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Comedy

Nov 12
Love0
laughing child

Your child’s jokes are great for their development

By Comedy, fun for children
by Kate Brewster
The Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA)

Joking around is the best part of childhood and life. And whilst children are thinking up and performing their jokes, they are also doing something brilliant for their development.

Laughter isn’t just the best medicine, it’s also one of the best teachers. We believe that humour is one of the most powerful tools children have for building confidence, developing social skills and learning to think creatively under pressure.

As adults, we sometimes forget that telling a joke is a complex form of communication. Children are experimenting with timing through dramatic pauses, learning to read people’s facial expressions for cues and taking creative risks, all essential for growing strong interpersonal skills.

The beauty of comedy is that it’s immediately rewarding. Unlike other forms of performance where success might be subjective, comedy gives instant feedback, people either laugh, or they don’t. This teaches children resilience and the courage to try again, while also helping them develop that crucial skill of reading a room.

Comedy is also fundamentally about connection. When we share humour, we are building bonds, defusing tension and learning empathy by understanding what makes others tick. We see shy children blossom into confident performers once they discover their comedic voice, and we watch naturally funny kids learn to channel their humour constructively.

Here are some simple, fun ways that parents and carers can nurture their child’s comedic instincts at home.

Embrace the family comedy hour
The living room is the perfect comedy club for budding performers. By creating a supportive environment where everyone can experiment with humour, families can strengthen bonds while developing their children’s confidence and creativity.

Fun ideas
• Family stand-up night: Set up a ‘stage’ area in your living room and let each family member perform a short comedy routine or just tell their favourite joke. Encourage children to write their own material about everyday family life, they’ll be surprised how funny ordinary moments can become.
• Improvisation games: Play simple improv games like ‘Yes, and…’ where one person starts a story and others build on it, always accepting and adding to what came before. These games teach quick thinking and collaborative creativity.
• Character creation: Help children develop funny characters with distinct voices, mannerisms and catchphrases. They can use these characters in stories and skits or just everyday play.
• Comedy critique: Watch family-friendly comedians together and discuss what makes them funny. Help children identify different types of humour – physical comedy, wordplay, observational humour and encourage them to try different styles.

Activities like these help children understand that comedy is a craft that can be developed, not just something you’re born with, teaching them valuable lessons about perseverance and the power of practise.

Master the art of everyday observation
Comedy teaches children to see the world through a different lens, transforming everyday moments into potential sources of wonder. When children learn to spot the amusing quirks in ordinary situations, they’re developing a mindset that serves them far beyond the stage, one that approaches life’s challenges with curiosity and creativity rather than worry.

Fun ideas
• Comedy journals: Encourage children to keep a notebook of funny things they notice each day, overheard conversations, silly signs, peculiar behaviour. This builds their observational skills and gives them material to work with.
• Family impression games: Have children impersonate family members (in good spirit), teachers, or characters from TV shows. This helps them develop their skills of observation and teaches them about different personality types, while also learning the important distinction between affectionate mimicry and hurtful mockery, a valuable lesson in empathy and respect.
• “What if” games: Pose silly hypothetical questions like “What if dogs could talk?” or “What if gravity worked backwards?” and let children explore absurd possibilities.This develops their creative thinking and ability to find humour in unusual situations, helpful in situations when they can feel anxious.

These exercises help children develop their unique comedic voice while learning that humour can be found everywhere if you know how to look for it.

Raising the next generation of joy-bringers
Comedy is one of life’s essential skills. In a world that can often feel serious and overwhelming, the ability to find and share joy is invaluable. Children who learn to use humour constructively become more resilient, more socially confident and more creative problem-solvers.

When we encourage children’s comedic instinct, we’re not just helping them get better at telling jokes, we’re teaching them that finding humour in life’s dullest moments can be a lifeline when facing whatever challenges come their way, while also bringing joy and comfort to others around them.

For further details on The Pauline Quirke Academy please visit www.pqacademy.com

Nov 01
Love0
panto oies

Panto – a quintessentially British tradition

By Christmas, Comedy, dance & Art, family, fun for children, panto
by Ellie Harman
Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford

Now the autumn term is in full swing, attention is beginning to turn to Christmas and how to keep the whole family occupied over the festive break. A trip to the panto is an institution for many families and school groups, and for some, Christmas would not be Christmas without this quintessentially British tradition. Panto is often the first experience of theatre as a child, and an experience that will often stick with someone for the rest of their life.

Pantomime has its roots in Italy and Ancient Greece, evolving from the Italian ‘Commedia dell’Arte’ which originated in the 16th century. These performances featured masked characters, slapstick style comedy, music and acrobatics, all of which are familiar aspects of today’s pantomime. But, whilst present-day pantomime performances are always jam-packed with eccentric, colourful characters, singing, dancing and quick-witted humour for children and adults alike, watching a panto has life-long benefits for young people.

Studies have proven that children who visit theatres when they are young are more likely to continue engaging with live theatre throughout their lives, which in turn has been proven to improve mental health. A recent survey by Norwich Theatre found that by seeing a pantomime at Christmas, the survey respondents experienced a significant boost in their mood, with over 80% feeling happier after the performance. Arts engagement more generally has been shown to enhance positive mental health and life satisfaction. The international children’s charity UNICEF suggests that “Dancing and singing are great ways to relieve stress. When you’re enjoying fun moments and laughing together, your body releases endorphins that promote a feeling of wellbeing.”

Pantomime is also a great introduction to the theatre and gives children the chance to learn the etiquette of public spaces in a more relaxed environment than a traditional play. The unique nature of a pantomime encourages children to get involved in the fun, singing along and shouting out “He’s behind you” and “Oh no it isn’t” at every possible opportunity. In a world that’s increasingly screen-based, the opportunity for young people to express themselves in a safe environment is invaluable for developing social skills, building self-esteem and making sense of the world.

Many people may see a trip to the panto as just a treat rather than a learning experience, but at the core of every pantomime is a heart-warming moral lesson too. Robin Hood, for example, tells a story of being courageous, standing up for injustice and helping those less fortunate than ourselves. Pantomime producers also often incorporate current topics and issues into the show, so as well as joyful entertainment that honours the traditional art form, pantomimes can also raise awareness of the challenges we may face. Teaching children these stories in a creative way not only helps develop their character but also widens their scope of ways to learn in the future, cultivating their creative mind-sets and all the while bringing joy and lasting festive memories.

Many children are visual learners, so pantomime provides a fantastic visual representation that they are more likely to remember. Dr Natasha Kirkham from Birkbeck University found that experiencing a story on stage rather than viewing it on a screen leads to a deeper understanding of the content. Similarly, a study by the University of Arkansas found students get significant educational benefits from seeing live theatre as opposed to watching a film, including improved vocabulary, and greater knowledge of the content. Representation matters, and diverse, inclusive casts, that represent the communities for which they are performing is important. For children, to see people on stage that look like them can be inspiring, empowering and confidence boosting.

This Christmas, many theatres are ensuring nobody is left out of the festivities by offering ‘relaxed performances’. Relaxed performances are adapted in several ways to make them more comfortable for people with Autism or learning difficulties, or who may benefit from a calmer environment. It’s also perfect for very young children who haven’t been to the theatre before. Adaptations to the performance include keeping the main lights on throughout the performance, allowing audience members to come and go as they please, providing a quiet break-out room, adjusting light and sound levels and removing audience interaction from the show. Many theatres have British Sign Language interpreted performances for deaf audience members, and a Dementia Friendly performance, so the whole family can enjoy the show.

So, at a time when the pressures put on young people are perhaps greater than ever, why not consider a trip to the theatre this Christmas? Pantomime provides a chance for children to come together with all generations to see a live show which will make everyone laugh and feel happy, inspire imaginations and encourage the next generation of performers and audiences.

The magic of pantomime is something the whole family can enjoy and at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford it’s always wonderful to see multi-generational families in the audience. The theatre has lots of upcoming family shows so please visit www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk to find out what’s on.

Nov 01
Love0
ugly sisters

The power of panto!

By Christmas, Comedy, dance & Art, family, fun for children, Theatre

by The Capitol, Horsham
images by Toby Phillips Photography

For many children the only time of year they will visit their local theatre is to see a pantomime, often as a school trip, so it’s important their experience is a good one and one where some lifetime memories will be made.

Can you cast your mind back and remember the first ever pantomime you saw?

The magic of live theatre is as salient for children as it’s ever been, providing time away from screens, mobile devices and their day-to-day world into a place which is new and exciting, lots of fun and encourages imagination.

Pantomime provides a chance for children to come together with all generations of their families to see a live show which will make everyone laugh, sing along and feel happy.

The word ‘pantomime’ comes from the Greek word ‘pantomimos’, which meant a dancer who acted all the roles in the story. Pantomime, as a type of theatre, originates from ‘Commedia dell’Arte’, a 16th-century Italian entertainment which used dance, music, tumbling, acrobatics and featured a cast of mischievous characters including a Harlequin, a mute, quick-witted rascal who carried a magic bat, wore a mask and dressed in clothes made of patches.

Until 1843, theatre licensing restricted the use of spoken word in pantomime. The Theatres Act lifted the restriction, allowing any theatre without a royal patent to produce a play with dialogue.

Today the basis of a good pantomime has a storyline of good versus evil often derived from a fairy tale or nursery story. It includes colourful costumes, dancing, topical jokes with good measures of slapstick comedy, special effects and, of course, lots of audience participation.

Audience participation is important as it offers the chance for children to interact with the cast and the rest of the audience who are encouraged to boo the baddie, argue with the Dame and warn the Principal Boy the villain is near them by shouting out “He’s behind you!”

From daylight into darkness through the entrance doors, a theatre provides a sensory experience – the background music in the foyer, the smell of popcorn and pyrotechnics, the velvety feel of the theatre seats, the excitement building up to the curtain rise, flashing lights, glittery scenery and a tasty ice cream during the interval.

It’s a chance for children to see scenes brought to life with magical characters, fairies, heroes, heroines, eccentric costumes and to see things they would normally only read about in books or see in films.

Studies have proven that people who visit theatres as children are more likely to book theatre tickets throughout their adult lives broadening their cultural outlook.

In theatre and drama classes, pantomime can help develop nonverbal communication, concentration and the ability to put action and thought together. Pantomime can be incorporated in most lesson plans to encourage the students to engage in some fun and learn at the same time.

The theatre is a powerful space and can have a massive impact on a younger audience. Some children are completely overwhelmed by it all but others become curious and want answers to lots of questions: “How can I get up there to sing and dance?” “How do those lights work?” “Where does the sound come from?” “How did the baddie just ‘disappear’ off stage?”

A visit to the theatre can often spark an interest which leads to a hobby or even a pathway to a career. Drama generally builds confidence and helps concentration, develops language, communication skills, coordination and emotional intelligence helping children to understand the world around them.

With theatres being closed for such a long time during the COVID pandemic, it made many of us realise how much we missed it when it was swiped from our day-to-day lives.

Matthew Effemey, Venue and Operations Manager at The Capitol, Horsham where Cinderella will run from 8-31 December said “It’s a great responsibility to introduce the joy of pantomime to a younger audience at an impressionable age, so a good theatre must ensure that the overall experience is one to remember.”

Cinderella will run from 8th -31st December at The Capitol, Horsham www.thecapitolhorsham.com

 

Jul 10
Love0

Come and have a laugh – feel like you again…

By Comedy, Theatre
by Alyssa Kyria (aka The Funny Mummy)
comic and co-founder of Bring Your Own Baby Comedy

I was too scared to leave the house when my daughter Lola was tiny. I would breastfeed for hours and she’d still be hungry. I felt judged when I got out a bottle, and once my nipple shields flew across a restaurant when I was trying (and failing) to feed her! I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to change her, feed her, or park the buggy, so a lot of the time I stayed home by myself.

Once Lola was a bit older I set up Bring Your Own Baby Comedy with my friend Carly. We wanted to create a place that I really needed when Lola was tiny, so we started lunchtime comedy clubs where you can bring your baby along. Somewhere I could have breastfed uncovered if I wanted to (I was always hiding under a huge poncho) or whip out a bottle to feed my baby without being judged. The day my nipple shields flew across a restaurant (a bit like Julia Robert’s snail in the scene in Pretty Woman) really was not my finest moment! We wanted somewhere everything that a parent trying to keep a tiny human alive needs: buggy parking, toys, soft flooring and a helping hand. But most importantly, somewhere we can go to laugh and not have to ‘wind the bobbin up’ (and wind it back again). A place we can feel like ourselves again.

If you would like to laugh and feel like you again (while being able to do whatever you need to look after your baby) come and see us.

We provide the best comedy in the UK at daytime shows for parents and their babies. When I became a mum, I found that I was ‘mumsied’ a lot – so we didn’t want to do that – our comics use adult content as the show is for the parents. I, personally, was about to jump out of a window if I had to sing ‘Wheels on the bus’ while sitting cross-legged with a group of exhausted and fake smiley mums one more time! So nursery rhymes are banned.

If you fancy a bit of a break from the standard baby group, then come and see us and have a laugh. Our shows are monthly on a Tuesday at midday at the Komedia, Brighton. Tickets are £11 in advance (babies get the laughs for free!) Please note we have a 12 month recommended age limit for our little laughers, as our comics perform their usual material.

www.byobcomedy.com

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