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
Cheech and Chong's Hey Watch This (2010)
Director: Christian Charles
Starring: Cheech Marin, Tommy Chong
Cheech and Chong are back in an all new adventure as they bring their hilarious antics to the live stage across America. The tour has been a resoundin... Read more
Chris Rock: Kill the Messenger (2008)
7.8/10
Director: Marty Callner
Starring: Chris Rock
In "Kill The Messenger", three-time Emmy Award-winner Chris Rock - comedian, actor, writer, producer, director, and one of TIME magazine's "100 Most I... Read more
Chris Rock: Never Scared (2004)
8.1/10
Starring: Chris Rock
Named the #1 Comic by Entertainment Weekly for 2004, Chris Rock stars in his fourth solo stand-up special for HBO, "Chris Rock: Never Scared". Featuri... Read more
Comedian (2002)
7/10
Director: Christian Charles
Starring: Chris Rock, Garry Shandling, Jerry Seinfeld
Where do you go after starring in the most successful sitcom in history? Find out in this compelling, and hysterical, look at Jerry Seinfeld's return... Read more
Comedy Central Roast of William Shatner (2006)
7.4/10
Director: Joel Gallen
Starring: Jason Alexander, Kevin Pollak, William Shatner, Artie Lange, Andy Dick
It's the Comedy Central Roast of William Shatner. Watch as he's feted by comics and co-stars alike, ranging from Andy Dick, Greg Giraldo, Patton Oswal... Read more
Da Kath and Kim Code / Live in London Uncut (2005)
Director: Ted Emery
Starring: Gina Riley, Glenn Robbins, Peter Rowsthorn, Magda Szubanski, Jane Turner, Barry...
Lovely ladies and great hunk o' spunks, take your seats ploise and sit back and relax, crack open the cardonnay as Kath, Kim, Kel, Sharon and Brett ex... Read more
Dai Henwood: Dai Another Day (2009)
Starring: Dai Henwood
Over two nights in September 2009, Dai Henwood performed to a packed SkyCity Theatre in Auckland to record the best of his stand-up for this DVD. With... Read more
Danny Bhoy: Live at the Sydney Opera House (2007)
7.5/10
Starring: Danny Bhoy
Scottish-born comedian Danny Bhoy has an easy-going observational style that has made him a sell-out stand-up around the world, including here, where... Read more
Dave Allen Live ...On Life (1998)
Starring: Dave Allen
With his trademark props - the stool and the whisky glass - Dave Allen proves the essentials of great comedy are simply a microphone, an audience and... Read more
Dave Allen: The Best Of (2005)
7.8/10
Starring: Dave Allen
Dave Allen was an alternative comedian before the phrase existed, an innovator who set the agenda for comedy and comedians for more than 30 years. Her... Read more