The Comedy Cellar: Live from the Table Bonus Episode: Free Will, Originality in Comedy and The Riyadh Comedy Festival
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Oct 31, 2025 In a spirited dialogue, Dan and Periel explore the complexities of free will and whether we truly make independent choices. They dissect the controversial Riyadh Comedy Festival, weighing the ethics of performing for repressive regimes against the potential for change. The duo also debates the significance of originality in comedy versus classic material, and how performer identity shapes audience perception. Expect insights on the difficulties of testing new jokes and the delicate balance between financial gain and moral principles.
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Test Material Live Early
- Try new jokes onstage because audience testing is the only reliable judge of funniness.
- Wait until a joke crosses your personal threshold before you risk trying it live.
New Material Feels Different
- Repeating a well-worn line gives diminishing satisfaction even if it still gets laughs.
- New jokes deliver creative pleasure that recycled bits rarely provide.
Run Jokes Through Two Filters
- Consider both audience fit and personal pride when deciding to perform a joke.
- Reject bits that only work from truth without a clever cap if they don't feel worthy.