’t care what you do with your ass, as long as you’re helping mine.
Wed 29 July 2026
© Karla Gowlett The dread of getting on stage has never left me... and that's why I still do it
Ali Brice on why he keeps returning to the Fringe
29/07/2026 … Why do I keep doing the Fringe? It’s a question I have asked myself a lot in recent years.
Tue 28 July 2026
© Matt Stronge I was on The Traitors... comedians hated me for it
Hannah Byczkowski on snobbery on the circuit
28/07/2026 … Five years ago, I was standing in a basement ready to go on stage at my very first gig wondering.
Mon 27 July 2026
What have I learned in the 25 years since The Naked Racist?
Phil Nichol revisits his award-winning breakout show
27/07/2026 … Twenty years ago, The Naked Racist marked a defining moment in my career.
Sun 26 July 2026
Female empowerment? We still got called slags for taking our kit off
Selina Mosinski on girl power, Page 3 and the ladette years
26/07/2026 … The late 1990s and early 2000s was a memorable time to be a Midlands gal about town trying to make something of myself.
Sat 25 July 2026
Why I'm so glad I gave up comedy (for a bit)
25/07/2026 … When I started out in comedy, I had a few good years.
Fri 24 July 2026
Why I'm ditching the absurdist alienation for conversational stand-up
John-Luke Roberts on his 'bold new direction'
24/07/2026 … What I Talk About When I Run About, Talking is my 11th solo comedy show, and my first stand-up show.