Since the late 1970s with the birth of British comedy clubs, initially modelled on those in the United States, stand-up has been the main feature of this form of live entertainment. However, several other comic types – sketch comedy, improvised games and scenes, physical comedy and solo pieces combining elements of stand-up and the dramatic monologue – have also emerged and there is now considerable cross-fertilisation between them all. There are also several companies that are crossing the boundaries between theatre and live comedy.

This 'alternative comedy' movement has its historical roots in Music Hall and Variety, but the emphasis is solely on humour created for a variety of purposes. These range from reflecting upon the oddities of human behaviour, to making social or political comments, or offering escapism and release through sheer absurdity and daftness.

Malcolm Hay, Comedy Critic, Time Out London