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
Pete Correale: The Things We Do For Love (2009)
7.9/10
Starring: Pete Correale
Pete Correale was named one of the top ten comics to watch by entertainment Weekly in 2008. His affable New York charm and hilarious tales of life and... Read more
Heckler (2007)
6.1/10
Director: Michael Addis
Starring: Jon Lovitz, Roseanne Barr, Craig Ferguson, Paul Rodriguez, Judah Friedlander, Ja...
Boo! Hiss! You stink! Jamie Kennedy produced and hosts this biting documentary that explores the increasingly critical world we live in, focusing on h... Read more
An Audience With Victoria Wood (1988)
8.2/10
Starring: Victoria Wood
The incomparable Victoria Wood is the star of this special show that won two 1989 British Academy Film and Television Arts Awards. Before a celebrity... Read more
John Pinette: I'm Starvin'! (2006)
8.2/10
Starring: John Pinette
Named 'Stand-Up Comedian of the Year' by the American Comedy Awards, Pinette gained wide attention for his role in the 'Seinfeld' finale and Broadway... Read more
Terry Fator: Live from Las Vegas (2009)
7.3/10
Director: Mark Goffman
Starring: Terry Fator
Experience why the world has fallen in love with Terry Fator's irresistible combination of humour and music and his hilarious cast of characters! The... Read more
Inside the Actors Studio: Dave Chappelle (2006)
8.7/10
Starring: Dave Chappelle
Ground-breaking comic, Dave Chappelle, was interviewed by the Actor's Studio following his return from Africa after his infamous breakdown. He speaks... Read more
Stephen K Amos Live: Find the Funny (2008)
Starring: Stephen K Amos
Stephen K Amos, a British stand-up comedian, has charmed and entertained audiences all over the world with his natural, assured delivery and his hones... 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
Tripod: Live at Woodford (2009)
5.1/10
Meet three Australian legends of musical comedy: Scod (the guitarist), Gatesy (the singer) and Yon (the obligatory trumpet player). Together they form... Read more
Important Things with Demetri Martin: Season 1 (2009)
7.8/10
Starring: Demetri Martin
'Important Things with Demetri Martin' is a stream-of-consciousness sketch and variety show from comedian Demetri Martin. Each episode focuses on a si... Read more