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:
Sessions are every Saturday from 10am-12.30pm unless otherwise stated.
Sat 24 Jan – Listening
Sat 31 Jan – Voicing
Sat 7 Feb – Failing
Sat 14 Feb – Charming
Sat 21 Feb – Costuming
Sat 28 Feb – Showing
Sat 7 Mar – Showing
Sat 14 Mar – Editing
Sat 21 Mar – Technical Rehearsal (10.00am – 2.00pm)
Sat 28 Mar – Showcase (10.00am – 2.00pm with the showcase at noon)
Please note the above is a rough outline and subject to change.
If you’re curious about the Comedy Lab: Character and want to see what it’s all about, feel free to go to the autumn term showcase!
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