The First Comedy Workshop

Written by Simon Golding Friday, 29 April 2011

Following a detailed survey to find out what the people wanted to see as part of this year’s prestigious 6th Bridgnorth Music and Arts Festival - comedy came very high on the list.

For one of the major highlights of this year’s festival we are organising a Comedy Open Mic Night at the Castle Hall, Bridgnorth, on 27th August with several established comedians.
As part of this unique event we have decided to hold several comedy workshops for total newcomers to stand-up in the hope of producing some acts for the event.

The first comedy workshop took place on Tuesday 26th April at the lovely upstairs room at the Shakespeare public house in Bridgnorth. I was very honoured to introduce Roger Swift, a fresh energetic stand-up, who has established himself on the comedy circuit in just 2 years.
Roger, 'The Prop-Meister', was a bundle of fun as he directed the appreciative gathering of wannabe stand-ups in the comedic intricacies and mechanics of delivery and material.

It was then time for the newcomers, if anyone felt confident enough, to try out a routine or at least part of one. It is hoped by the end of the workshops and warm-up gigs (in early August), that we will produce a few stand-ups who will perform a 5 minute act, along side established comedians at the Castle Hall event.

Roger kicked off the impromptu mini-gig acting as compére and the scene was set. After a thunderous welcome from the few of us scattered about the room, Paul Hayden took centre stage and regaled a very humorous narrative surrounding a regular journey on public transport. As the clapping slowly subsided for Paul, Tim Green was off his seat and delivering a couple of hilarious accounts of his experiences while out shopping. Before we could get our breath back, Dave Taylor bounced forth with his weight issue comedy. Straight away Dave interacted with our small audience and his interaction with Nikki Brown, from The Valley Radio, was pure delight.
Waiting in the wings was the only woman participating on the course, Julie Hill. Right from the strong opening gag Julie took us on a very funny and confident journey. It was a paced monologue somewhere between Patricia Routledge and Jo Brand – but with her own unique style.
In between these wonderful vignettes of stand-up routines Roger Swift kept the energy level up and deftly gave advice when required and well deserved praise for all four acts.

We hope to film during the next session at The Shakespeare as part of a documentary short by The Valley Radio. We hope to film this incredible journey and follow the experiences of the stand-up newcomers, over the next few months, as they prepare to perform at the Castle Hall during the festival.

The Shakespeare was a perfect venue for our workshop and mini-gig and we thank James Greenhalgh and his staff for making us so welcome. There will be another workshop in a few weeks and you are welcome to come along and participate in this wonderful and unique event. Join these brave new stand-ups as they get in shape for what will be their biggest gladiatorial stage, along side established acts on the 27th August.

Anyone interested in attending these sessions can contact Simon Golding on 07854-113647 or email: sigold999@btopenworld.com or Glynis Madden via email glynis@bridgnorthmusicfest.com