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
Victor Borge: In Concert and Encore! (1979)
8.4/10
Starring: Victor Borge
Recorded in 1979, master musical wit, Victor Borge, struts his stuff in this special concert performance at the Wembley Conference Centre. The Copen... Read more
Bottom Live: The Big Number 2 Show (1995)
8.3/10
Starring: Rik Mayall, Adrian Edmondson
Filmed during the 1995 sell out nationwide tour which left over 500,000 fans standing on their seats and screaming for more. "The Big Number 2 Show" f... Read more
Jack Dee: Live Again (2006)
7.8/10
Starring: Jack Dee
Following the huge success of his sell-out 100-date UK tour, the nation's favourite deadpan stand-up returns to the Hammersmith Apollo to deliver some... Read more
Bill Hicks: Relentless (1991)
8.8/10
Starring: Bill Hicks
This programme was filmed over a season of Bill Hicks comedy at the Centaur Theatre during the annual 'Just For Laughs' Comedy Festival in Montreal, C... Read more
Rowan Atkinson: Live (1992)
8.4/10
Starring: Angus Deayton, Rowan Atkinson
The wry-witted comedian adored by fans of the 'Black Adder' and 'Mr Bean' series presents a rollicking concert compendium of his best-loved skits. Fil... Read more
Eddie Izzard: Stripped (2011)
7.8/10
Starring: Eddie Izzard
The acclaimed comedian of the surreal performs another unique stream-of-consciousness monologue in this latest live outing. Eddie ponders, among other... Read more
Bill Hicks: Sane Man (1989)
8.5/10
Director: Kevin Booth, David Johndrow
Starring: Bill Hicks
Bill Hicks passed away in 1994, but his legend continues to grow. This rare live show, shot in Austin, Texas, shortly before the release of Hicks' de... Read more
Carl Barron (2006)
7/10
Starring: Carl Barron
Touted as one of Australia's freshest comics, Carl Barron has appeared on 'The Footy Show' and 'Rove' and sells out venues both in his home country an... Read more
Bill Bailey's Remarkable Guide to the Orchestra (2009)
7.7/10
Starring: Bill Bailey
If you've ever seen a Bill Bailey stand-up show you'll know he's not only hilarious but also incredibly musically talented, coaxing perfectly executed... Read more
Russell Brand: Doing Life - Live (2009)
6.2/10
Starring: Russell Brand
Filmed at the Hackney Empire during Russell Brand's sell-out tour of 2007, 'Doing Life -Live' contains all the unique, high octane and hilarious style... Read more