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
Peter Kay: Live at the Top of the Tower (2000)
8/10
Director: Marcus Mortimer
Starring: Peter Kay
Well-known northern comic, Peter Kay, returns to his roots for a one-off comedy gig in Blackpool. Following the huge success of his TV shows ('Phoeni... Read more
Richard Pryor: Live in Concert (1979)
8.2/10
Director: Jeff Margolis
Starring: Richard Pryor
Richard Pryor is a comic genius at his prime in this 1979 live performance filmed in Long Beach. Considered by many critics to be Pryor's funniest and... Read more
Rhys Darby Live: Imagine That! (2008)
7.2/10
Director: Troy Miller
Starring: Rhys Darby
For all those "Flight of the Conchords" fans who love his turn as Murray the Manager, the "Imagine That!" DVD is a must-see. Recorded before a live au... Read more
Little Britain: Live (2006)
7.6/10
Director: Geoff Posner, Jeremy Sams
Starring: Matt Lucas, David Walliams, Anthony Head, Ruth Jones
After three award-winning television series, Matt Lucas and David Walliams took 'Little Britain' on the road. The triumphant tour culminated with this... Read more
The Mighty Boosh: Live - Future Sailors Tour (2009)
8/10
Starring: Rich Fulcher, Julian Barratt, Michael Fielding, Noel Fielding
In this latest Mighty Boosh tour presentation you will see Howard wrestle with the problems of the universe in tiny shorts, while Vince gets his hair... Read more
Bill Bailey: Cosmic Jam (1995)
8.4/10
Starring: Bill Bailey
The long-awaited DVD release of Bill Bailey's 1995 stageshow that prompted the BBC to give him his own show 'Is It Bill Bailey?'. His well-known whim... Read more
Robin Williams: Weapons of Self Destruction (2009)
7.8/10
Director: Marty Callner
Starring: Robin Williams
In the wake of a divorce, a stint in rehab and open heart surgery, Robin Williams is back and better than ever in this side-splitting HBO stand-up spe... Read more
Billy Connolly: Two Night Stand (1997)
7.8/10
Director: Annabel Vine
Starring: Billy Connolly
Recorded during the big Yin's 1997 sellout UK tour. Read more
The Aristocrats (2005)
6.4/10
Director: Paul Provenza
Starring: Robin Williams, Jason Alexander, Drew Carey, George Carlin, Steven Wright, Smoth...
'A family walks into a talent agent's...' so begins one of stand-up comedy's most well-kept secrets. The so-called 'world's dirtiest joke' gets an ai... Read more
Arj Barker Live (2006)
7.6/10
Starring: Arj Barker
Prepare to take a ride through Arj's world, where absurdity and logic meet, as he unleashes his unique, intelligent world-class stand-up comedy. Dishi... Read more