Did you hear the one about the evening class for comics?

Published on Tuesday 18 December 2007 09:19

IT'S no joke but a new evening class at Leith Academy is definitely a laughing matter.

For the first time, students will be able to sign up for lessons in stand-up comedy, with organisers hoping to attract both budding comedians and people wanting to improve their public speaking skills.

By the end of the eight-week course, all the students will come together to produce their own night of stand-up at a city venue.

Edinburgh freelance writer and accomplished comedienne Sin Bevan – who will run the course together with fellow comic Rick Molland – said it could have varying results, from coaxing shy people out of their shell to finding the next Billy Connolly.

The 25-year-old Leith-based performer said: "We approached the school and just thought it would be an interesting idea.

"When I started out I had a couple of terrible gigs – I had no idea anyone could hate you so much just for comedy – and was making simple mistakes a class like this could have ironed out."

Bevan – who regularly appears at venues across the UK – said she learned the hard way and wanted to prevent others making the same mistake. She added: "Realistically, I don't think we're going to get a fully accomplished top-class comedian by the end of an eight-week course.

"But we might uncover a few gems and really get people on the road to something great. It's also designed for people who are a bit nervous about speaking in public, maybe if they have a presentation for work coming up or a best man's speech.

"Wit can work in any situation, stand-up's a bit like jumping out a plane with a parachute – once you've done it you can do anything."

They will work on people strengthening their voices, focusing on stage presence and studying the work of various styles of comic.

Ms Bevan, who is in the process of setting up her own company Upstanding Comedy which will go round schools and businesses offering tutorials in comedy, added: "It will be quite exciting to see what we get and the end show will be a good laugh, just like the classes themselves."

Cathy Carstairs, the school's community education officer, said: "It's the first time I've seen anything like this on the education programme. It won't just be for budding stand-up comedians either, it could be for anyone who fancies it."

Enrolment will open on January 7, with classes to begin later that month.