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
The Aristocrats (2005)
6.4/10
Director: Paul Provenza
Starring: Robin Williams, Jason Alexander, Drew Carey, George Carlin, Steven Wright, Smoth...
'A family walks into a talent agent's...' so begins one of stand-up comedy's most well-kept secrets. The so-called 'world's dirtiest joke' gets an ai... Read more
The Axis of Evil Comedy Tour (2007)
8.1/10
Starring: Ahmed Ahmed, Maz Jobrani, Aron Kader
In a world of racist propaganda and 'red alert' fears, a group of America's best Middle Eastern comics remind us all to laugh. Ahmed Ahmed, Aron Kader... Read more
The Best of Jasper Carrott (2004)
Starring: Jasper Carrott
Jasper Carrott has long been one of Britian's most well-loved comedians and this special from 2004 shows him on top form. Recorded live at his home ci... Read more
The Best of Victoria Wood: As Seen On TV (2004)
Director: Geoff Posner
Starring: Victoria Wood
An hilarious compilation of stand-up, sketches and songs from Victoria Wood. There's Acorn Antiques, "after last week's cliff-hanger, let's see if th... Read more
The Comedians of Comedy (2007)
7.3/10
Starring: Sarah Silverman, Doug Benson, Patton Oswalt, Andy Kindler, David Cross
14 of today's top comics get together at the infamous Troubadour club in L.A. for a night of comedic anarchy! See Patton Oswalt, Sarah Silverman, Davi... Read more
The Comic Genius of Billy T James (2008)
Starring: Billy T James
Featuring several well-loved skits from the 'Billy T. James Show', a performance from the 'Royal Variety Show', Maori Volcanics footage plus over 60 m... Read more
The Complete Denis Leary: Lock and Load / No Cure for Cancer (2006)
Starring: Denis Leary
Two of the best stand-up shows from the frenetic-tongued chain-smoking cynic, Denis Leary. 'No Cure for Cancer' debuted on Showtime in 1991 and is pa... Read more
The Ellen DeGeneres Collection (2003)
Starring: Ellen DeGeneres
Two of Ellen's critically acclaimed stand-up shows are collected here on this 2-disc set. 'The Beginning' recorded in 2000 features Ellen's interpret... Read more
The Mighty Boosh on Tour: Journey of the Childmen (2010)
7.5/10
Director: Oliver Ralfe
Starring: Rich Fulcher, Julian Barratt, Dave Brown, Mike Fielding, Noel Fielding
'The Mighty Boosh' is a unique comedy that has transferred from radio and television success to a national phenomenon, catapulting its creators Julian... Read more
The Mighty Boosh: Live (2006)
8.3/10
Director: Nick Morris
Starring: Julian Barratt, Noel Fielding, Rich Fulcher
The writer/stars of the cult television series return to their roots for this on-stage special. Julian Barratt and Noel Fielding first worked with eac... Read more