Tag

Stand Up

All articles tagged with #stand up

Turkish comedian jailed after Erdogan jokes spark crackdown on dissent
world17 days ago

Turkish comedian jailed after Erdogan jokes spark crackdown on dissent

An Istanbul court ordered pre-trial detention for stand-up comedian Deniz Göktaş after complaints over a June routine that mocked President Erdoğan and referenced the Quran; prosecutors accuse him of inciting hatred and insulting the president. The arrest fits a broader Turkish crackdown on dissent, with detentions and media restrictions escalating ahead of NATO summit-related security measures.

Tom Dreesen, Trailblazing Stand-Up Who Opened for Sinatra, Dies at 86
entertainment1 month ago

Tom Dreesen, Trailblazing Stand-Up Who Opened for Sinatra, Dies at 86

Tom Dreesen, the Chicago-born comedian who opened for Frank Sinatra for 14 years and helped reshape stand-up by pushing for payment for performers at The Comedy Store, died at 86. He also formed the pioneering interracial duo Tim & Tom with Tim Reid and led a notable 1979 strike that secured pay, marking a turning point in how comedians are compensated and how the stand-up industry operates.

Inside the Stand-Up Roundtable: Fear, Fame, and Being 'Fuckable' on Stage
entertainment1 month ago

Inside the Stand-Up Roundtable: Fear, Fame, and Being 'Fuckable' on Stage

Five top stand-ups—Nikki Glaser, Wanda Sykes, Leanne Morgan, Julio Torres and Marc Maron—sit for THR’s Stand-Up Emmy Roundtable to discuss how fear, audience expectations, and changing gatekeepers shape modern comedy, from bombing and political risk to fashioning a stage persona and the push-pull between being liked and staying true to their voice in a evolving media landscape.

Gervais’s Globe Win Triggers Critique of Stand-Up Quality
entertainment6 months ago

Gervais’s Globe Win Triggers Critique of Stand-Up Quality

A New York Times critic argues Ricky Gervais’s Netflix special Mortality, which won the Golden Globes for best stand-up on TV, underlines a perceived decline and lack of respect for stand-up. The review calls the special dull, recycled, and self-pitying, accusing Gervais of preaching about cancel culture without offering fresh insight, and suggests the Globes rewarded fame over true stand-up artistry, reflecting broader questions about how stand-up is recognized in awards. A correction note clarifies a mistaken detail about a joke in the piece.

entertainment10 months ago

Andrew Santino's Hulu Special Sparks Disney Adults Controversy

Andrew Santino's Hulu comedy special 'White Noise' pushes boundaries with provocative jokes, including about Disney adults, which faced some censorship from Disney. Santino emphasizes the importance of comedy's freedom to address uncomfortable topics and discusses his career focus on stand-up and digital content over traditional TV and film, highlighting the changing landscape for comedians.

Nate Bargatze: The Calm in the Emmy Chaos
entertainment10 months ago

Nate Bargatze: The Calm in the Emmy Chaos

Nate Bargatze, a top stand-up comedian known for his family-friendly humor, has achieved significant success in 2024, including hosting the Emmy Awards and making a mark with his charitable work and upcoming projects like a movie and potential theme park. He emphasizes operating in 'chaos' and values a balanced, normal family life while expanding his career into acting and production.

English Stand-Up Comedy Gains Popularity Across Europe
entertainment11 months ago

English Stand-Up Comedy Gains Popularity Across Europe

English-language stand-up comedy is rapidly growing in Europe, driven by expatriates and international audiences seeking live humor experiences post-pandemic. Comedians navigate cultural differences and stereotypes, often making self-deprecating jokes about their own backgrounds to connect with diverse audiences in cities like Berlin, Amsterdam, and Barcelona, fostering a vibrant, inclusive comedy scene.

"Rob Schneider's Controversial Comedy Set at Republican Event Sparks Backlash"
entertainment2 years ago

"Rob Schneider's Controversial Comedy Set at Republican Event Sparks Backlash"

Rob Schneider claims he performed a full 50-minute set at the Republican event, disputing reports that he was removed from the stage after 10 minutes. He asserts that he was paid $50,000 for the performance and criticizes the devaluation of his paycheck, attributing it to Joe Biden. Schneider refuses to apologize for his jokes and denounces "woke bullshit," while defending his material as featured in his latest special. The controversy raises questions about the agreement between Schneider and the event organizers regarding the content of his set.

"Alex Edelman's Insightful Journey: From 'Just For Us' to Empathy and Identity"
entertainment2 years ago

"Alex Edelman's Insightful Journey: From 'Just For Us' to Empathy and Identity"

Alex Edelman's new HBO comedy special "Just for Us" is a must-watch, blending humor with a true story about infiltrating a meeting of white nationalists in Queens. The 90-minute special, developed in nightclubs and comedy clubs, features pathos and silly observations, and has garnered widespread attention. Executive produced by Mike Birbiglia, the show is based on a real story but includes composites and condensations for entertainment value. Edelman's long-time collaborator, Adam Brace, who died, is dedicated in the special, which premieres on HBO on April 6.