Do you think you could be the next Jason Manford or Peter Kay? Or maybe you’d just like to build up your confidence or public speaking skills in a friendly environment? If so, you might be interested in a comedy course run by acclaimed comedy director, script editor and tutor, Chris Head. He’s coming to the Park Hotel in Lancaster to teach a three week stand-up comedy course in May and June.
The course will run at the Park Hotel, St Oswald Street, Lancaster on Saturday 18th May and Saturday 1st June, 12 noon – 6pm. Classes cover all aspects of stand-up, including how to get inspiration for writing material, working a crowd, dealing with hecklers and finding gigs. After the first class, you’ll be asked work on your act at home and Chris will give email feedback. You’ll get chance to learn in a small, friendly group environment.
The course culminates in a live stand-up gig after the second class. Anyone can come along to the gig at 7.30pm on Saturday 1st June at the Park Hotel to see the new comedians perform their routines.
Chris is a comedy heavyweight, having directed, script-edited and consulted on nine shows for last year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe. He’s directed shows at the Melbourne Comedy Festival and many major London venues. He teaches regular courses in stand-up, sketch comedy and sitcom in Soho and the South West, and was described by the national Guardian as “the ideal person to nurture new talent.” Those he’s taught include the BBC’s Will Gompertz, who talks about his experience here, and Simon Jenkins.
The course is organised by Ruth Ainsworth, a local mum who had a brief brush with stand-up while a student in London.
“I did a few stand-up gigs when I was a student and enjoyed it,” she says. “Seeing live stand-up in January this year inspired me to try it again, but I wanted some help in getting a good routine together. I spoke to Chris and he was keen to come up north. It’s a bit scary, but last time I did stand-up I found the audiences were really positive and supportive. It’s a massive buzz. I can’t wait to get started!’
The course is just £99 for 12 hours of teaching and email feedback, tickets for the gig are £3.
• More information, full course details is available on the Lancaster Comedy Classes facebook page: www.facebook.com/lancastercomedyclasses or email lancastercomedyclass@gmail.com
• Chris Head’s official web site: www.chris-head.com