Support Local Comedy - It's Worth It!
I’ve just returned from Edinburgh Festival 2023. This year’s Dave Funniest Joke of the Fringe award with 44% of the vote went to Lorna Rose Treen, with her one-liner: "I started dating a zookeeper - but it turned out he was a cheetah." I delivered this joke to a friend, with attitude and facial expressions and she laughed. Well done Lorna. These days, many comedians lean towards making laughter out of their own life and observations of the world. The comedy comes out of their attitude, energy, presence, and the warm relationship (and laughs) they generate at the start of a show. It’s a skilled art form. Takes time to learn. I saw some fine performances at Edinburgh this year, including: Vladimir McTavish, Robin Ince, Dan Lees, Jane Japes, Stefan Alun, Robert Garnham, Sarah Roberts, Robyn Perkins, Kevin Precious, Geoff Sobelle and many more. The ‘Free’ Fringe is misleading as performers have to ask for a donation. Crazy. For example, I noticed the takings of around £30 in one hat. There were 60 odd people in the room. Odd. Sigh. It was an excellent show and worth far more than this amount. Double sigh. In fact, when asked to tell a joke (to prove I’m funny and 'worth it') I answer with a sour / dour face “Pay me"... Sharing funny stories and downright sad stories is uplifting both for the teller and the audience. I love seeing pain and sadness become a blend of pathos and humour. My approach to teaching stand up, is to tease out people's observations and experiences, and help them develop a unique stage persona. It works! There are clever punchlines, a play on words, physical expression, noises, silliness, repetition and many more tricks and techniques. It is a highly skilled job that people learn, by practice, practice and practice. And the comedians are worth paying.
My next in person course starts tomorrow - Tuesday 29 August, at 7pm. New online and in person workshops begin in October, too. If you fancy seeing some of the people who have passed through my workshops, join us at The Exeter City Gate Hotel on 7 September. These comedians are more than worth the price of a £5 ticket. These evenings – Comedy Mash Up - run the first Thursday of each month throughout 2023. Percentage of takings go to local charities, starting with St Petrocks. Book here via The Citygate Hotel site.
As usual, have a lovely week and thanks for your continued support Maggie and the team :)
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Book now!
Early Bird Tickets still available for City Gate Hotel October course
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ENDS TOMORROW
Stand Up Comedy Course
@The City Gate Hotel
Cellar Bar
Begins 29 August 2023
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ONLINE Short Stand Up Comedy Course
Begins 09 October
Four weeks 7.15 - 9.15pm
Stand up comedy class for both beginners and regular performers. Build unique, funny material for your personal style.
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Stand Up Comedy Course
@The City Gate Hotel
Cellar Bar
Begins 17 October 2023
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