Man has survived all these years because of his ability to thrive under pressure. It is innate in the human race to device and map out schemes that will allow the population to withstand the negative effects of the changing times. It doesn’t matter if it’s a tiny ounce of stress from the office or a traumatic experience after a disaster or calamity. The human species stays on top of the ballgame. He is constantly finding ways to enjoy himself including making himself laugh. So, let’s explore the growing industry of comedy and learn alternate ways of stand-up performances.

Alternative comedy is a concept that traces its birth within the styles of comedy prevalent in the United Kingdom during the 80s. It then invaded the glimmering world of the mainstream in 1990 and garnered more success going into the 21st century. It is generally characterized by the practice of mixing things up in terms of the structure of the routines. It usually deviates from the standards of comedy for a certain era and allows for varying styles of jokes and punch lines.

An alternative comedian bases his acts on various factors, one of which is observational humour. This involves deriving humour from everyday happenings while focusing on one’s very own weaknesses and shortcomings. While it is traditional mores for a comic to have a good laugh at the expense of other people, alternative ones laugh at their situation and condition. Seinfeld is primarily responsible for taking this style into mainstream.

Political satire can also aid an alternative comedy practitioner to light up a room. In this case, there is a need for a little bit of political awareness especially in terms of socialism. In the UK, a highly regarded alternative performer named Ben Elton gets a crowd going by executing a simple joke about Margaret Thatcher. A crowd burst into laughter when this guy begins to flounder and start mimicking famous lines from the woman he fondly calls Mrs Thatch.

Alternative comedians can be very rebellious as they tend to readily utilize techniques that pertain to breaking social taboos. They can be very specific when it comes to sexual jokes and bad language. Swearing on stage is a common component of the act mixed with observational humour that lingers around sex acts and sexuality. And toilet humour is never out of the picture.

Even though extreme slapstick was less practiced by alternative comics there were quite some who took the risk and ventured into the hurting. The likes of Adrian Edmondson, Rik Mayall, and even Rowan Atkinson in the Blackadder television shows participated in antics that involved physicality in order to elicit amusement from the audience. There were people who got set on fire, flung to immovable forces like walls and posts, and smashed with skull-crushing bricks.

A basic ingredient of alternative comedy can also come in the quality of the audience. A general principle of this trade is that a knowledgeable and witty audience can help in boosting the performance or routine. There are moments when the crowd really has an impact in terms of understanding the essence of the humour. Just sitting and relaxing is not enough for people to fully enjoy the show.

Stand-up comedy has become an enriching experience where people can learn a lot. Jokes and fun-filled moments are not just about providing bursts of laughter from the spectators. There are a lot of comedians out there who wittingly share helpful life experiences
and relevant current issues.

 

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