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
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
Jason Byrne: Out of the Box (2006)
Director: Simon Gibney
Starring: Jason Byrne
Filmed at Dublin's world famous Vicar Street during his sell-out 2006 European tour, Jason Byrne's inspired, original brand of high-energy lunacy take... Read more
Jasper Carrott - Beat the Carrott (1981)
7.5/10
Starring: Jasper Carrott
Jasper Carrott at his best! Jasper Carrott has long been one of this country's most well-loved comedians and this ITV special from 1981 shows him on t... Read more
Jeff Dunham's Very Special Christmas Special (2008)
7.6/10
Starring: Jeff Dunham
Jeff Dunham invites Walter, Peanut, Bubba J, Jose Jalapeno and Achmed the Dead Terrorist to join him on his first holiday special. Unfortunately, his... Read more
Jeff Dunham: Spark of Insanity (2007)
8.1/10
Starring: Jeff Dunham
Winner of 'Male Comedian of the Year' and regularly selling out venues left, right and centre, what makes ventriloquist Jeff Dunham so popular? Find o... Read more
Jeff Green: Back From the Bewilderness (2003)
Director: Mick Thomas
Starring: Jeff Green
Stand-up legend Jeff Green brings his show to London's West End for a sell-out night at the Gielgud Theatre. A routine that has wowed crowds at the Ed... Read more
Jeffrey Ross: No Offense (2008)
6.8/10
Director: Jay Karas
Starring: Jeffrey Ross
Known throughout the U.S. as 'The Roastmaster', Jeffrey Ross brings his witty quips and spot-on insults back home to Jersey. He's gained a cult follow... 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
Joan Rivers: Live at the London Palladium (2006)
7.4/10
Starring: Joan Rivers
Acerbic and self-deprecating comedian Joan Rivers performs a live concert of nonstop hilarity at the London Palladium. When Joan enters talking for th... Read more
John Pinette: I'm Starvin'! (2006)
8.2/10
Starring: John Pinette
Named 'Stand-Up Comedian of the Year' by the American Comedy Awards, Pinette gained wide attention for his role in the 'Seinfeld' finale and Broadway... Read more