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 Secret Policeman's: The Big Three-O (1991)
6.6/10
Director: David Hillier
Starring: Mel Smith, Griff Rhys Jones, John Cleese, Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, Jonath...
The Secret Policemen are back for Amnesty's 30th Anniversary Special. Comedians include all the faves of the time - Alexei Sayle, John Cleese, Hale &... Read more
Billy Connolly Live: Double Feature (1991)
7.3/10
Director: Nobby Clark
Starring: Billy Connolly
2 great programmes on 1 dvd with the unexpurgated Billy Connolly in top form at these live events. First up is 'Live at the Hammersmith Odeon, London'... Read more
Billy T Live (1990)
Starring: Billy T James
On April 29, 1990 one of the greatest events of New Zealand entertainment took place in Auckland. This was no run of the mill stage show, it was Billy... 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
Rodney Dangerfield - No Respect (1989)
Director: Various
Starring: Rodney Dangerfield, Tim Allen, Roseanne Barr, Bob Nelson, Jeff Altman, etc ...,...
The ultimate Rodney Dangerfield collection, this set contains 3 discs of the comic's hilarious stand-up along with 3 ABC specials 'It's Not Easy Bein'... 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
An Audience With Victoria Wood (1988)
8.2/10
Starring: Victoria Wood
The incomparable Victoria Wood is the star of this special show that won two 1989 British Academy Film and Television Arts Awards. Before a celebrity... Read more
An Audience with Peter Ustinov (1988)
8.4/10
Director: Alasdair Macmillan
Starring: Peter Ustinov
Although appearing in over 100 film and television productions, Peter Ustinov is best remembered for his portrayal of Hercule Poirot in 6 Agatha Chris... Read more
Andrew 'Dice' Clay: One Night with Dice (1987)
6.3/10
Director: Kevin Padden
Starring: Andrew Dice Clay
Andrew Dice Clay's controversial stand-up act has lead to a career of notoriety. There appear to be no depths to which Clay isn't prepared to sink, of... Read more
The Secret Policeman's Third Ball (1987)
6.3/10
Director: Ken O'neill
Starring: John Cleese, Ben Elton, Robbie Coltrane, Lenny Henry, Lou Reed, Ruby Wax, Bob Ge...
In the "Secret Policemans Third Ball", John Cleese receives the "Silver Duck Award" from Stephen Fry & Hugh Laurie in a hilarious tribute. There are... Read more