Stand up books.

shoey · Joined: 06 Apr 2003 Posts: 243 Location: liverpool

Over the last couple of months while I've been doing open spots, a few people have recommended getting a few books about stand up techniques. The problem is, nobody can ever suggest a good one to get. So, does anyone have a favourite? If so, what and why please.

Okse · Joined: 04 Feb 2004 Posts: 3451 Location: Leamington Spa

I like Step By Step to Stand-Up Comedy, by Greg Dean found that one pretty useful.
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James2 · Joined: 28 Mar 2002 Posts: 2631

Comic Insights by Franklyn Ajaye
Stand Up by Oliver Double
and
Ha Bloody Ha comedians talking by William Cook

are probably the best

Truth in Comedy eds Halpern etc is also really worth reading, although it's more about improv - it's full of really interesting advice

see Comedy in Print threads passim

polabear · Joined: 12 Dec 2003 Posts: 469 Location: London

shoey · Joined: 06 Apr 2003 Posts: 243 Location: liverpool

mikebelgrave · Joined: 30 Jan 2002 Posts: 2354 Location: Location Location

The few stand up comedy books I've found useful, but more as a comfort read are

Zen and the art of Stand Up Comedyby Jay Sankey.
This book is for when you've got around 100 gigs under your belt. He talks about things like bringing two shirts with you to a gig in case you clash with the back drop. It's a bit of a comfort read on your way to gigs too.

Ha Bloody Ha by William Cook.
This book is excellent to know that famous comedians went through and are still going through the joys and horrors of doing stand up comedy. Especially when they talk about nightmare gigs.
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James2 · Joined: 28 Mar 2002 Posts: 2631

The most important lesson you'll learn from any of these books is

DO WHAT YOU THINK IS FUNNY

But most people need to learn this on their own first.

So I may have just saved you some cash.

coolio · Posted: Tue May 25, 2004 3:39 pm Post subject:

Tiernan · Posted: Tue May 25, 2004 3:44 pm Post subject:

Oliver Double was on of my tutors at Kent Uni. His bok was one of the only interesting reads in my four years there. Definately a good one.
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tony cowards · Joined: 26 Sep 2002 Posts: 11193

Are "stand up" books similar to "pop up" books?
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shoey · Joined: 06 Apr 2003 Posts: 243 Location: liverpool

Thanks for all the suggestions about books and otherwise. I can't stop, i've got some reading in the bog to do.

mullone · Joined: 07 Feb 2003 Posts: 3732 Location: Fortress Wapping

shoey · Joined: 06 Apr 2003 Posts: 243 Location: liverpool

Thanks for the offer mate, and the review! I've managed to come into quite a collection of books this week and I'm ploughing through them. So i'll pass, ta though.

Okse · Joined: 04 Feb 2004 Posts: 3451 Location: Leamington Spa

Reasonable Neil · Joined: 07 May 2004 Posts: 693 Location: London

Not really an instructive tome, but Mark Steel's 'It's Not a Runner Bean' is full of good stand-up anecdotes 'n' the odd slice of experienced wisdom.

NfM
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