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
Billy Connolly: You Asked For It (2011)
7.7/10
Starring: Billy Connolly
Billy Connollys most requested comedy clips in addition to his first live TV performance. Billy is universally recognised as the master of observati... Read more
Monty Python Live (Mostly) (2014)
7.7/10
Director: Eric Idle
Starring: Eric Idle, Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jone...
Live performance by British surreal comedy group Monty Python recorded at the O2 Arena in London as part of their reunion tour. Involving all five sur... 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
Robin Williams: Live at the Met (1986)
Director: Bruce Gowers
Starring: Robin Williams
This HBO Special of Robin Williams live at New York's Metropolitan Opera House is one of the funniest stand up shows ever to be performed and recorded... Read more
An Audience with Kenneth Williams (1983)
8.5/10
Director: Alasdair Macmillan
Starring: Kenneth Williams
"...And may I say what an honour it is for you to have me". Sit back and enjoy as Kenneth Williams takes a witty and enthralling look at his career in... Read more
Pam Ayres: Unsupported - Live on Stage (2007)
Starring: Pam Ayres
Recorded live at the Stables Theatre, Wavendon, in June 2007, this show captures the quick wit and idiosyncratic delivery of one of Britain's top comi... Read more
Wil Anderson: Wilosophy (2009)
6.7/10
Starring: Wil Anderson
Wil Anderson has been making audiences cry with laughter for years, but only now has he released a DVD of his stand-up routine. Filmed during a sell-o... Read more
Eddie Izzard: Unrepeatable (1994)
8.1/10
Director: John Gordillo
Starring: Eddie Izzard
Recorded at the Albery Theatre in March 1994, when Eddie Izzard was playing a limited seven week sold-out run of his celebrated stand-up show. "A comi... Read more
Austen Tayshus - Australia Day Special (2006)
Starring: Sandy Gutman
Austen Tayshus is the stage name for controversial Aussie comic, Sandy Gutman, best known for a comedy single he released in 1983, 'Australiana'. He... Read more
Dave Chappelle: For What It's Worth (2004)
8.5/10
Director: Stan Lathan
Starring: Dave Chappelle
Outrageous comedian Dave Chappelle is back on the stand-up circuit with more wry observations about everything from black celebrity to crackheads, fro... Read more