Writing Comedy One-Day Course

Are you curious about writing a sitcom, comedy sketch or funny skit, but don’t know where to start? During this session, led by award-winning dark comedy scriptwriter Hugh Dichmont, learners will explore the foundations of writing funny things for theatre, audio and screen, whilst exploring their creativity. Throughout the day we will spend time on a different aspect -joke, theme, character, setting, structure, action, genre, form, tone and editing- and a range of other topics including how to get inspired, and how to find your unique comedy-writing voice. This workshop will be delivered through discussion, in-class writing exercises and pair work, in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. By the end of the day, learners will aim to have written a ten-minute comedy script they can be proud of, and have an opportunity to share their creations with the group.
Exercises will include:
• Joke writing. From observational comedy to absurdist, pun, slapstick and creative insults.
• Sketches and short films. Story structure. Difference in form. Visual storytelling.
• Comedic archetypes, funny characters and the philosophy of comedy.
• Exposition and dialogue. How to deliver story through characters. How to lay fuses and explode bombs for funny drama.
• Setting as metaphor. Finding your protagonist’s “best” crisis. How to build a comedic antagonist.
• Writing from theme and big questions: comedy as social commentary, satire.
Looking at examples from contemporary British sitcoms and sketch comedy, this course is suitable for enthusiastic learners with all levels of experience, and will:
• Forge new relationships, ideas and skills
• Hone existing knowledge and challenge you creatively
• Connect you with the East Midlands scriptwriting community
• Inspire you to take your interest further, with help to take the next steps
Attendance includes free follow-up with the tutor on final scripts written, with personalised, structured feedback on your ten-minute piece.

About Hugh Dichmont:

Hugh Dichmont is a scriptwriter and theatre-maker based in Nottingham. With several short film projects in development, Hugh’s creative CV includes ★★★★★ (iTunes reviews) dark comedy podcast ‘The Future History of the British Isles’, and theatre credits including shows at Nottingham Playhouse, Theatre 503, Old Red Lion, the Pleasance and The Vaults (all London). In 2019 he won the Bread & Roses Playwriting Award. "An intriguing world of revelations and horrors, paired with moments of hilarity... it leaves you breathless" (Everything Theatre for ‘Who You Are and What You Do’); “Top Ten Plays Not to Miss" (FringeReview for ‘The War On Terry’); “My least disappointing child” (Hugh’s mum for his general life skills).

Location:

The workshop will take place at Nottingham Writers' Studio, based in The Carousel building at 25 Hockley, Nottingham. You can access the studio via the side door on Lower Parliament Street.

Terms & Conditions:

Tickets can only be refunded up to one week before the event. Refunds requested after April 28th will not be processed.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

25 Hockley, The Carousel, Nottingham, United Kingdom