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 Connolly: Live In New York (2005)
7.3/10
Starring: Billy Connolly
Though he's been touring the States with great success for more than 30 years, this is the first time one of his live shows has been taped there. Fil... Read more
Billy Connolly: Two Night Stand (1997)
7.8/10
Director: Annabel Vine
Starring: Billy Connolly
Recorded during the big Yin's 1997 sellout UK tour. 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
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
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
Bottom Live 3: Hooligan's Island (1997)
7.8/10
Director: Ed Bye
Starring: Adrian Edmondson, Rik Mayall
Filmed during their sell-out 1997 tour, we find Richie (Rik Mayall) and Eddie (Adrian Edmondson) marooned on a desert island in the middle of the Paci... Read more
Bottom Live: The Big Number 2 Show (1995)
8.3/10
Starring: Rik Mayall, Adrian Edmondson
Filmed during the 1995 sell out nationwide tour which left over 500,000 fans standing on their seats and screaming for more. "The Big Number 2 Show" f... 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
Carl Barron (2006)
7/10
Starring: Carl Barron
Touted as one of Australia's freshest comics, Carl Barron has appeared on 'The Footy Show' and 'Rove' and sells out venues both in his home country an... Read more
Carl Barron: Walking Down the Street (2009)
8.4/10
Starring: Carl Barron
Carl Barron is the king of Australian stand-up, playing off the audiences' reaction and leaving them rolling on the floor! This all-new show is his se... Read more