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
Def Comedy Jam Allstars Vol. 2 (2002)
Starring: Martin Lawrence, Steve Harvey, Mo'Nique , Tommy Chunn
Throughout the 1990s Russell Simmons' 'Def Comedy Jam' on HBO exposed hilarious, predominantly African-American comedians to the public, creating many... Read more
Robin Williams: Live on Broadway (2002)
8.5/10
Director: Marty Callner
Starring: Robin Williams
Recorded and broadcast live from New York City's Broadway Theater at the culmination of his historic 2002 sold-out tour, the "Robin Williams: Live on... 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
Wake Up and Smell the Coffee (2001)
6.3/10
Director: Michael Rauch
Starring: Eric Bogosian
A screen adaptation of Eric Bogosian's one man show, 'Wake Up and Smell the Coffee.' Read more
Bill Bailey: Bewilderness (2001)
8.1/10
Starring: Bill Bailey
Bill Bailey's 2001 routine finds our long-haired hero at the height of his comedic powers in Swansea, with a rapt audience of Welsh folk and some blok... Read more
Victoria Wood - Live at the Albert Hall (2001)
After two decades at the top of her profession, Victoria Wood is one of a small handful of British comedians capable of filling the country's largest... Read more
Puppetry of the Penis (2001)
5.7/10
Starring: Simon Morley, David Friend
Just when you thought you'd seen it all...Aussie blokes Simon Morley and David Friend began performing their 'genital installations', triggering a glo... Read more
Billy Connolly Live: The Greatest Hits (2001)
7.4/10
Director: Various
Starring: Billy Connolly
Here it is! At last, the best of Billy Connolly's live comedy routines collected together on one hilarious compilation! Over 2 hours of the greatest m... Read more
Margaret Cho: I'm the One That I Want (2000)
7.5/10
Starring: Margaret Cho
Named one of Entertainment Weekly's "Great Performances of the Year" in 1999, the critically acclaimed "I'm the One That I Want" is comedian Margaret... Read more
Victoria Wood With All the Trimmings (2000)
7.4/10
Director: John Birkin
Starring: Victoria Wood, Alan Rickman, Julie Walters, Pete Postlethwaite, Celia Imrie, Jam...
Britain's funny woman Victoria Wood returns with this hilarious Christmas special chock-full of entertaining comedy sketches and witty musical numbers... Read more