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.
Tue 03 September 2013
Thu 29 August 2013
Is it time to extinguish the stars?
Chortle editor Steve Bennett on the review rating system
29/08/2013 … To quote David O’Doherty: ‘Stars are celestial and infinite.
Wed 28 August 2013
What was the hottest show at the Fringe?
Too many of them, says Christian Talbot
28/08/2013 … At this year’s Edinburgh Fringe, I performed my show Funeral Addict in one of the smallest venues available, the Staff Room at the Free Sisters.
Mon 26 August 2013
I didn't play Edinburgh... was it the right move?
Comic Daliso Chaponda found a different way to invest in his career
26/08/2013 … I did not go to the Edinburgh Festival this year.
Sat 24 August 2013
When did it become better to be blessed and lazy than a talentless grafter
Benny Davis takes issue with a common attitude in comedy
24/08/2013 … Did anyone else have this thing at school among their friends? If someone got good marks, you’d say, ‘Yeah but he’s not really that smart, he just studies…
Tue 20 August 2013
There should be more to comedy than glib observation
Paul Bassett Davies wants comics to engage with the world, not just narcissism
20/08/2013 … The last time I did stand-up comedy the audience voted with their feet.
Mon 19 August 2013
I thought we were fighting for freedom of speech
Mitch Fatel's response to the US colonel who objected to his act
19/08/2013 … I am not Bob Hope.
© Adam Ethan Crow Think big, and reward the little guy
Dan Willis makes a nomination for Edinburgh's Panel Prize
19/08/2013 … Right, I’ve an hour or so spare, and I’ve been reading Chortle Correspondents’ articles – hell I’ve even been reading four- and five-star reviews, happily…