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
Zach Galifianakis: Live at the Purple Onion (2005)
7.4/10
Director: Michael Blieden
Starring: Zach Galifianakis
A master of the one-liner and non-sequiter, with an absurd rambling style that sees him as frequently roving through the audience as he is seated at h... Read more
Billy Connolly: Live In New York (2005)
7.3/10
Starring: Billy Connolly
Though he's been touring the States with great success for more than 30 years, this is the first time one of his live shows has been taped there. Fil... Read more
World's Greatest Stand Up: Volume One (2006)
Starring: Dylan Moran, Mike Wilmot, Lee Evans, David Hyde Pierce, Wanda Sykes, Omid Djalil...
Recorded live at the prestigious Montreal International Comedy Festival this compilation features a eclectic mix of comedic talent from the UK, Irelan... Read more
French and Saunders: Still Alive - The Farewell Tour (2008)
7.7/10
Starring: Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders
Britain's first ladies of comedy present their 'Still Alive' stand-up tour. Filmed at Cardiff, this celebratory farewell show features the best of the... Read more
Russell Brand: Live (2006)
6.6/10
Director: David Mallet
Starring: Russell Brand
Russell Brand, snake-hipped dandy, self confessed S&M Willy Wonka and one of the UK's finest stand-up comedians. Filmed in London during his sell-out... Read more
The Ellen DeGeneres Collection (2003)
Starring: Ellen DeGeneres
Two of Ellen's critically acclaimed stand-up shows are collected here on this 2-disc set. 'The Beginning' recorded in 2000 features Ellen's interpret... Read more
Da Kath and Kim Code / Live in London Uncut (2005)
Director: Ted Emery
Starring: Gina Riley, Glenn Robbins, Peter Rowsthorn, Magda Szubanski, Jane Turner, Barry...
Lovely ladies and great hunk o' spunks, take your seats ploise and sit back and relax, crack open the cardonnay as Kath, Kim, Kel, Sharon and Brett ex... Read more
The Mighty Boosh: Live (2006)
8.3/10
Director: Nick Morris
Starring: Julian Barratt, Noel Fielding, Rich Fulcher
The writer/stars of the cult television series return to their roots for this on-stage special. Julian Barratt and Noel Fielding first worked with eac... Read more
Ed Byrne: Different Class (2009)
7.5/10
Starring: Ed Byrne
Half toff, half pikey, all comic! Ed Byrne is undoubtedly one of the funniest comics working today and his Different Class tour has been his most succ... Read more
Tim Minchin: So Live (2007)
8.5/10
Starring: Tim Minchin
Filmed in June 2007 in the Sydney Opera House Studio, and featuring material from the shows that rocketed Tim Minchin onto the international stage. E... Read more