Comedy Stands Up

2020 has seen a boom in stand-up comedy in China, although nobody would have imagined that it took only six or seven years for the imported style of comedy to be widely accepted since its first appearance in the country. Tickets for several high-rated shows have become highly sought-after since last year, and some comedians are often seen in the headlines in entertainment pages. Comedians mock themselves or satirize social evils with jokes to lift the spirits and ease life pressures, especially among youngsters. It has a noticeably different performance and cultural background compared to other types of comedy such as crosstalk or skits. In a sense, the popularity of stand-up is closely connected with the times, and comics have provided solace for the large number of people living with the stress and pace of urban life.