Actors Quote by Peter Bowles
“I think actors have a greater responsibility when doing comedy. It's as easy as anything to get cheap laughs, but that's not the idea at all. "The slight trip syndrome," we call it. With tragedy one can get away with things a bit more because audiences don't always know how to react.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Radio interview, 2015
Comedy demands higher ethical standards because humor can easily become cheap and exploitative, unlike tragedy which allows more leeway.
In simple terms: Comedy must be thoughtful, not just easy laughs.
Respect the audience; choose humor wisely.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- stand‑up routine
- scriptwriting
- film comedy
- live theater
- improv shows
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance humor with respect?
- When does satire cross the line?
Humor can still be offensive despite good intentions.