Expect the Unexpected...

Unexpected playful happenings – incongruity – are often the grist of comedy. Just ask Immanuel Kant and Arthur Schopenhauer, who both explored the role of the unexpected in laughter. Although, once upon a time, humour wasn't taken particularly seriously. Bah!

Of course, when life's unexpected moments are serious, the result is rarely laughter. But with time, disappointment, grief and pain can often be reimagined into comedy.

My very first stand-up set at Plymouth University, twenty odd years ago, helped me process becoming single; giving birth, and my father's death.

Re-entering the terrifying dating world: Who else has met someone only wanting to escape the date - immediately?!And giving birth: Apparently breathing deeply, as recommended in the antenatal classes, was undersold. It required more of a banshee waiiiiiiiiiil! 

And the day we scattered my dad's ashes on Coniston Old Man... mouths were open and there was a strong wind – sorry Dad. My family and I climbed a similar mountain this year. We all kept our mouths closed! (Including the dog.)

Comedy has an extraordinary way of helping us make sense of life. The personal highs, lows and everything in between. Often, they become the stories we talk about the most.

As usual, a huge thanks for your support from Maggie and the team :)

Coming up:

• 30 July: Exeter Stand-Up Comedy Mash-Up @citygatehotel

• Monday 7 September Six Week Stand-Up Comedy Course 

• Tuesday Lunchtime 8 September Six Week Stand-Up Comedy Course

• Tuesday Evening 8 September Six Week Stand-Up Comedy Course

If there's something you're trying to process in life, reach out.

Or maybe you'd like to bring more humour into your business—let me know. I can help and I'd love to chat.

Feedback from my talk to Devon Women in Business this week highlighted how many people underestimate the power of humour in marketing, networking, leadership, building genuine connections and likability, too.

Sidenote: If you're heading to the Edinburgh Festival and would like help polishing your stand-up set, get in touch.

Comedy Matters courses kick off in Exeter this September. I'd love to welcome you along.