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
Pablo Francisco: Ouch! (2008)
7.7/10
Starring: Pablo Francisco
Pablo Francisco may be the most outrageous comedian in America with sold-out concerts and a cult fan base that's exploding worldwide. No topic is off... Read more
The Very Best of Kenneth Williams (2008)
5.8/10
Starring: Barbara Windsor, Kenneth Williams, Jack Douglas
'Stop messin' about!' This hilarious programme compiles some of comic genius Kenneth Williams' most memorable moments from the classic 'Carry On' seri... Read more
Jason Byrne - The Byrne Identity - Live at Vicar Street Dublin 2008 (2008)
Starring: Jason Byrne
Described by The Independent as a cross between Spike Milligan and the Duracell Bunny, Jason Byrne, one of Ireland's best loved stand-ups, is back wit... Read more
Brendon Burns - Live (2008)
Starring: Brendon Burns
If you like a little controversy with your comedy, then Brendon Burns is your man. His electric stage presence and provocative material have taken aud... Read more
Grumpy Old Women: Live (2008)
7.3/10
Director: Peter Orton
Starring: Jenny Eclair, Dillie Keane, Linda Robson
Four sell out UK tours and a hugely popular run in Australia proved beyond any doubt that the Grumpy Old Women is a global phenomenon! Have you reache... Read more
Strassman Live! (2008)
7.7/10
Starring: David Strassman
American stand-up sensation David Strassman is the man who became the first ventriloquist for 30 years to have his own solo show in the West End of Lo... Read more
Rhys Darby Live: Imagine That! (2008)
7.2/10
Director: Troy Miller
Starring: Rhys Darby
For all those "Flight of the Conchords" fans who love his turn as Murray the Manager, the "Imagine That!" DVD is a must-see. Recorded before a live au... Read more
The Comic Genius of Billy T James (2008)
Starring: Billy T James
Featuring several well-loved skits from the 'Billy T. James Show', a performance from the 'Royal Variety Show', Maori Volcanics footage plus over 60 m... Read more
Frank Skinner Stand-Up (2008)
Starring: Frank Skinner
Frank Skinner has created and starred in a succession of hit comedy shows in England, starred in London's West End, written a best-selling autobiograp... Read more
Bill Bailey: Tinselworm (2008)
7.3/10
Starring: Bill Bailey
Filmed at Wembley Arena at the end of a sell-out tour of the UK, it's everything you expect from Bill and more. Using huge screens, films and animatio... Read more