Does magic need comedy?
James Phelan – Paul Daniels's nephew – on moving with the times
01/08/2019 … For as long as I can remember I’ve been surrounded by magic.
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.
Thu 01 August 2019
Sat 27 July 2019
Is it OK to mine my mum's life for comedy?
Steve Bugeja on revisiting childhood memories for his new Edinburgh show
27/07/2019 … Last year for Christmas, I gave my mum the news that my new Edinburgh show was going to be all about her dating when I was growing up.
Fri 26 July 2019
Using comedy to overcome trauma
Caitlin Cook on how stand-up helped her cope
26/07/2019 … Your parent’s messy divorce when you were a teenager.
Wed 24 July 2019
© Steve Ullathorne How every Fringe parody show is in a legal limbo
A new copyright law has yet to be tested, writes Lewis Dunn
24/07/2019 … If you love something, truly and completely, you will make fun of it.
Fri 19 July 2019
Are comedians more prone to mental health issues than everyone else?
Alice Fraser has some thoughts...
19/07/2019 … I have a theory.
Mon 15 July 2019
South Africa is the future of comedy
So says Loyiso Gola (who just happens to be from there)
15/07/2019 … South Africa is where the best comedy will come from in the next ten years.
Thu 11 July 2019
© Cat Thomson Photography Why Edinburgh Fringe rents are spiralling
...and why it could seriously damage the festival
11/07/2019 … Many of those performing and working at the Edinburgh Fringe this year have been astonished at how much more expensive the already pricey rents have become for accommodation.
Wed 10 July 2019
Why are jokes against the Jews still considered OK?
James Harris says the circuit has a blind spot when it comes to antisemitism
10/07/2019 … As the grandson of a Holocaust survivor, I’ve been thinking about antisemitism – racism against Jews – my whole life.