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
Terry Fator: Live from Las Vegas (2009)
7.3/10
Director: Mark Goffman
Starring: Terry Fator
Experience why the world has fallen in love with Terry Fator's irresistible combination of humour and music and his hilarious cast of characters! The... Read more
The Aristocrats (2005)
6.4/10
Director: Paul Provenza
Starring: Robin Williams, Jason Alexander, Drew Carey, George Carlin, Steven Wright, Smoth...
'A family walks into a talent agent's...' so begins one of stand-up comedy's most well-kept secrets. The so-called 'world's dirtiest joke' gets an ai... Read more
The Axis of Evil Comedy Tour (2007)
8.1/10
Starring: Ahmed Ahmed, Maz Jobrani, Aron Kader
In a world of racist propaganda and 'red alert' fears, a group of America's best Middle Eastern comics remind us all to laugh. Ahmed Ahmed, Aron Kader... Read more
The Best of Jasper Carrott (2004)
Starring: Jasper Carrott
Jasper Carrott has long been one of Britian's most well-loved comedians and this special from 2004 shows him on top form. Recorded live at his home ci... Read more
The Best of Victoria Wood: As Seen On TV (2004)
Director: Geoff Posner
Starring: Victoria Wood
An hilarious compilation of stand-up, sketches and songs from Victoria Wood. There's Acorn Antiques, "after last week's cliff-hanger, let's see if th... Read more
The Comedians of Comedy (2007)
7.3/10
Starring: Sarah Silverman, Doug Benson, Patton Oswalt, Andy Kindler, David Cross
14 of today's top comics get together at the infamous Troubadour club in L.A. for a night of comedic anarchy! See Patton Oswalt, Sarah Silverman, Davi... 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
The Complete Denis Leary: Lock and Load / No Cure for Cancer (2006)
Starring: Denis Leary
Two of the best stand-up shows from the frenetic-tongued chain-smoking cynic, Denis Leary. 'No Cure for Cancer' debuted on Showtime in 1991 and is pa... Read more
The Ellen DeGeneres Collection (2003)
Starring: Ellen DeGeneres
Two of Ellen's critically acclaimed stand-up shows are collected here on this 2-disc set. 'The Beginning' recorded in 2000 features Ellen's interpret... 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