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.
© Dev Bowman ...and that they might end up in the jokes, by Britt Migs
11/08/2025 … ‘Is this gonna end up in one of your little skits?’ It’s one of those questions that every comic has got countless times from their family members.
There are much better ways to relieve stress, says Alex Stringer
10/08/2025 … I think we can all agree that comedians are mental, right? Like, telling jokes to strangers for validation and/or money is a weird thing to enjoy.
...and what that says about the state of comedy when times are tough
09/08/2025 … In times of recession, comedy becomes more conservative, argues Edinburgh Fringe comedian and Chortle Hotshot Jessie Nixon.
...but neurodiverse people like me still suffer ableism, says Stephen Catling
08/08/2025 … I was not diagnosed with autism until I was 23.
Alice Tovey on how stand-up brought her closer to her family
07/08/2025 … My dad went to jail.
Comic and psychiatrist Benji Waterhouse on plans for comedy on prescription
06/08/2025 … The UK’s funniest (OK, only) comedian-psychiatrist Dr Benji Waterhouse considers the NHS’s latest plans to prescribe comedy shows for people with depression Welcome…
05/08/2025 … Artificial Intelligence has never really been a friend of comedy, especially in terms of writing it.
Apocalypse Cabaret's Scout Durwood's noticed an unwelcome change
04/08/2025 … My favourite part about comedy is the immediacy of its interaction with the audience.
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