How I conquered my writer's block and creative burnout
By returning Edinburgh Fringe comedian Spencer Jones
03/08/2026 … Writer’s block.
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 03 August 2026
Sun 02 August 2026
© Ray Malone 'This show proves my voice is louder than the pervy director who belittled me'
Fanny Bleach on reclaiming autonomy of her naked body
02/08/2026 … As her grotesque burlesque alter-ego Fanny Bleach, Emma Crowley-Bennett is making her Edinburgh Fringe debut with The Nearly Naked Show.
Sat 01 August 2026
I left my finance job for stand-up – but only after helping my parents retire
By Edinburgh Fringe comedian Raj Poojara
01/08/2026 … If you’re from an immigrant family, success is usually explained to you very early.
Fri 31 July 2026
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.
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.