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Stolaroid Stories

The Art of Making People Laugh: with Luke Thompson from Luke's English Podcast

Oct 19, 2023
Luke Thompson, creator of Luke's English Podcast, discusses the art of making people laugh. Topics include getting into stand-up comedy, coming up with funny ideas, testing material, dealing with a non-laughing audience, the boundaries of jokes, remembering what to say on stage, improvised vs scripted content, and recycling jokes. They also touch on performing comedy in France vs the UK and the role of opposites in understanding serious subjects.
01:57:49

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Stand-up comedy involves a combination of rehearsed material and improvisation, with comedians practicing and refining their jokes to create a successful performance.
  • Humor differs between British and French cultures, with the French engaging in more mocking humor while the British use self-deprecating humor and irony.

Deep dives

The Art of Stand-Up Comedy

Stand-up comedy is a craft that involves a combination of rehearsed material and improvised moments. Comedians spend time writing and refining their jokes, structuring their sets, and rehearsing their delivery. They also rely on experience and stage time to develop their timing and stage presence. Comedians often practice their sets by walking around and performing them out loud, striving to make the material sound spontaneous and natural. They also make decisions about which material to include in their set, balancing between tried and tested jokes and newer material. The opening and closing of a set are crucial, as they set the tone and leave a lasting impression on the audience. The process of developing and refining material involves paying attention to audience reactions, identifying what works and what doesn't, and making adjustments accordingly. While each comedian has their own unique approach to the craft, stand-up comedy requires a combination of writing, rehearsing, and performing to create a successful and entertaining performance.

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