Laughter and Camaraderie: Armed Forces Comedy Club Launches at Theatre Royal Plymouth

A new initiative, the Armed Forces Comedy Club, is set to launch at Theatre Royal Plymouth, offering a free 12-week programme designed for members of the armed forces community. This unique opportunity aims to foster creativity, build confidence, and harness the therapeutic power of laughter through comedy.

Key Takeaways

• Free Programme: A 12-week course for serving personnel and veterans.

• Focus Areas: First six weeks on improvisation, followed by stand-up comedy.

• Professional Guidance: Led by experienced performers Sam Morgan and Suzy Bennett.

• Community Building: Aims to create camaraderie and a sense of belonging.

• Live Comedy Nights: Participants will have opportunities to attend local comedy events.

Overview of the Programme

The Armed Forces Comedy Club will run every Wednesday from 7 to 9 PM at TR2, the production and learning centre of Theatre Royal Plymouth. The programme is structured into two six-week terms:

1. Improvisation: The first half will focus on improvisational skills, allowing participants to explore their creativity and spontaneity.

2. Stand-Up Comedy: The second half will shift towards stand-up, where participants will learn the art of crafting and delivering their own comedic material.

Each term will conclude with a celebratory sharing session, providing participants the chance to showcase their newfound skills to friends and family.

Professional Guidance

The sessions will be led by professional comedians:

• Sam Morgan: Known for his work in sketch comedy, he will guide the improvisation sessions.

• Suzy Bennett: A performer recognised for her role in "NHS The Musical," she will lead the stand-up workshops.

Additionally, veteran and practitioner Tip Cullen will support the programme, ensuring that participants receive guidance from those who understand the unique experiences of military life.

Building Community Through Comedy

Becky Ormrod, the programme manager for Theatre Royal Plymouth's Our Space initiative, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, "This is a fantastic opportunity to offer a creative outlet for people with a shared background. The Armed Forces Comedy Club is all about building camaraderie and creating a sense of community, and sharing the feel-good factor that comes with comedy, laughter and performance."

The club aims to not only develop comedic skills but also to strengthen bonds among participants, creating a supportive environment where they can share experiences and laughter.

Opportunities Beyond the Club

Participants will also have the chance to attend live comedy nights at local venues, including the Barbican Theatre and Bread & Roses. This exposure to the local comedy scene will further enhance their learning experience and provide additional opportunities for performance.

Conclusion

The Armed Forces Comedy Club at Theatre Royal Plymouth promises to be an exciting venture for those in the armed forces community, combining creativity, laughter, and personal growth. With professional guidance and a focus on community, this initiative is set to make a significant impact on its participants, fostering a sense of belonging and joy through the art of comedy.

Sources

• Armed Forces Comedy Club coming to Theatre Royal Plymouth, Plymouth Live.