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
Billy T: Te Movie (2011)
6.9/10
Director: Ian Mune
Starring: Billy T James, Peter Rowley
Documentary celebrating the life of legendary New Zealand comedian, Billy T James. Directed by Ian Mune ('Came A Hot Friday'). The film explores Billy... Read more
Eddie Izzard: Stripped (2011)
7.8/10
Starring: Eddie Izzard
The acclaimed comedian of the surreal performs another unique stream-of-consciousness monologue in this latest live outing. Eddie ponders, among other... Read more
Billy Connolly: You Asked For It (2011)
7.7/10
Starring: Billy Connolly
Billy Connollys most requested comedy clips in addition to his first live TV performance. Billy is universally recognised as the master of observati... Read more
Eddie Izzard: Sexie (2010)
7.5/10
Starring: Eddie Izzard
Through Australia, UK, Canada, USA, Ireland, and the Town Hall, Christchurch, this tour was performed to more people than there are in Iceland (280,00... Read more
Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work (2010)
7.4/10
Director: Ricki Stern, Anne Sundberg
Starring: Joan Rivers
Can we talk? Joan Rivers sure can, as evidenced by this critically acclaimed documentary that chronicles a year in the life of the controversial comed... Read more
The Mighty Boosh on Tour: Journey of the Childmen (2010)
7.5/10
Director: Oliver Ralfe
Starring: Rich Fulcher, Julian Barratt, Dave Brown, Mike Fielding, Noel Fielding
'The Mighty Boosh' is a unique comedy that has transferred from radio and television success to a national phenomenon, catapulting its creators Julian... Read more
Bill Bailey: Dandelion Mind (2010)
7.7/10
Starring: Bill Bailey
Featuring Bill's trademark musical interludes, observations and stories of the road, 'Dandelion Mind' will be based loosely on the theme of doubt (or... Read more
Ricky Gervais - Live 4: Science (2010)
Director: Paul T Wheeler
Starring: Ricky Gervais
Never afraid to challenge comedy boundaries, Ricky Gervais is renowned for his acerbic observational humour and cutting delivery. Set on a stage desig... Read more
Aim Low: The Very Best of Dylan Moran (2010)
8.1/10
Starring: Dylan Moran
Dylan Moran is a master comedian renowned for his eloquent yet razor-sharp, unrelenting wit. "Aim Low: The Very Best of Dylan Moran" captures hilariou... Read more
Billy Connolly: Live in London 2010 (2010)
7.5/10
Director: Nick Morris
Starring: Billy Connolly
As funny, topical and downright brilliant as ever, 'Billy Connolly" Live in London 2010' shows the master at his very best. From raging about politica... Read more