| Collection | British Stand-Up Comedy Archive Events |
| Description | Steve Bennett, editor of the Chortle website, in conversation with Oliver Double, recorded at the Aphra, University of Kent, Wednesday 1 June 2016, as part of the Centre for Popular and Comic Performance (University of Kent) events 2016.
Track 1 [1:13:00]
[00:00] Recording starts. [00:01] Applause from audience. Pre introduction discussion between Steve Bennett [SB] and interviewer Oliver Double [OD]. [01:05] OD introduces SB. Remarks on SB’s website ‘Chortle’ as main theme of interview. [01:53] OD asks about work prior to ‘Chortle’ SB describes working as journalist and editor. Describes comedy coverage in journalism. [3:59] OD asks about starting ‘chortle.’ SB anecdote on initial writeups. Further story about dotcom startup ‘comedy star’ [defunct website]. [05:38] discussion about dotcom bubble of early 2000’s. [06:58] SB describes making ‘Chortle’ profitable. Mentions advertising and sponsors. OD remarks about selling DVDs versus downloads. [03:25} discussion about comedy listings in magazines/newspapers. [09:00] discussion about comedy website discussion predating ‘chortle.’ OD story about show with Steve Gribbin [English satirist] and Roger Monkhouse [English Stand-up comedian]. [09:58] OD mentions copyright issues. SB discusses workarounds. [11:15] SB describes how ‘Chortle’ became popular. [11:57] OD remark on ‘chortle’ popularity in 2004. [12:10] OD asks, “what made Chortle different?” OD remarks on running ‘Chortle’ out of the bedroom. Mentions turnover. SB describes employee structure. [14:15] discussion about managing time away from the site. [14:57] SB further remarks on economics of running ‘Chortle.’ [16:30] OD remarks on lack of comments on website. SB clarifies comment system. OD anecdote on inability to find comments. [17:00] discussion on negativity and internet culture. [17:55] OD remarks on audience reactions in comedy. Access through recordings. [19:20] OD questions TB about viewership of ‘Chortle.’ Mentions importance of website to comedians. SB mentions reasons for website success. [21:00] discussion returns to positives of Chortle. [21:40] OD further discussion on preceding attempt at comedy website. Mentions deadpan [defunct website]. SB describes problems with small fanbase. Discussion around attempt to create alternative comedy agency. [24:02] Conversation returns to readership of ‘Chortle. OD mentions agents and comedians as readership. SB anecdote about impact on comedians. [25:35] SB mentions centrality of internet for information. OD discusses comedy archives as source of information versus internet. [26:48] OD remarks on SB reputation as failed stand-up. SB mention skillset as journalism and presenting information. [28:10] discussion on qualities of review. SB remarks on authenticity, intangible quality. [30:10] Discussion on qualities of a “one-star” review. [30:40] SB anecdote about artistic laziness. [31:20] OD questions SB on enjoyment of bad comedy. SB remarks on ease of reviewing negatively. [32:29] Discussion about comedians lashing out at SB. SB anecdote about circuit comedian’s reception to reviews. [33:50] OD mentions quote from SB about role of critic. SB remarks about being on side of the audience. [35:15] Od tells story about review from a Bristol [City in West England] magazine. Further discussion on audience reception. [37:20] OD asks what qualifies SB as critic. [38:15] SB remarks on criticism of comedy versus film. OD describes emotion context of comedy. [39:05] OD anecdote on audience response in comedy. [39:30] discussion about Sam Friedman’s book ‘Comedy and Distinction’ [Routledge, 2014]. Concerning cultural capital of comedy. [41:58] OD comment upon effect of racism in comedy. [42:50] further discussion regarding cultural capital. Comparison of Seinfeld [American Comedian] and Michael Mcintyre [English comedian and writer]. [43:40] further story about Mcintyre’s stand-up from OD. [45:53] OD questions SB on state of comedy. SB describes television versus live comedy. [47:50] OD asks what attracted SB to Stand-up comedy. [48:50] further question about social importance of stand-up comedy. [49:30] Further question to SB about the most important modern comics. [50:25] Audience questions for SB. [51:47] Question one: Audience member asks SB to clarify website rating system. [53:30] Question two: Does SB overhype certain shows based on preference? [54:50] SB remarks on dislike of a five-star rating system. Discussion with audience member about recommending “cultured” comedy opposed to “lowbrow.” [59:50] Question three: Will an influx of professional women comics change the gendered discrimination on the open mic circuit? [1:01:25] Question four: Is satire in decline? Discussion on American late-night shows. [1:07:10] Question five: To what extend does stage presence influence appreciation of a live comedy show? Follow-up question: Does SB know of any comedians with quality material but have failed due to poor presentation? [1:09:10] audience member remarks on storytelling as an alternate motive for watching stand-up. SB discusses. [1:11:48] Question six: Does ‘Chortle’ let featured comics change their profile photograph? [1:12:53] Applause and closing remarks. [1:13:00] Interview ends.
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