Comedy Store (Stand-Up)
Comedy (Stand-Up)
A stand-up comedian is someone that performs in comedy clubs, usually reciting a fast paced succession of amusing stories, short jokes and one-liners, typically called a monologue. Some stand-up comedians use props, music, or magic tricks in their acts.
Stand-up comedy is perhaps the easiest field of entertainment for new talent to enter, because many smaller venues hold "open mic" events where the inexperienced can perform comedy before a live audience. However, perhaps more than any other performer, the stand-up comedian is at the mercy of the audience, which is an integral element of the act. A truly adept stand-up comedian must nimbly play off the mood and tastes of any particular audience, and adjust his or her routine accordingly. The test of a master stand-up comedian is the ability to not only face down a "heckler," but win over and entertain the rest of the crowd with a retort. Many of the all-time greats are featured below.
Right: Steven Wright
Mike Birbiglia: What I Should Have Said Was Nothing (2008)
7.6/10
Starring: Mike Birbiglia
A few years ago, Mike Birbiglia's therapist suggested he keep a journal of all the crazy things that were going on in his life. Now, his 'secret publi... Read more
Mike Reid Live (1995)
7.4/10
Starring: Mike Reid
Filmed at the London Palladium, Mike Reid displays all the comic genius that has made him one of Britain's best-loved adult comedians. "He's blue, rud... Read more
Miranda Hart: My, What I Call, Live Show (2014)
7.4/10
Starring: Miranda Hart
Join Miranda Hart, award-winning Queen of Comedy, at her sell-out 'My, What I Call, Live Show' tour - the first ever nationwide stand-up tour from the... Read more
Monty Python Live (Mostly) (2014)
7.7/10
Director: Eric Idle
Starring: Eric Idle, Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jone...
Live performance by British surreal comedy group Monty Python recorded at the O2 Arena in London as part of their reunion tour. Involving all five sur... Read more
Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl (1982)
7.9/10
Director: Terry Hughes
Starring: Eric Idle, Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jone...
More biting humour from the Monty Python boys taken from a 1982 concert that featured the usual spectrum of God, death and life in heaven. The film al... Read more
Pablo Francisco: Ouch! (2008)
7.7/10
Starring: Pablo Francisco
Pablo Francisco may be the most outrageous comedian in America with sold-out concerts and a cult fan base that's exploding worldwide. No topic is off... Read more
Pam Ayres: In Her Own Words (2005)
Starring: Pam Ayres
Pam celebrates 30 years in show business with her one woman show which was recorded live at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham. Featuring a mix of new... Read more
Pam Ayres: Unsupported - Live on Stage (2007)
Starring: Pam Ayres
Recorded live at the Stables Theatre, Wavendon, in June 2007, this show captures the quick wit and idiosyncratic delivery of one of Britain's top comi... Read more
Paul Mooney: Know Your History (2006)
6.9/10
Starring: Paul Mooney
Controversial, insightful and down-right hilarious, Paul Mooney has been in the comedy business for years as a writer for Richard Pryor, creator of 'I... Read more
Pete Correale: The Things We Do For Love (2009)
7.9/10
Starring: Pete Correale
Pete Correale was named one of the top ten comics to watch by entertainment Weekly in 2008. His affable New York charm and hilarious tales of life and... Read more