Comedy Lab: Character

Autumn 2026
Create a new character, unlock your creativity and find what makes you uniquely funny on our Character Comedy Lab.

Join the long-standing tradition of character comics on the UK comedy scene (Diane Morgan, Victoria Wood, Alan Partridge, Lolly Adefope etc).

Find freedom, joy and hilarity in yourself, by pretending to be somebody else. Over 10 weeks you’ll be workshopping your own comedy character(s), exploring how to improvise and find new ideas in front of an audience, as well as how to generate material and take jokes from page to stage. You’ll walk away with a host of practical skills required to improve your writing and performance, feedback from peers and industry professionals, and a short new character act to build on further. There is a public sharing at the end of the course.

The Lab is run by the fabulous Jonathan Oldfield, with support from multiple guest artists.

This is an intensive and supportive environment suitable for anyone interested in trying solo character comedy in a positive and nurturing space. We ask that participants commit to attending all 10 sessions.

Course structure:

Sat 3rd Oct – session 1 (10:00 – 12:30)

Sat 10th Oct – session 2 (10:00 – 12:30)

Sat 17th Oct – session 3 (10:00 – 12:30)

Sat 24th Oct – session 4 (10:00 – 12:30)

Say 31st Oct – session 5 (10:00 – 12:30))

Sat 7th Nov – session 6  (10:00 – 12:30)

Sat 14th Nov – session 7 (10:00 – 12:30)5)

Sat 21st Nov – session 8 (10:00 – 12:30)

Sat 28th Nov – TECH (10:00 – 14:00)

Sat 5th Dec – SHOWCASE (10:00 – 14:00 with the showcase at noon)

 

Please note the above is a rough outline and subject to change.

Applications & Fees:

£150 (Partial and full bursaries are available to those on Universal Credit and other welfare benefits. However, if cost is a barrier to participating, contact us at engagement@sohotheatre.com and we can discuss payment options

Got questions? Read our FAQs here