Alternative Comedy

1979 and the Reinvention of British Stand-Up

By: Oliver Double, Claire Cochrane (Editor)

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Hardcover | 16 April 2020

At a Glance

Hardcover
240 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
21.59 x 13.97 x 1.91

Hardcover

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In the late 1970s, the alternative comedy scene exploded into life in Britain and completely changed the style, subject matter and politics of British stand-up. Contemporary critics talked about it as 'anti-matter comedy' that 'makes you laugh while actually rearranging large chunks of your brain'. This book draws on a wealth of archive material - including unpublished recordings of early performances - and new interviews with key figures such as Alexei Sayle, Andy de la Tour and Jim Barclay, to provide a detailed history of the early scene and an examination of the distinctive modes of performance style which developed.

Beginning with its origins, the volume traces the influence of American stand-up, and in particular the significance of Mort Sahl and Lenny Bruce as the originators of a style of stand-up that influenced the British pioneers of alternative comedy. It shows how the opening of the Comedy Store in 1979 provided a catalyst for a new movement, which grew outward from there with the foundation of the group Alternative Cabaret and the opening of the Comic Strip. But it also looks at smaller venues and less celebrated acts that have not been as well remembered, including ranting poets and street performers. Finally, it looks at alternative comedy's legacy, showing how it was the starting point for the UK's thriving and varied live scene, which encompasses anything from small pub gigs to huge arena tours.

Industry Reviews

This fascinating, well-written and meticulously researched guide to Britain's alternative comedy revolution is probably the most accurate single retrospective of that transformative time that exists ... Double conveys the excitement of these times while telling the story as accurately and succinctly as any social historian can. This book comes highly recommended. * Chortle *
The definitive account. ... If you've got even a passing interest in the history of modern comedy Double's book is a must. * Beyond the Joke *
Thank God someone's written this book, before everyone who could remember what happened died, and thank God that someone was Oliver Double, the Charles Darwin of Alternative Comedy. * Stewart Lee *
Oliver Double's enquiry is a worthy contribution to the evolving and expanding field of comedy studies. This fascinating investigation into alternative comedy uncovers both the roots and development of the alternative comedy scene, which dramatically revolutionized the comedy landscape. It is essential reading for anyone who is serious about comedy. * Lisa Moore, Lecturer in performance and comedy, School of arts and Media, University of Salford, UK *

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