In the late 1970s, the alternative comedy scene exploded into life
in Britain and completely changed the style, subject matter and
politics of British stand-up. Contemporary critics talked about it
as 'anti-matter comedy' that 'makes you laugh while actually
rearranging large chunks of your brain'. This book draws on a
wealth of archive material - including unpublished recordings of
early performances - and new interviews with key figures such as
Alexei Sayle, Andy de la Tour and Jim Barclay, to provide a
detailed history of the early scene and an examination of the
distinctive modes of performance style which developed. Beginning
with its origins, the volume traces the influence of American
stand-up, and in particular the significance of Mort Sahl and Lenny
Bruce as the originators of a style of stand-up that influenced the
British pioneers of alternative comedy. It shows how the opening of
the Comedy Store in 1979 provided a catalyst for a new movement,
which grew outward from there with the foundation of the group
Alternative Cabaret and the opening of the Comic Strip. But it also
looks at smaller venues and less celebrated acts that have not been
as well remembered, including ranting poets and street performers.
Finally, it looks at alternative comedy's legacy, showing how it
was the starting point for the UK's thriving and varied live scene,
which encompasses anything from small pub gigs to huge arena tours.
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