Women invited to find their funny and try stand-up

Women are being invited to try stand-up comedy, as part of a research project exploring why many wrongly feel they are not funny.

Dr Natalie Diddams, from the University of Warwick, is running workshops at the Albany Theatre in Coventry to help women write jokes, build confidence and prepare for a live showcase.

"Like many women I grew up thinking that I wasn't funny," she told BBC CWR. "I've really found that's something that's shared by many."

The researcher, who has run similar workshops in places like Nepal and Pakistan, added the benefits went beyond comedy, with those getting involved reporting feeling more confident in their lives.

According to Diddams, research showed boys were encouraged from a young age to make jokes and receive positive reinforcement while girls tended to build friendships in other ways.

"Gender shapes us all in all sorts of interesting and surprising ways," she said.

"Boys are just from that early age getting more opportunities to hone their [comedic] skills."

Emily Bampton took part in an earlier version of the course during the pandemic.

The 28-year-old said that, despite the fact she was now a semi-professional comedian, extra confidence and the ability to take on social situations was a "really good tool to have in my arsenal".

"I rock up to loads of things completely alone," she said.

"I feel very confident in my ability to sort of walk into situations and know I can make people giggle."

The three-week programme starts on 30 April and culminates in a performance in front of an audience of friends and family on 21 May.

Women interested in taking part can contact the Albany Theatre in Coventry.

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