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
Bill Hicks: Sane Man (1989)
8.5/10
Director: Kevin Booth, David Johndrow
Starring: Bill Hicks
Bill Hicks passed away in 1994, but his legend continues to grow. This rare live show, shot in Austin, Texas, shortly before the release of Hicks' de... Read more
Bill Maher: I'm Swiss (2005)
7.3/10
Starring: Bill Maher
You won't be neutral about your feelings for the politically charged comedy of Bill Maher after viewing this side-splitting HBO special. Join Maher as... Read more
Billy Connolly Live: Double Feature (1991)
7.3/10
Director: Nobby Clark
Starring: Billy Connolly
2 great programmes on 1 dvd with the unexpurgated Billy Connolly in top form at these live events. First up is 'Live at the Hammersmith Odeon, London'... Read more
Billy Connolly Live: The Greatest Hits (2001)
7.4/10
Director: Various
Starring: Billy Connolly
Here it is! At last, the best of Billy Connolly's live comedy routines collected together on one hilarious compilation! Over 2 hours of the greatest m... Read more
Billy Connolly Live: Was It Something I Said? (2006)
7.3/10
Starring: Billy Connolly
Consistently voted one of the UK's favourite comedians, and with a huge following down under, the king of observational comedy and the long-winded ane... Read more
Billy Connolly: Billy And Albert (1987)
8.3/10
Director: Nobby Clark
Starring: Billy Connolly
Unexpurgated Billy Connolly at his best live at London's Royal Albert Hall, July 1987. Over 25 of his best stories are featured, including 'High Fibre... Read more
Billy Connolly: High Horse Tour Live (2016)
7.8/10
Starring: Billy Connolly
Who discovered we could get milk from cows, and what did he THINK he was doing at the time? The legend returns in his High Horse Tour! Connolly's... Read more
Billy Connolly: Live Dublin 2002 (2002)
8.3/10
Director: Anon
Starring: Billy Connolly
Join Billy on a host of rip-roaring nights during his latest sensational tour. Kicking off with a barnstorming show in Dublin plus the top moments fro... Read more
Billy Connolly: Live in London 2010 (2010)
7.5/10
Director: Nick Morris
Starring: Billy Connolly
As funny, topical and downright brilliant as ever, 'Billy Connolly" Live in London 2010' shows the master at his very best. From raging about politica... Read more
Billy Connolly: Live In New York (2005)
7.3/10
Starring: Billy Connolly
Though he's been touring the States with great success for more than 30 years, this is the first time one of his live shows has been taped there. Fil... Read more