About

Honest Comedy Guide is an independent-minded editorial publication about comedy as both a made thing and a shared experience. It is for readers who enjoy humour and want to notice more of the choices behind it.

What we cover

We look at joke structure, comic characters, delivery, performance forms and comedy history. Topics may begin with a familiar bit of humour, then follow the decisions that shape its rhythm, point of view or effect. The aim is to make comedy easier to discuss without reducing it to a formula.

Who it is for

The publication is for curious general readers, comedy fans and people who write, perform or talk about humour for pleasure. No specialist background is needed. We explain terms when they help and leave room for readers to disagree about what works.

How we approach comedy

We treat laughter as a response, not a verdict shared by everyone. Our writing distinguishes a comic choice from its possible effects, gives context where it matters and avoids presenting one taste, tradition or audience as the standard for all others.