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
Dave Allen: The Best Of (2005)
7.8/10
Starring: Dave Allen
Dave Allen was an alternative comedian before the phrase existed, an innovator who set the agenda for comedy and comedians for more than 30 years. Her... Read more
Dave Chappelle's Block Party (2005)
7.2/10
Director: Michel Gondry
Starring: etc ..., Dave Chappelle, Mos Def
Innovative comic Dave Chappelle treats a Brooklyn neighbourhood to a free block party with guests like Kanye West, Mos Def and, re-united after seven... Read more
Dave Chappelle: For What It's Worth (2004)
8.5/10
Director: Stan Lathan
Starring: Dave Chappelle
Outrageous comedian Dave Chappelle is back on the stand-up circuit with more wry observations about everything from black celebrity to crackheads, fro... Read more
Def Comedy Jam Allstars Vol. 1 (2002)
Starring: Martin Lawrence, Chris Rock, Bernie Mac, Chris Tucker
Throughout the 1990's Russell Simmons' 'Def Comedy Jam' on HBO exposed hilarious, predominantly African-American comedians to the public, creating man... Read more
Def Comedy Jam Allstars Vol. 2 (2002)
Starring: Martin Lawrence, Steve Harvey, Mo'Nique , Tommy Chunn
Throughout the 1990s Russell Simmons' 'Def Comedy Jam' on HBO exposed hilarious, predominantly African-American comedians to the public, creating many... Read more
Def Comedy Jam Allstars Vol. 3 (2002)
Starring: Martin Lawrence, Cedric The Entertainer, Joe Torry, J Anthony Brown, Sommore
Throughout the 1990's Russell Simmons' 'Def Comedy Jam' on HBO exposed hilarious, predominantly African-American comedians to the public, creating man... Read more
Divine Madness (1980)
7/10
Director: Michael Ritchie
Starring: Bette Midler
Bette Midler's dynamic and bawdy live show 'Divine Madness' was filmed with ten cameras to create this electrifying film. Featuring such musical hits... Read more
Doug Stanhope: No Refunds (2007)
8.2/10
Starring: Doug Stanhope
Not all stand-up comedy is spot-cleaned and pre-packaged for the masses. Like the legends who were born out of smokey, booze-soaked nightclubs of deca... Read more
Dylan Moran: Like, Totally - Live (2006)
8.5/10
Starring: Dylan Moran
The shambolically likeable Dylan Moran gives us just over an hour of his funny and often scathing observations on life. From the madness of living in... Read more
Dylan Moran: Monster - Live (2004)
8.5/10
Starring: Dylan Moran
'Black Books' star Dylan Moran combines his talents as an actor, writer and performer to great effect in his live one-man show. The perennially grumpy... Read more