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
Robin Williams: Live at the Met (1986)
Director: Bruce Gowers
Starring: Robin Williams
This HBO Special of Robin Williams live at New York's Metropolitan Opera House is one of the funniest stand up shows ever to be performed and recorded... Read more
Robin Williams: Live on Broadway (2002)
8.5/10
Director: Marty Callner
Starring: Robin Williams
Recorded and broadcast live from New York City's Broadway Theater at the culmination of his historic 2002 sold-out tour, the "Robin Williams: Live on... Read more
Robin Williams: Weapons of Self Destruction (2009)
7.8/10
Director: Marty Callner
Starring: Robin Williams
In the wake of a divorce, a stint in rehab and open heart surgery, Robin Williams is back and better than ever in this side-splitting HBO stand-up spe... Read more
Rock 'n' Roll Nerd - The Tim Minchin Story (2008)
Director: Rhian Skirving
Starring: Tim Minchin
Filmed over 3 years, 'Rock 'n' Roll Nerd' is an intimate tale that charts Tim Minchin's meteoric rise from obscurity to celebrity. Capturing every mom... Read more
Rodney Dangerfield - No Respect (1989)
Director: Various
Starring: Rodney Dangerfield, Tim Allen, Roseanne Barr, Bob Nelson, Jeff Altman, etc ...,...
The ultimate Rodney Dangerfield collection, this set contains 3 discs of the comic's hilarious stand-up along with 3 ABC specials 'It's Not Easy Bein'... Read more
Ronnie Corbett Live (2004)
Starring: Ronnie Corbett
Ronnie Corbett, one of England's favourite stand-up comics performs a series of anecdotes, sketches, songs and his famous chair monologues to keep you... Read more
Ross Noble: Fizzy Logic (2007)
8.1/10
Director: Peter Callow, Ross Noble
Starring: Ross Noble
In 2007, UK stand-up comedian Ross Noble took his unique brand of humour Down Under. The result is "Fizzy Logic", a live show recorded in front of a r... Read more
Ross Noble: Nobleism (2009)
7.9/10
Starring: Ross Noble
Multi-award winning comedian Ross Noble is back. Known for his brilliant freeform improvisation and highly engaging live shows, Ross is widely tipped... Read more
Rowan Atkinson: Live (1992)
8.4/10
Starring: Angus Deayton, Rowan Atkinson
The wry-witted comedian adored by fans of the 'Black Adder' and 'Mr Bean' series presents a rollicking concert compendium of his best-loved skits. Fil... Read more
Russell Brand: Doing Life - Live (2009)
6.2/10
Starring: Russell Brand
Filmed at the Hackney Empire during Russell Brand's sell-out tour of 2007, 'Doing Life -Live' contains all the unique, high octane and hilarious style... Read more