Charity event to launch the Cambridge Companion to Stand Up Comedy

Stand-up comedy may be one of the simplest theatre forms - a performer, a microphone, an audience - yet it has never been more popular or more globally diverse. From intimate clubs to international streaming platforms, stand-up now thrives on every continent except Antarctica.

Join us to celebrate the launch of The Cambridge Companion to Stand-Up Comedy, edited by Olly Double. This insightful and accessible volume explores stand-up from multiple angles: its history and global development, the dynamics between performer and audience, and the ways it engages with politics, race, sexuality and questions of offensiveness. The book also features specially commissioned interviews with leading comedians from nine countries, including Maria Bamford, Jo Brand, Aditi Mittal, and Rod Quantock, offering rare insights into the craft of comedy.

Olly Double will be joined in conversation by legendary comedian and political satirist Mark Thomas. Expect insight, debate, humour and the chance to ask your own questions in the audience Q&A.

As multi-award-winning comedian Josie Long says:

“This book is an essential guide to the wonderful, rich, wild, silly world of stand-up.”

Whether you’re a comedy fan, performer, student, or simply curious about what makes stand-up tick, we’d love you to join us.

Proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to our charity partner,

Book your ticket and be part of the conversation.

In order to maximise the funds raised for the Red Hen Project, this event will be mostly standing space only with a small number of seats made available for anyone who needs one. Please get in touch if you need to reserve a seat, or if you have particular needs that you would like us to consider in advance.

Access is via our main entrance on Trinity Street, by street level and there are not steps or ledges.

There are 2 single-person bathrooms, including one large enough to fit a wheelchair with the door closed.

Please get in touch to reserve a seat, or if you have particular needs that you would like us to consider in advance.

Info: Insights into the craft of stand-up comedy

Info: A chance to meet Olly and Mark in person and get your book signed

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Cambridge University Press Bookshop, 1-2 Trinity Street, Cambridge, United Kingdom

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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