The Comedy Crowd Blog

One Location, One weekend

By Shem Pennant of Amelia Comedy Wanna make a webseries? We did and had a blast doing it. 2 Standup Comedians Living in a Flat is an 8 episode web series about exactly what you think it is. We made it all in one location, with a skeleton crew and minimal budget and thought we’d […]

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New writers should steal – 7 lessons from a comedy legend

I have just finished reading John Cleese’s autobiography “So, Anyway…” As an aspiring comedy writer, it is one of the most inspiring books I have ever read. Cleese succeeded because he followed his ‘passion’ for comedy, and his story contains some great advice for comedy writers and performers. There are 7 lessons that remain fundamental […]

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Newsjack open for submissions

Newsjack is back for another 6 week run giving comedy writers of any level of experience the chance to submit sketches and one-liners (and get paid for them!). Newsjack is a satirical news show aired on BBC Radio 4 Extra, hosted by Nish Kumar.  It’s now into its 15th season and continues to pride itself on […]

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Are “blaps” the link between digital and TV comedy?

Channel 4 comedy are opening the 2016 submission window for “Comedy Blaps” from 1st September, but this is more than just another submission window. This represents a shift in the way comedy is developed, and a link to the modern way in which media is consumed. We have all heard about scientific studies on our ever decreasing […]

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Call me Derren – A first attempt at stand up comedy

By Adam Martin The only lengthy thing I’ve ever been proud of owning is my list of heroes. The list is exclusively funny people and since I became aware of them I’ve wanted to join them. So over the last year and a bit I’ve been trying stand up comedy after decades of putting it […]

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Freedom of Mind Festival – Comedy sketch scripts wanted

The Freedom of Mind Festival is on the lookout for original, quirky and comedically diverse scripts to be performed as part of a live comedy showcase in Bristol. The evening is to raise awareness of mental health issues and get people talking about it. The pieces don’t need to have a huge lesson of morality […]

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BBC Comedy Writer Wanted (now closed)

BBC Radio Comedy is looking for a staff writer to join their team! BBC Radio is producing some of the best comedy content to be found anywhere.  Not only is it the home of long running shows like The News Quiz, The Now Show, Just a Minute and I’m Sorry I haven’t a Clue, but […]

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‘Anyone can write…the hard part is being prepared to be judged on your writing’

Do you want to turn your passion for comedy into a career? Lee Dilley and Paul Farrell started writing together after meeting at university and have worked on a range of comedy projects alongside their day jobs. Now they have co-founded their own production company, Goat Tree Films, and have been privately commissioned to write, produce and direct […]

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Don’t hide your idea

Ever had a really exciting comedy idea and been worried someone might steal it? Or maybe you had a great idea but just never got round to doing anything with it. As creators we’ve all been there. But the thing is, an idea really isn’t worth anything on it’s own. I read an article by Derek Sivers this week […]

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Am I funny enough to create comedy?

Many people have these doubts and don’t ever get started because of it. Don’t be one of them. Whether writing, performing or producing content, we put our sense of humour, body, soul and arse on the line and say I think this is funny, do you agree? And that is scary because there is an indisputable answer. Either someone […]

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Tips for submitting to London Sketchfest – Sketch Scribe

Sketch Scribe is a competition looking for scripted comedy sketches from new writers from around the UK which are performed live at the festival by a super group of comedians formed from live sketch groups. The sketches will be judged by a panel of industry professionals who will decide on a winner. The deadline is […]

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Tips – Writing for Children’s TV

At the recent BBC Salford Sitcom Showcase Vanessa Amberleigh, executive producer of CBeebies, gave an enlightening talk on how to write for Children’s TV, attended by the Comedy Crowd’s Northern England correspondent.  There are an increasing number of opportunities emerging to write for kids, not least because of the sheer quantity of programmes, particularly on […]

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