The Alternative Comedy Experience

Radio Times review

What does it take to get up in front of a crowd of strangers and try to make them laugh? Getting over "the fear" is one of the toughest parts of being a stand-up, but this line-up all manage it with aplomb. From Susan Calman's sparkly enthusiasm to Josie Long's aw-gosh awkwardness to Kevin Eldon's utter mania, each has his or her own coping technique.

The material is brilliant, but so too are Stewart Lee's backstage interviews. Unguarded and perceptive, they show how hard it is to make comedy look effortless. Keep watching through the credits for some insight into whether Dutch courage or a full roast dinner is better at steadying the nerves.

Radio Times review

Analysing comedy, according to the cliché, is like dissecting a frog: no one laughs and the frog dies. One thing that distinguishes comedians from television critics is that they are above using clichés. Another is that they can talk about the craft with authority, and make it funny, too.

This episode of the excellent stand-up showcase gets into the nitty-gritty of how comedy works: compering, writing new jokes, getting over "the fear" and trying to make strangers laugh. From Susan Calman's sparkly enthusiasm to Josie Long's awsh-gosh awkwardness to Kevin Eldon's utter mania, each has their own technique. The material is brilliant, but so too are Stewart Lee's backstage interviews. Keep watching through the credits for the answer to whether you should drink before stepping on stage.

Stewart Lee interview

The comedian on positive discrimination, causing offense, and who he currently rates on the stand-up circuit.

Stewart Lee leaves his Comedy Vehicle outside Edinburgh's Stand Comedy Club for a second series of his personally curated stand-up showcase. Familiar faces from the first series set to return for the new run include Simon Munnery and Josie Long, along with a chance to enjoy the fresher faces of Lou Sanders and Nish Kumar. Tonight's series opener features Edinburgh comedy award-winner Bridget Christie, long-time Lee conspirator Kevin Eldon, and the sumptuously surreal Tony Law.

Radio Times review

"It's just like Live at the Apollo isn't it?" No, it's not, and that's the point. Far from the shiny floors of Hammersmith, deep in the basement of Edinburgh's Stand Comedy Club, this is more chaotic and much closer to attending an actual night of live stand-up with the likes of Tony Law, Bridget Christie and Kevin Eldon.

Except it's not, it's a TV show, and that's also the point. Despite some smart backstage interviews with Stewart Lee, the bill of not-quite-household names never let you forget it's all a wee bit fake: obsessing over catchphrases, lighting rigs and the other trappings of stand-up on TV. It's all very self-referential and very, very funny. As the dawdling Paul Foot puts it: "This sort of thing I'm doing now, it entertains people, but it's catastrophic for television. I am committing career suicide."

TV preview: The Alternative Comedy Experience

The return of The Alternative Comedy Experience has got to be a Good Thing. Even though maybe its job is already done.

Simon Munnery interview

From the mid-1990s on, Simon Munnery has intrigued and innovated. Ahead of his spot on Stewart Lee's The Alternative Comedy Experience, Digital Spy got on the phone with Simon to talk singing Kierkegaard, "fylm" and whether or not we'll ever get Attention Scum! on DVD.

The Alternative Comedy Experience

I am looking forward to Series 2 of this show but in the meantime, I will be looking out for names like David Kay, Alun Cochrane and Bridget Christie in particular, as these new names stood out for me.

DVD review: The Alternative Comedy Experience, Series 1

A treat for aficionados, and a fine toe-dipping exercise for the dilettante, this is bound to tickle your fancy in one way or another.