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
The Best of Victoria Wood: As Seen On TV (2004)
Director: Geoff Posner
Starring: Victoria Wood
An hilarious compilation of stand-up, sketches and songs from Victoria Wood. There's Acorn Antiques, "after last week's cliff-hanger, let's see if th... Read more
Beyond the Fringe (1964)
7.8/10
Starring: Peter Cook, Dudley Moore, Jonathan Miller, Alan Bennett
Thought to be lost forever, this is a rare filmed version of the famous comedy revue that launched the careers of Peter Cook, Dudley Moore, Alan Benne... Read more
Ben Elton: The Definitive Live Collection (2008)
7/10
Starring: Ben Elton
Ben Elton, the undisputed king of stand-up comedy, presents his definitive live collection. Four live hilarious stand-up shows available for the first... Read more
Alan Davies: Life Is Pain (2013)
6.9/10
Starring: Alan Davies
Recorded live at Hammersmith Apollo, Alan Davies' "Life Is Pain" covers every aspect of the modern condition. While famous as an actor - the eponymous... Read more
Billy Connolly: Live Dublin 2002 (2002)
8.3/10
Director: Anon
Starring: Billy Connolly
Join Billy on a host of rip-roaring nights during his latest sensational tour. Kicking off with a barnstorming show in Dublin plus the top moments fro... Read more
Billy Connolly Live: Was It Something I Said? (2006)
7.3/10
Starring: Billy Connolly
Consistently voted one of the UK's favourite comedians, and with a huge following down under, the king of observational comedy and the long-winded ane... Read more
Carl Barron: Walking Down the Street (2009)
8.4/10
Starring: Carl Barron
Carl Barron is the king of Australian stand-up, playing off the audiences' reaction and leaving them rolling on the floor! This all-new show is his se... Read more
Tim Minchin: Ready For This? (2009)
8.3/10
Starring: Tim Minchin
Filmed in 2008, over two nights at the legendary Enmore Theatre in Sydney, this epic show is vintage Minchin - sharing his love of boobs and banging o... Read more
The Secret Policeman's Biggest Ball (1989)
6.8/10
Director: Mike Holgate
Starring: Peter Cook, Dudley Moore, John Cleese, Michael Palin, Ben Elton, Hugh Laurie, Je...
"The Secret Policeman's Ball" unique comedy show returns with unforgettable sketches from John Cleese, Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Lenny Henry and Ben E... Read more
The Best of Jasper Carrott (2004)
Starring: Jasper Carrott
Jasper Carrott has long been one of Britian's most well-loved comedians and this special from 2004 shows him on top form. Recorded live at his home ci... Read more