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Tinsel, Toes & Tehees
This time of year can feel a bit… much , can’t it? Tinsel everywhere, diaries bursting, emotions hurling themselves floor-wards like baubles on a wonky tree. I’m feeling a tad wonky myself. Lots of wonderful things happening — plus a sprinkling of seasonal and pre-marital pressure – no wonder my nails are a little worse for wear. Oh and here is the tree out of the loft. Not yet decorated as you can see; slightly wonky, and yet to be hurling its baubles at the floor in a bout
Maggie Irving
19 hours ago2 min read


Mixing & Mashing It Up!
Recently, I’ve had a fab time teaching a few extra courses – including two brand-new ones this November. Then generally focusing on a single theme each time (and sneaking in a few extra clowning exercises!) has made such a difference. Clowning continues to surprise me with its power. It helps people – including me – become more open, resilient, innovative and confident. And the best part? You can feel the ripple effect the moment people start trying it out for themselves. Loo
Maggie Irving
Nov 272 min read


Going for a Gong!
A Smorgasbord of Awards! How Wonderful! Next week (Thursday), I’m off to perform at the Devon Tourism Awards 2025 ceremony at Sandy Park. If you’re there, say hello. I'm a finalist in the Women in Education category of the West Country Women in Business Awards. And the ceremony is also next week - Friday. Congrats to all — you brilliant, dazzling, women. Exciting times! I recall the first award I ever won at school: First Year Progress. (Translation: “She’s trying very hard
Maggie Irving
Nov 201 min read


Comedy, Climate… and a Few Seagulls!
I’m currently running two comedy writing courses — one in Exmouth and the other in Exeter — and both are buzzing with creativity and laughter. Each session involves standing up and sharing — because if no one ever spoke, we’d all just sit there wondering if our material was actually funny! This week’s Exmouth class took on the themes of seagulls, sewage, and cigarette butts — three unlovely things that, on a serious note, all link back to pollution and the threats it poses
Maggie Irving
Nov 121 min read


Buy local - make someone happy
Laughter season is here... Two new comedy courses start next week, and there’s a quickie workshop prior to the Comedy Stand Up Mash Up on Thursday 6 November. Yes, laughter season is officially here! With the clocks going back, the nights may be darker — but we’re determined to bring some light-heartedness into the world (well, at least to Exmouth and Exeter!) As part of the Exmouth community, I love supporting our local businesses whenever I can. This morning alone I grabbed
Maggie Irving
Oct 301 min read


Time to Wrap Up Folks?
❄️ Winter’s coming — so here’s something to warm your cockles! We’ve got the last two fabulous comedy courses of 2025 coming up — your chance to create characters, tell stories that capture the times, and boost your confidence on stage (or in life!) 🎭 Exmouth – from Monday 3 November The Hub, Sideshore, Exmouth 🎭 Exeter – from Tuesday 4 November The City Gate Hotel, Exeter Come and learn how to find the funny, sharpen your storytelling, and unleash your inner
Maggie Irving
Oct 232 min read


Comedy compèring.
Compères need to add humour to an event. It’s their job. It’s kind of similar managing a meeting or delivering a presentation – they all need a sprinkling of humour. But so many people don’t consider adding anything remotely funny. Any ideas why? Humour keeps people listening, engaged, remembering. Please, if you’re delivering a presentation or talk, slip in something funny – even in the moment works too – so be brave. On behalf of your audience, thank you. It’ll be so much b
Maggie Irving
Oct 162 min read


Thanks, Molly!
I hear Molly’s words ringing in my ears (one of the cracking comedians who is currently attending my course): “I was terrified of coming...
Maggie Irving
Oct 92 min read


Women in Education, Comedy and Beyond…
CONGRATULATIONS to ALL nominees! I’m thrilled to be nominated for the West Country Women Awards – Women in Education on Fri 19 Sept...
Maggie Irving
Sep 191 min read


September – The “Other New Year”
September might not come with fireworks or dodgy renditions of Auld Lang Syne , but for students (and anyone starting something fresh)...
Maggie Irving
Sep 41 min read


Crikey!
What kind of warrior are you? Steve Irwin was a much-loved wildlife warrior. I am comedy warrior! What kind of warrior are you? My...
Maggie Irving
Aug 282 min read


Cooking Up a Storm
Whipping Up Cooking Metaphors and More! Fancy helping to cook up a storm at this year’s Exmouth Festival? Loosely based on Shakespeare’s...
Maggie Irving
Jul 32 min read


A Pig, a Horse, and a Sea Breeze walk into a bar...
Performing at bootleggers bonanza at the exeter comedy festival Over the last two weeks I have worked / networked with: Exmouth Pride,...
Maggie Irving
Jun 262 min read


Zooming? We're BACK!
My whole wide world went Zoom – 2020-2022. And I'm still zooming about! I’ve been zooming here, there, and even scooted off to Dorset...
Maggie Irving
Jun 52 min read


This week’s theme? A lateral pain in the arse
Not metaphorically—my piriformis muscle has declared war and it is NOT funny. So it’s been a heady mix of massages, little white pills -...
Maggie Irving
May 292 min read


Going out, out?
Not Going Out? Getting people off their sofas and into theatres, cinemas, or comedy nights is no small feat these days. That’s why I feel...
Maggie Irving
May 62 min read


Same shape, different taste...
🌷🐣 What did you do over Easter Bank Holiday? Some braved the chill for fresh air and family time. Others tackled chocolate eggs like a...
Maggie Irving
Apr 242 min read


Smashin' it?
How do you crack an Easter egg? This isn’t a yolk – I promise. Growing up in Preston, Lancashire, my brother and I shared what we...
Maggie Irving
Apr 141 min read


My winter fat is gone… now I just have spring rolls :)
Spring and new beginnings… I’m missing teaching regular comedy classes this month. I was told this week that my workshops are addictive!...
Maggie Irving
Mar 272 min read


Unlucky for some… but not for me - Lucky, lucky lucky :)
A clown doctor, off to train doctor trainers’, wearing a new pair of trainers. Work that one out! The theme for the GP conference is...
Maggie Irving
Mar 132 min read
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