Comedian

A comedian is a person who attempts to make people laugh through a variety of methods, normally through joke telling. However, other comedians rely on methods such as slapstick (for example Laurel and Hardy), or prop comedy to get the desired humourous effect. Typically, the comedian will stand up and talk to the audience.

Since the mid 1980s a new wave of comedy, called alternative comedy has been gaining popularity and delighting audiences with its offbeat style. This normally involves more experiential, or observational reporting to get a laugh.

See also:

• List of Comedians
• Types of humour
• Stand up comedian