Alternative Comedy Now and Then: An Introduction

This chapter challenges narratives that have grown up around alternative comedy in the 40+ years of its existence, by showing that 1980s alternative comedy—or ‘alternative cabaret’, as it was often known—was more diverse than is often remembered. Flyers from CAST New Variety are analysed to show how diverse the acts could be, in terms of both performers’ identities and performance genre. It goes on to explore manifestations of alternative comedy from the 1990s to the present on both sides of the Atlantic, arguing that—as with the 1980s scene—they are often characterised by rejecting the dominance of conventional stand-up. It finishes with an outline of the book, explaining the focus of each section and how each chapter contributes to our understanding of alternative comedy.