Comedy is one of the most powerful tools in a writer’s toolkit, but have you ever stopped to think about what it actually is that makes something funny? How do you know if your writing is going to make people laugh? Where’s the line between comic and tragic characters, and, most importantly, can comedy even be taught? (Let’s hope so).

While good comedy can feel effortless, there’s plenty of hard work going on behind the scenes to make it look that way. This course will give you an introduction to some of the basic techniques of comedy writing, from creating relatable yet flawed characters to getting to grips with punchlines and…wait for it…timing. (I’ll get my coat).

Session Dates

Wednesdays, 10.30am – 12pm

• Wed 14 Jan
• Wed 21 Jan
• Wed 28 Jan
• Wed 04 Feb

About The Tutor

Jo Middleton is the author of three comedy novels, having been first approached by Penguin in 2019 on the back of her comedy lifestyle and parenting blog. She hosted the comedy podcast It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere with friend and fellow comic writer Gill Sims and was the host of Gill’s two-month theatre tour – Tits, Gits and Little Sh*ts – in 2022.

Venue: Meeting Room, Exeter Phoenix

*Subject to a £1.50 ticketing system charge. We don’t charge this to make a profit. Find out more >>