ABSTRACT
Comedy performance is a live and in-person media form, with a limited livestreaming ecology, and a further non-live hinterland on streaming. This chapter considers what comedy is and what its origins are, why it works live and the quintessential career path of a comedian. It looks at the role of comedy festivals, Hollywood and consumers in expanding its footprint. Separate sections consider comedy in Saudi Arabia, across the continent of Africa and in China. Social value questions in comedy include the growth of female-driven comedy, the potentially positive role in mental health and prisons of the genre, and accessibility.
