Category archive for: Theatre

Never mind the fizzing variety (though Lord knows, there are bound to be enough of those plink-plinking around come January 1st), and instead resolve (see what I did?) to enroll on the Chuckles Comedy Workshops at the Vaad Theatre from the 15th onwards! Here’s a bit of info from course organizers Liam and Harriet - over to you, chaps…. For further details, and to reserve your places, please contact Harriet on 07971 765110 or Liam on 07717 771732.

“CHUCKLES COMEDY CO are bringing comedy / drama workshops for teenagers from varied backgrounds in Birmingham and surrounding areas to the award winning popular arts venue, The Custard Factory. This ground breaking new scheme kicks off on Thursday the 15th January and will continue every Thursday thereafter.”

At the moment there are no workshops in The West Midlands based on comedy performance. These days teenagers seem to see and deal with so much and comedy can help to supply a light relief to this.

The workshops aid the students to be involved in a positive, creative and unique influence. They offer a great insight into the comedy industry whilst also learning the basic concepts of comedy writing and performance. Working together with the workshop leaders and special guests, the teenagers will gain confidence in everyday life as well as in comedy technique. The students will be working towards a showcase of the work to be performed in the on-site theatre.

The Custard Factory is an award winning venue and Chuckles Comedy believe that this is a great venue to start the new term.

About CHUCKLES COMEDY

Chuckles Comedy was co-founded in 2005 by Harriet Dyer and Liam Jones, graduates of the University of Wolverhampton. Whilst at University they both developed a real passion for comedy, performance and writing after taking a module based on Stand-up…

Harriet Dyer - Has been in the comedy circuit for over 3 years and has performed in many unions, theatres, and festivals around the country. She taught drama throughout her teenage years in Cornwall and recently won a prize for her sell-out stand-up comedy routine and work with, ‘Raving Loonies Stole My Heart’ who performed at the Edinburgh Festival in 2007. She also came in the top three in a national new talent award in 2007.

Liam Jones - Has also performed in several comedy venues including various theatres, bars and clubs in the West Midlands. He was educated and excelled in performance to university level and beyond. Liam regularly curates comedy events in Coventry and Wolverhampton, seeing big names such as Norman Lovett (Red Dwarf) appear at his venues. As another member of, ‘Raving Loonies’ he starred with Harriet at the Edinburgh Festival 2007 and took part in TV work - BBC Three’s UPSTAGED.

Information : Chuckles workshops will start on Thursday the 15th January 2009, 7-9pm at The Custard Factory in Digbeth Birmingham. They will run regularly for 12 weeks for 13-19 year olds. £8 per session. Ring to book place and for free session deals and discounts.

Check out Tara Parashar and friends at the Vaad Theatre this coming Sunday, 28th December, for a scintillating acoustic gig. Doors open at seven pm. More gigs to follow in 2009 - feel free to contact me if you’d like to get involved!

Beginning January 2009, the Vaad Theatre sees the start of the Chuckles comedy workshops being run by Harriet Dyer. Expert tuition, coupled with inspired lunacy, and a healthy dollop of custard artistry. Book now!

Check out the tantalizing bill of fare being dished up next spring by those good, good people at 7 inch, here at the CF in a scanty few months’ time!

Fancy taking to the stage and treading the boards in 2009? Then Class Act may be the ones for you…

Waltz your way through picnics, parties and posh frocks in this classic Regency rom-com.

Having developed an outstanding reputation for unique and atmospheric adaptations, Heartbreak Productions are delighted to announce their winter tour of Emma: a brand new adaptation of the heart-warming, engaging and charming Jane Austen classic.

Famed for incisive wit and social commentary, Emma is also about the complexities of imagination versus reality and the overriding power of love and affection.

A clever, rich, bored and “slightly” spoiled young woman, Emma throws herself in to the perils of mis-matchmaking in this world-renowned and well-loved Regency rom-com. Emma is Jane Austen’s most realistic heroine trying to do her very best and, in true Austen fashion, getting it very wrong!

Dip into the gossip and squabbles, grapple with the riddles, blunders and misunderstandings and finally, revel in the glorious romance of this delightful and charming adaptation.

Live music, dance and audience interaction will abound as - from the engaging yet exasperating Emma to the sympathetic yet quintessential bore, Miss Bates - the multi-talented cast recreate the rich and varied personalities of some of the most vibrant characters from English literature and bring them vividly to life.

Another power-packed and impressive adaptation from Heartbreak Productions: classic adaptations of the highest order.

For further information, contact Nicci Selby – 01926 430307 or email: nicci@heartbreakproductions.co.uk.

Experience the best in contemporary and cutting-edge theatre from emerging talent this December at the CF - as brought to you by those shiny, happy people at PILOT.

December sees the internationally-renowned Young Actors Company set up its West Midlands branch at the CF. Audition details are shown above. Wanna be a star? Then here’s the place to start….

Fancy becoming the Next Big Thing in stand-up? Then these workshops will be just the ticket for you! Beginning January 2009, Harriet and Liam will show you how to bust the most starched of chuckle muscles.

Birmingham University students are taking to the stage here at the close of January with their magnificently eclectic bill of musical fare. All proceeds go to a worthy cause, so show your support of this cabaret with a conscience and snap up a fistful of tickets now…