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
Eddie Izzard: Definite Article (1996)
8.5/10
Director: Ed Bye
Starring: Eddie Izzard
This superb video was recorded in the Shaftesbury Theatre, London, when Eddie was in the middle of a sell-out 10 week run. "A genius of many talents a... 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
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
Victor Borge Around Australia (1980)
Starring: Victor Borge
Danish pianist, composer, songwriter, entertainer and actor, Victor Borge stars in a series of Channel 9 appearances for Don Lane, Clive Robertson, De... Read more
Doug Stanhope: No Refunds (2007)
8.2/10
Starring: Doug Stanhope
Not all stand-up comedy is spot-cleaned and pre-packaged for the masses. Like the legends who were born out of smokey, booze-soaked nightclubs of deca... 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
Jasper Carrott - Beat the Carrott (1981)
7.5/10
Starring: Jasper Carrott
Jasper Carrott at his best! Jasper Carrott has long been one of this country's most well-loved comedians and this ITV special from 1981 shows him on t... 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
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
Margaret Cho: I'm the One That I Want (2000)
7.5/10
Starring: Margaret Cho
Named one of Entertainment Weekly's "Great Performances of the Year" in 1999, the critically acclaimed "I'm the One That I Want" is comedian Margaret... Read more