Nice Pare!

Comedy writing isn’t about writing jokes with a pre-set joke formula. What is vital is that we open up and share our thoughts - have a conversation - around a topic with an audience. However, the story has to be pared back with specific moments that create laughs - the comedy punch! Speaking the minimum words with maximum impact.

This is how I teach, and I expect others do too. It might seem obvious, but it is the art and cleverness of writing and performing stand-up comedy, much like reading to a child in the snappiest manner to keep attention. Indeed, it is very similar to other art practices where the unecessary is discarded if it doesn't add anything to the form.

I am delivering a short stand-up comedy workshop on 25 July at Exeter City Gate Hotel, Iron Bridge, Exeter, where we explore this skill. Build a bit of material or just dip your toe in the water. 6-7.30. Then come watch a stand-up show in The Gallery at the hotel, from 8pm ‘til late. All workshoppers FREE entry.

Coming up on Wed 3 July, an evening of stand-up comedy Mash-Up at Exmouth’s Sundowner’s Wine and Café bar, 15 The Strand, a chance to laugh and bring some warmth into your day. All giggers are those have at one time or another taken part in one of my workshops. We are also helping to raise some funds for Transition Exmouth.

Exmouth Festival is less than a month away. Join us for an improv re-telling of Shakespeare’s The Tempest, in The Manor Gardens, on Friday 19 July, 6pm. It’s free. No experience necessary, just a chance to act, improvise or just watch, as together we tell the tale in a new and inclusive way. Please book, click link below.

Come and Join us in the Circus Tent at 6pm on Friday 19 July. Suitable for all. FREE.

Lots of other fab events at The Exmouth Festival – look out for their superb, packed programme.

Recently, Exeter hosted a Comedy Festival. Well done to the organisers and performers. Was great wandering from one act to another although, sadly there were a lot of acts I couldn’t see due to them clashing (not literally!)

Whatever you are doing this week, bring a few smiles into another person’s life and if you are prepping a comedy set, pare back peeps.

FINAL HAPPY NOTE. . Last Saturday, Exmouth was blessed with rainbows of colour, warmth and love at this year’s Exmouth Pride Festival on Saturday. What a wonderful event and congratulations to the @exmouth Pride team for a phenomenal, celebratory day. Thanks also to the signer. He made the event super inclusive. Love, love, love.

PrePARE to PARE...

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

Look out for our next Exeter Comedy Mash-Up and workshop at The City Gate Hotel, Thursday 25 July. Or if you prefer a pre-gig workshop, take a peek at this snappy 1.5 hour stand-up comedy class, to help you tighten your set, or start a new one!

EARLY BIRD, EARLY BIRD - TAKE ADVANTAGE!

Lots of people asking about my next course - September. Click the links for info and booking. Get booking soon as spaces are limited.