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
Russell Brand: Live (2006)
6.6/10
Director: David Mallet
Starring: Russell Brand
Russell Brand, snake-hipped dandy, self confessed S&M Willy Wonka and one of the UK's finest stand-up comedians. Filmed in London during his sell-out... Read more
Sean Hughes Live - The Right Side of Wrong (2007)
Starring: Sean Hughes
After ten years away from the stand-up circuit, Irish comedian Sean Hughes made a triumphant return with this live show. Winner of the Perrier Comedy... Read more
Secret Policeman's Ball: Kings of UK Comedy (2005)
6.9/10
Starring: John Cleese, Michael Palin, Peter Cook, Rowan Atkinson, The Goodies, Barry Humph...
Enjoy some of the most hilarious moments in comedy history as Britain's finest funnymen - John Cleese, Michael Palin, Peter Cook, Rowan Atkinson, The... Read more
Sleepwalk with Me (2012)
6.8/10
Director: Mike Birbiglia
Starring: Carol Kane, James Rebhorn, Lauren Ambrose, Mike Birbiglia, Cristin Milioti
Winner of a 2012 Audience Award at Sundance, comedian Mike Birbiglia wrote, directed and stars in this sincere and hilarious film, based on his off-Br... Read more
Stephen K Amos Live: Find the Funny (2008)
Starring: Stephen K Amos
Stephen K Amos, a British stand-up comedian, has charmed and entertained audiences all over the world with his natural, assured delivery and his hones... Read more
Steven Wright: When the Leaves Blow Away (2006)
7.6/10
Starring: Steven Wright
Dry, wry, deadpan and droll, the comic genius of Steven Wright has won a place in the hearts of observational comedy-lovers around the globe. Recorded... Read more
Strassman Live! (2008)
7.7/10
Starring: David Strassman
American stand-up sensation David Strassman is the man who became the first ventriloquist for 30 years to have his own solo show in the West End of Lo... Read more
Strassman Live: Vol. 2 - The Chuck You Tour (2009)
7.7/10
Starring: David Strassman
Join David Strassman and his dysfunctional family of puppets as they take you on a journey to the dark corners of Strassman's twisted, evil and causti... Read more
Super High Me (2007)
6.1/10
Director: Michael Blieden
Starring: Doug Benson, Sarah Silverman, Bob Odenkirk, Patton Oswalt
Comedian Doug Benson takes a hit in the name of modern science, smoking pot for thirty days while undergoing various medical and psychological tests.... Read more
Terry Fator: Live from Las Vegas (2009)
7.3/10
Director: Mark Goffman
Starring: Terry Fator
Experience why the world has fallen in love with Terry Fator's irresistible combination of humour and music and his hilarious cast of characters! The... Read more