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 Mighty Boosh: Live - Future Sailors Tour (2009)
8/10
Starring: Rich Fulcher, Julian Barratt, Michael Fielding, Noel Fielding
In this latest Mighty Boosh tour presentation you will see Howard wrestle with the problems of the universe in tiny shorts, while Vince gets his hair... Read more
The Secret Policeman's Ball (1979)
6.9/10
Director: Roger Graef
Starring: Rowan Atkinson, John Cleese, Billy Connolly, Peter Cook, Clive James, Terry Jone...
A full-length, unexpurgated film of the annual Amnesty International comedy fundraiser that captures some of England's finest comedic minds performing... Read more
The Secret Policeman's Ball Presents - Anniversary Comedy Edition (1979)
Starring: Michael Palin, John Cleese, Peter Cook, Rowan Atkinson, Barry Humphries, The Goo...
Celebrating 30 years since the first charity comedy concert, this collection features an array of side-splitting moments in comedy history with Britai... Read more
The Secret Policeman's Biggest Ball (1989)
6.8/10
Director: Mike Holgate
Starring: Peter Cook, Dudley Moore, John Cleese, Michael Palin, Ben Elton, Hugh Laurie, Je...
"The Secret Policeman's Ball" unique comedy show returns with unforgettable sketches from John Cleese, Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Lenny Henry and Ben E... Read more
The Secret Policeman's Other Ball (1982)
6.6/10
Director: Julien Temple
Starring: John Cleese, Rowan Atkinson, Billy Connolly, Sting , Bob Geldof, Phil Collins, J...
More Pythonesque humour from John Cleese and his gang of terrible, tastless and crazy cohorts including; Alexei Sayle, Rowan Atkinson and Barry Humphr... Read more
The Secret Policeman's Private Parts (1983)
7.2/10
Starring: Rowan Atkinson, Dame Edna Everage, Graham Chapman, Tim Brooke-Taylor, John Clees...
SEE John Cleese as "The Pope", SEE Michael Palin as" The Transvestite Lumberjack" SEE Graham Chapman as " The Bent Copper", SEE Trerry Jones as "The H... Read more
The Secret Policeman's Third Ball (1987)
6.3/10
Director: Ken O'neill
Starring: John Cleese, Ben Elton, Robbie Coltrane, Lenny Henry, Lou Reed, Ruby Wax, Bob Ge...
In the "Secret Policemans Third Ball", John Cleese receives the "Silver Duck Award" from Stephen Fry & Hugh Laurie in a hilarious tribute. There are... Read more
The Secret Policeman's: The Big Three-O (1991)
6.6/10
Director: David Hillier
Starring: Mel Smith, Griff Rhys Jones, John Cleese, Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, Jonath...
The Secret Policemen are back for Amnesty's 30th Anniversary Special. Comedians include all the faves of the time - Alexei Sayle, John Cleese, Hale &... Read more
The Very Best of Kenneth Williams (2008)
5.8/10
Starring: Barbara Windsor, Kenneth Williams, Jack Douglas
'Stop messin' about!' This hilarious programme compiles some of comic genius Kenneth Williams' most memorable moments from the classic 'Carry On' seri... Read more
This Filthy World (2006)
7.8/10
Director: Jeff Garlin
Starring: John Waters
Cult director John Waters turns his hand to stand-up comedy as he takes us on an eye-popping journey through his illustrious film career. Filmed over... Read more