Prop comedy is a comedy genre that makes use of humorous objects, or conventional objects used in humorous ways. The stage and film jargon "prop", an abbreviation of "property", refers to any object handled by an actor in the course of a performance. Comedy has a classical meaning (comical theatre) and a popular one (the use of humour with an intent to provoke laughter in general). ... Theatrical properties, or props, are items used in stage plays and similar entertainments to further the action. ...

A 'prop comic' is a comedian who makes use of prop comedy. Prop comics are sometimes looked down upon by other comedians, and the term is sometimes used derisively; however, some, such as Tommy Cooper, rose to critical acclaim as their props revolved around a gimmick (such as Cooper's magic) and the comedian's character around that gimmick. A comedian, or comic, is an entertainer who amuses an audience by making them laugh. ... Tommy Cooper in his comedy show (VHS) The Plank (DVD cover) Tommy Cooper (March 19, 1921 – April 15, 1984) was a British prop comedian and magician born in Caerphilly, Wales. ... A gimmick is a unique or quirky special feature that makes something stand out from its contemporaries. ... This article does not cite its references or sources. ...

Types of Props

Props are usually common items that the comedian uses in an absurd way. There are some comics who use props that are hard to find and unique as it makes their comedy special.

Prop comics

Some famous prop comics:

• Tommy Cooper
• Carrot Top
• Gallagher
• Joel Hodgson
• Tom Eaton
• Kurt Markgraf
• The Legendary Wid
• Marty Putz

Tommy Cooper in his comedy show (VHS) The Plank (DVD cover) Tommy Cooper (March 19, 1921 – April 15, 1984) was a British prop comedian and magician born in Caerphilly, Wales. ... Carrot Top on the cover of a portraiture book by Ryan McGinness Carrot Top (born Scott Thompson on February 25, 1965 (though he has claimed in interviews to be born in 1967 and 1969) in Cocoa Beach, Florida) is an American prop comedian famous for his red hair and television... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...

Other occurrences

The TV comedy game show Whose Line Is It Anyway? has a round called Props in which two teams of comedians are given a prop each and asked to improvise with them to humorous effect. Whose Line Is It Anyway? (sometimes abbreviated to Whose Line?) is a short form improvisational comedy show. ...