Description
Book SynopsisAlternative Comedy Now and Then: Critical Perspectives is the first academic collection focusing on the history and legacy of the alternative comedy movement in Britain that began in 1979 and continues to influence contemporary stand-up comedy. The collection examines the contexts, performances and reception of alternative comedy in order to provide a holistic approach to examining the socio-political impact and significance of alternative comedy from its historical roots through to present day performances. As alternative comedy celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2019, critically reflecting on its impact and significance is a timely endeavour. The book adopts a distinctive interdisciplinary approach, synthesizing theory, concepts and methodologies from comedy studies, theatre and performance, communication and media studies, sociology, political sciences and anthropology. This approach is taken in order to fully understand and examine the dynamics and nuances of the alternative comedy movement which would not be possible with a single-discipline approach.
Table of ContentsChapter 1: Alternative Comedy Now and Then: An Introduction - Oliver Double and Sharon Lockyer
Chapter 2: Alternative Comedy Timeline
Part One: Alternative Comedy Venues
Chapter 3: The Meccano Club: The Business of Alternative Comedy - Oliver Double
Chapter 4: ‘A Local Show for Local People: Alternative Cabaret at the Tower Art Centre, Winchester, UK, 1981-1984 – Richard Cumin
Chapter 5: The Story of Cabaret A Go Go – Ray Campbell
Part Two: Performers’ Perspectives
Chapter 6: Trends with Benefits: Brian Mulligan
Chapter 7: Alternative Cabaret in Conversation – Oliver Double, Andy de la Tour, Jim Barclay, Pauline Melville and Tony Allen
Part Three: Interpreting Alternative Comedy
Chapter 8: Pressing for no change? Political Correctness, the defence of the ‘mainstream’ and class in UK newspaper responses to the emergence of ‘Alternative Comedy’ - Neil Washbourne
Chapter 9: The Dramatic Script of Alternative Comedy – Jonjo Brady
Part Four: Alternative Comedy Today
Chapter 10: Alternative Comedy in Finland: Juhani Nevalainen, Musician Not Comedian – Marianna Keisalo
Chapter 11: “Less Dick Jokes”: Women-only comedy line-ups, audience expectations and negotiating stereotypes – Ellie Tomsett
Chapter 12: New Alternative Comedy: Productive Crises c.2005-Present – Sophie Quirk and Ed Wilson
