Building Character
My Character Comedy Course finds a new home at the Museum of Comedy
SKIP TO:
Such a character (comedian)
What’s New
Alumni Showcase
Building Character
I first launched my Character Comedy Course in July 2024. Back then I think it was the only course specifically for creating a character comedy act. This was off the back of several years of me being a character comedian and despite four much-loved solo shows, being told by commissioners that “sketch comedy is dead.”
After performing Picnic for the last time at Soho Theatre in February 2024, I decided to take a break from performing and perhaps focus on writing a show that was either more theatre based or stand-up. However, I didn’t want to give up character comedy altogether because I love it.
And I know a lot about it. I started doing solo character comedy work in 2016.
Creating and teaching this character comedy course has been one the most enjoyable and fulfilling things I’ve ever done.
Character Comedy wasn’t even a genre at the Edinburgh Fringe back then and I don’t think it would be til around 2022. But that didn’t stop me discovering the work of character comedians I loved: Marney Godden, Briony Redman, Susan Harrison, Alison Thea-Skot, Gabby Best, Cariad Lloyd and many more… (Lots of women, eh? Almost like there is something intrinsically feminist and punk about it’s origins but that’s maybe for a different blog.)
Throughout the process of creating four solo character comedy shows, multiple improv shows, improvised puppet shows, storytelling shows, I’ve created countless characters. Even in my new stand-up show, characters are still very much present. I’m just not wearing a funny hat.
Much like Improv Comedy, just because I am not regularly performing it right now doesn’t mean I am not marinating in 18 years of experience and absorbing all the new manifestations. Gooey.
Creating and teaching this character comedy course has been one the most enjoyable and fulfilling things I’ve ever done. I’ve taught it four times now and every time I’m overjoyed by how unique and creative every single act is.
And from all backgrounds too. Some people come who are seasoned character acts looking for new material and approaches, others have never performed or written at all. Many are actors who haven’t written for themselves or tried comedy, lots are stand-ups who haven’t conceived being anything other than themselves standing still with a mic. It doesn’t matter.
In the latest iteration, one student before the first class came up to me and said she was very nervous and had never done any comedy and was it ok that she was even there… I assured her that she’d be guided through everything and it would by fun and fine. Flash forward six weeks and she’s performing one of the most hilarious, unhinged character personas I’ve seen.
As the home of the UK’s biggest sketch and character comedy competition as well as hosting a plethora of deep-cut alt comedy shows and having a direct line to Leicester Square Theatre, it feels like the perfect place for this course.
I’m very proud of what I’ve been able to achieve independently with this course but I am also excited to be collaborating with the Museum of Comedy. Through Sketch Off 2023, Weirdos Comedy shows and Monday Clubs, I’ve grown to really love this venue and the support it gives up-coming artists.
As the home of the UK’s biggest sketch and character comedy competition as well as hosting a plethora of deep-cut alt comedy shows and having a direct line to Leicester Square Theatre, it feels like the perfect place for this course.
WHAT’S CHANGING AND WHAT TO EXPECT
Previously the course has only been six weeks long and not included a public showcase. Instead, I’ve invited special industry guests to come to the final class “in-house” showing. The reasoning behind these decisions have been partly financial but also to experiment with giving students space to take risks while still having deadlines.
However, as of September it will be eight weeks long and include a public showing for friends and family in the main theatre - where Sketch Off takes place!
Students will still be encouraged to take risks and experiment and have the opportunity to learn from special industry guests. Previous guests include Mark Silcox, Adam Larter, Marney Godden, Su Mi, Kat Cade, Mikey Bligh Smith, Helen Duff and more.
Having taught courses for other institutions before where there’s a final “showcase”, I know how much students can get in their heads about it. The purpose of this course has always been and will continue to be a supportive space for people gain practical skills and feedback as well as understanding that building an act is about enjoying the work-in-progress not creating something perfect immediately.
Classes will also be up to three hours long and capped at a maximum of 12 places to guarantee feedback time. Students will also learn more about the workings of the Museum of Comedy and gain access to the growing Charlie’s Character Comedy Alumni Directory, which provides gig resources and networking opportunities.
You don’t need to have any experience in character comedy or even have an idea for a character. The first half of the course is all about exploring techniques and ways to discover character. If you have a character act already, you can work on it in the final weeks but most students develop something brand new.
Spaces are already selling fast so book yours now!
Mondays, 7-10pm (we probably won’t finish that late every week)
29th Sep - 16th Nov (showcase 17th Nov)
ALUMNI SHOWCASE - FRIDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER
And if you’re still not sure what to expect or if you just want to see some brilliant up-and-coming character comedy, check out the Alumni Showcase at the Museum of Comedy on Friday 18th September.
Meet Da Vinci, David Lynch, an unhinged heir to a Dairy Empire, Pollen and many more weirdos! I’m so happy to see some many students from the course making the most out of their characters from this course. Some have gone on to include them as part of award-winning theatre shows, others have created an online following and many are performing regularly on the circuit, at comedy festivals and in competitions.
That said, this course isn’t just about becoming a professional character comedian. Others have used this as a creative opportunity to stretch themselves as writers or performers and have found it an enlightening part of their artistic practice.
“Charlie delivered a masterclass on character comedy, providing a helpful range of tools and bespoke advice that helped each person on the course shine in their own way. Would recommend for anyone starting their character comedy journey”
- Nadine Bailey, course alumni
So come see for yourself! Whether you’re joining the course or not, come enjoy a hilarious night of chaotic character comedy.
Of course please also get your tickets for my upcoming Edinburgh Fringe shows…
Coming Through - Gilded Balloon, Gilded Saloon, 5th-16th Aug, 14:20
Charlie Vero-Martin: Poltergeist (WIP) - Hoots, The Yurt, 19th-31st Aug, 17:55