You having a laugh? Comedy and coping with bad news...

Graeme Shanks  |  Features
Date posted:  24 Apr 2025
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You having a laugh? Comedy and coping with bad news...

Source: Unsplash

“Stand-up comedy is a budget version of psychotherapy.”

I read an interesting article recently about the newfound flurry of interest in stand up comedy in Ukraine. Those opening words are from artist Anton Tymoshenko who became the first Ukrainian stand-up comic to give a solo performance at one of Kyiv's most prestigious venues.

Comedians, it seems, are making jokes to help the general public cope with the brutal reality of war. On one level it is heartening to hear how people are being brought together and raising support in the bleakest of situations.

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