I am doing a lot of research and writing at the moment. I thought I would share any interesting links that I find:

http://www.simondunn.me.uk/standup.htm

http://www.bbc.co.uk/newtalent/comedy/advice_jon.shtml

http://www.sparkminute.com/2008/03/11/how-to-deal-with-rough-crowds-a-stand-up-comics-advice-for-sarah-lacy/

http://www.soyouwanna.com/soyouwanna-stand-up-comedy-1022.html

http://samantha-markham.suite101.com/tips-for-stand-up-comics-a105427

http://www.nerdist.com/2009/08/bill-hickss-principles-of-comedy/

http://www.taltopia.com/articles/36/Stand-up-Comedy-Tips-for-Open-Mic-Night

- Please feel free to add any useful links or advice to this thread

Jo Caulfield has a good bit on her site.

http://www.jocaulfield.com/component/content/article/126

Thank you Markaroni

Nothing to add other than "good thread". Maybe worth pinning, moderators? The same things get asked periodically and this advice shop seems a good idea. At least until the 'Make It' area is launched.

There's also a good thread on the Scottish comedy forum for beginners.

The address doesn't direct you to the thread but if you go to SCF Gold and the 'Guide to being an open spot' it's quite good with tips from several different comedians.

http://www.scottishcomedyforum.com/

Thanks again Markaroni. I move back to Edinburgh in March so I am sure to find that particular link of interest

EDIT:

More sites worth checking out: http://punchlinemagazine.com/

http://comedians.about.com/od/breakingin/How_to_Break_In_to_Standup_Comedy.htm

http://uk.askmen.com/money/how_to_150/184_how_to.html

http://www.realfirststeps.com/623/standup-comedy-misconceptions/

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/news/a359376/how-to-be-a-stand-up-comedian-week-one.html

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/news/a361086/how-to-be-a-stand-up-comedian-week-two.html

http://steveroye.hubpages.com/hub/learn-stand-up-comedy-fast

http://masscasualties.com/2011/04/how-to-be-a-stand-up-comedian/

Here is a good documentary that features loads of British Stand-Ups and can be watched for free online: http://watchdocumentary.com/watch/stand-up-student-video_90d13ca98.html

Don't know if anyone has seen it before but there's a documentary about stand up comedy available on Virgin Media TV on demand just now.

It's called 'I Am Comic' and features interviews with a lot of American stand ups including Louis CK, Tim Allen, Sarah Silverman, Margaret Cho and a lot more.

Thanks for that recommendation Markaroni, I enjoyed watching it

More stuff added to Jo Caulfields site today from Mick Ferry

http://www.jocaulfield.com/component/content/article/126

Some advice from Mike Gunn on Jo's blog

http://blog.jocaulfield.com/2012/03/things-ive-learned-as-standup-comedian.html

Five Comedy Albums that Changed My Life: http://www.nerve.com/entertainment/2010/10/01/five-comedy-albums-that-changed-my-life

In the Comments Section Marc Moran also says:
"These were important to me too:
Dangerous - Bill Hicks
Lets Get Small - Steve Martin
Inside Shelly Berman - Shelly Berman
The Button Down Mind of Bob Newhart - Bob Newhart
Bill Cosby is a Very Funny Fellow, Right - Bill Cosby
Los Cochinos - Cheech and Chong
Comedy Minus One - Albert brooks"

Some good interviews: http://www.99clubcomedy.com/interviews-with-the-99-club-s-comedians.html

I'm looking to do my first open mic night soon in london, but I'm very nervous has anybody got any advice please

Try Comedy Virgins at the Cavendish Arms in Stockwell. It's a bring-a-friend night, and is normally very friendly.

How do you gage the line between promoting yourself online and giving away all your material? surly promoting is the key but not if at the same time you give away your material for free? or is it worth it??

can you learn more by filming yourself and playing it back etc?

Quote: JokePit @ November 17 2012, 9:40 PM GMT

can you learn more by filming yourself and playing it back etc?

View original

Try it and see! The answer is nearly always yes by the way