In the first of this year’s ArtBites talks Sophie Quirk, Senior Lecturer in Drama and Theatre in the School of Arts, explores whether stand-up comedy has an impact on society; how it shapes attitudes and voices dissent. Drawing upon exclusive interviews with comedians, it also addresses some of the political challenges facing practitioners today, including the industry’s weaknesses in diversity and representation, its debates around freedom of speech and political correctness, and accusations of elitism and political bias.

Sophie is the author of Why Stand-up Matters: How Comedians Manipulate and Influence (2015) and The Politics of British Stand-up Comedy: The New Alternative (2018).

ArtBites talks showcase academic research and book publications by lecturers in the School of Arts.

The talk will take place: 13:00 – 13:20 Thursday 21 November next to the DVD Collection in Block B, Ground Floor, Templeman Library.