Performance, Expectation, Interaction and Intimacy: On the Opportunities and Limitations of Arena Stand-up Comedy for Comedians and Audiences

Abstract

Live stand-up comedy has become increasingly popular over the last few years. A significant trend related to this heightened interest in stand-up comedy is the diversification of stand-up comedy venues. In addition to small rooms in pubs and small/medium-sized designated comedy clubs, stand-up comedy is now often performed in large arenas with audience capacities of 10,000 plus. Through a series of semi-structured interviews with stand-up comedians and stand-up comedy audiences this exploratory empirical article examines the appeal of arena stand-up comedy, and its limitations, for both stand-up comedians and stand-up comedy audiences. Thematic analysis of the interview data highlights three main themes: arena stand-up comedy as a particular type of comedy; arena stand-up comedy as expected comedy; and arena stand-up comedy as lacking interaction and intimacy. The article concludes by reflecting on what the analysis suggests about how we should understand contemporary live stand-up comedy performance and reception.