I like to do lots of research and study about the craft of comedy and thought it might be useful to have a thread where everyone can share the things that they have found helpful....
This may sound odd but I find that watching comedians that I think are awful to be very useful. You can imagine a better way of telling one of their bad jokes or take notes on why you think their act does not work for you - just as important as studying the people you consider to be comedy greats in my opinion.
Anyways, I have recently been listening to a lot of radio and the following have helped make my sad excuse for a brain more active and generally been inspiring:
Chain Reaction - Chain Reaction gives the audience two entertainers for the price of one on a series that is spontaneous, revealing and very funny. Dispensing with the formality of a regular host, last week's interviewee become this week's interviewer instead. It is tag-team interviewing with some of the brightest stars of the entertainment field.
Talking Comedy - A series of interviews with comedians talking about the craft and what inspired them.
Jimmy Carr's Comedy Cuts - Jimmy Carr hosts a series of comedy masterclasses in which he discusses his passion for all aspects of comedy and plays some of his favourite comedy clips.
Punching the Clown - A film about a comedian trying to make it in America. Very honest and well observed look at the madness of trying to make it in the world of comedy. A marmite film I think! You will either love it or hate it 
Peacock Season - A film about a comedian trying to make it at the Edinburgh Festival. This has a who's who of stand-up talent in it and is spot on if you know the festival. Should be watched by anyone who fancies doing the festival one day. I lived in Edinburgh for a decade and this film is in my eyes a modern day classic.
Can anyone please recommend some books about the craft of stand-up comedy?
