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
Jeff Green: Back From the Bewilderness (2003)
Director: Mick Thomas
Starring: Jeff Green
Stand-up legend Jeff Green brings his show to London's West End for a sell-out night at the Gielgud Theatre. A routine that has wowed crowds at the Ed... Read more
Jeff Dunham's Very Special Christmas Special (2008)
7.6/10
Starring: Jeff Dunham
Jeff Dunham invites Walter, Peanut, Bubba J, Jose Jalapeno and Achmed the Dead Terrorist to join him on his first holiday special. Unfortunately, his... 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
Def Comedy Jam Allstars Vol. 3 (2002)
Starring: Martin Lawrence, Cedric The Entertainer, Joe Torry, J Anthony Brown, Sommore
Throughout the 1990's Russell Simmons' 'Def Comedy Jam' on HBO exposed hilarious, predominantly African-American comedians to the public, creating man... Read more
Jeffrey Ross: No Offense (2008)
6.8/10
Director: Jay Karas
Starring: Jeffrey Ross
Known throughout the U.S. as 'The Roastmaster', Jeffrey Ross brings his witty quips and spot-on insults back home to Jersey. He's gained a cult follow... Read more
Richard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip (1982)
7.7/10
Starring: Richard Pryor
Pryor's back and burning! Taking the stage at the Hollywood Palladium, the controversial comic delivers a hysterically funny stand-up routine, talking... Read more
Eddie Izzard: Dress To Kill (1998)
8.7/10
Director: Larry Jordan
Starring: Eddie Izzard
Eddie Izzard's unique ability in looping topics such as pop culture and human behaviour into bizarre chains of association has catapulted him into one... Read more
Eddie Izzard: Circle (2000)
7.9/10
Starring: Eddie Izzard
Live comedy with the master of sublime weirdness, recorded in New York, June 26, 2000. Eddie discusses such topics as the Crusades, mad European cows,... Read more
Def Comedy Jam Allstars Vol. 1 (2002)
Starring: Martin Lawrence, Chris Rock, Bernie Mac, Chris Tucker
Throughout the 1990's Russell Simmons' 'Def Comedy Jam' on HBO exposed hilarious, predominantly African-American comedians to the public, creating man... Read more
Ronnie Corbett Live (2004)
Starring: Ronnie Corbett
Ronnie Corbett, one of England's favourite stand-up comics performs a series of anecdotes, sketches, songs and his famous chair monologues to keep you... Read more