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 T: Te Movie (2011)
6.9/10
Director: Ian Mune
Starring: Billy T James, Peter Rowley
Documentary celebrating the life of legendary New Zealand comedian, Billy T James. Directed by Ian Mune ('Came A Hot Friday'). The film explores Billy... 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
Eddie Izzard: Glorious (1997)
8.5/10
Director: Peter Richardson
Starring: Eddie Izzard
This rollercoaster of joyful, abstract humour for the open-minded was recorded live at the Hammersmith Apollo in October 1997. "Grand, explosive, smar... Read more
Gilbert Gottfried: Dirty Jokes (2005)
7.2/10
Director: Adam Reid
Starring: Gilbert Gottfried
Recorded live in New York City, Gilbert Gottfried tears down the walls of good taste in this hilarious, gleefully foul-mouthed performance. At his mos... Read more
Mike Birbiglia: What I Should Have Said Was Nothing (2008)
7.6/10
Starring: Mike Birbiglia
A few years ago, Mike Birbiglia's therapist suggested he keep a journal of all the crazy things that were going on in his life. Now, his 'secret publi... Read more
Trevor Noah: African American (2013)
7.3/10
Director: Ryan Polito
Starring: Trevor Noah
Celebrated as the most popular comedian in South Africa, Trevor Noah takes the stage in "African American" to explore his often-bewildering journey of... Read more
Mike Reid Live (1995)
7.4/10
Starring: Mike Reid
Filmed at the London Palladium, Mike Reid displays all the comic genius that has made him one of Britain's best-loved adult comedians. "He's blue, rud... Read more
Harry Hill: Hooves Live (2005)
7.8/10
Starring: Harry Hill
A live stand-up performance from the eccentric British funnyman, Harry Hill, recorded during his sell-out 'Hooves' tour and featuring his brand new co... Read more
Little Britain Live: Comic Relief (2007)
7.6/10
Starring: Dawn French, Dennis Waterman, Kate Moss, Patsy Kensit, Matt Lucas, David Walliam...
Raising money for the admirable 'Comic Relief' charity in England, this is a new live show from Matt Lucas and David Walliams. A gaggle of stars appea... Read more
America's Funniest Comedians: Volume 4 (2007)
5.4/10
Starring: Drew Carey, etc ...
The fourth in this comedy collection includes Drew Carey, Carol Leifer, Brad Cairnes, Carrot Top, Sheila Kay, Leo Dufour, Jeff Dunham, Billiam Coronel... Read more