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Green’s Dictionary of Slang

comedy n.

(US) irrelevant, impertinent, cheeky talk.

1916		J. Lait in Beef, Iron and Wine (1917) 23: ‘Nix on the comedy,’ said Kelly.
1927		(con. 1914–18) L. Nason Three Lights from a Match 178: Aw, lay off the comedy.
1930		R. Whitfield Green Ice (1988) 188: ‘To hell with the comedy!’ he snapped.
1959		Murtagh & Harris Who Live In Shadow (1960) 21: I got damn fed up with having to give coppers the comedy and I’d go salty on them.
1962		‘David Forrest’ Hollow Woodheap 138: ‘All right,’ said Bert. ‘There’s no need for the comedy.’.

In phrases

cut the comedy (v.)

to stop doing something considered irritating or foolish; esp. as imper.

1915		M.G. Hayden ‘A Word List From Montana’ in DN IV:iii 244: cut the comedy, v. Quit that.
1920		R.J. Fry Salvation of Jemmy Sl. II i: Well now, Mommer, let’s cut the comedy.
1934		B. Appel Brain Guy (1937) 57: Cut the comedy, Paddy.
1953		W. Eyster Far from the Customary Skies 95: ‘Cut the comedy,’ said Ross.
1965		J.P. Carstairs Concrete Kimono 166: Cut the comedy!
1972		(con. 1916) G. Swarthout Tin Lizzie Troop (1978) 188: ‘Cut the comedy,’ snapped Dinkle.