[Hilary Strong]
Looks like our city – led by a former director of Edinburgh Fringe – is taking the lead in encouraging a more positive look at life.
Have you always wanted to have a go at writing jokes but never had the chance? A new community arts project is being developed in Bath and they’re eager to find new talent and want to hear what you find funny!
The Bath Institute of Laughter has been set up by Hilary Strong, former Director of the Edinburgh Fringe who established a similar venture in West Sussex five years ago. Her company Making Theatre Gaining Skills CIC is a social enterprise that has delivered training programmes and arts projects across the South East since 2011. She is now working with the Widcombe Social Club to establish the Bath Institute which will be based in the popular social club.
The new group has delivered a series of taster workshops across the City and is now seeking writers to participate in a project launching in March and culminating in a public performance on Friday 10th June at the Widcombe Social Club.
Hilary Strong said: “The challenge is to write topical or satirical monologues based around the theme The Seven Ages of Man (or Woman). The style is open to interpretation: observational stand-up comedy, Pam Ayres-style poem, comic song or theatrical monologue – we’re looking for a variety of approaches, so long as it’s funny!”
To kick things off, a team of actors will perform a selection of existing material at the Widcombe Social Club, followed by discussion.
Saturday 19th March 3pm – 5pm All welcome, free of charge.
The next stage will be a series of 4 workshops for a selected group of writers led by experienced creative writing and directing tutors who will road-test the writers’ ideas, challenging them to be innovative and bold and exploring what makes for a really funny monologue including daft gags, clever puns, creaky yarns!
Sunday 24 April Sunday 8 May Sunday 22 May Sunday 5 June – 3pm to 5 pm
Location: Widcombe Social Club, Widcombe Hill, Bath BA2 6AA – Accessible for wheelchair users!
To find out more email info@bathlaughter.co.uk
