Theatre in the Mill comedy workshop scheme receives grant

The money, from BBC Comedy Grants, will help finance the 12 monthly workshops.

They are taking place at Theatre in the Mill, based at the university's campus, until June 2025 as part of the You're Havin' a Laff initiative.

The workshops offer a safe space for global majority women, defined as women who are black, African, Asian, dual-heritage, or indigenous to the global south, to nurture their comedic skills and build an audience.

Comedy workshop performer Tuiya Tembo (Image: University of Bradford)

Qualifying comedy aspirants can apply for a one-day introductory workshop on Saturday, September 28 between 10am and 4pm, facilitated by comedian Seeta Wrightson.

Participants must identify as female or non-binary.

Ms Wrightson will conduct warm-ups followed by writing, performance, and improvisation exercises, with the goal of some of the group performing at next year's Edinburgh Festival.

Performer Shugufta Choudhry (Image: University of Bradford)

Participants will also be able to join a WhatsApp group sharing early access to sessions, as well as alerts for open mic nights and gig opportunities in the Bradford district.

The comedy troupe will visit community centres to widen its audience, as well as researching comedy in different languages including Nigerian Pidgin, Punjabi, and Arabic.

Penny Moe on stage at a previous comedy show (Image: University of Bradford)

Ms Wrightson said: "As a woman of colour and a comedian, I know how hard it is for diverse performers to find space in a traditionally very pale, very male comedy landscape.

"The old adage ‘you can't be what you can't see’ stands true.

"This is why it's meant so much to me to be able to help, in some small way, non-binary and global majority comedians find their confidence and hone their skills.

Khalida Ashrafi takes part in a previous stand-up event held at the university (Image: University of Bradford)

"It has been the highlight of my comedy career so far.

"And as a proud Bradfordian, being able to work with Theatre in the Mill, who are so supportive of the community and driven to make change, is an absolute dream."

Shabina Aslam, artistic director at Theatre in the Mill, said: "Theatre in the Mill is delighted to be part of the BBC’s investment into developing comedy in the north.

"With their funds we will further enhance and grow You’re Havin’ a Laff, our local initiative supporting female and non-binary comics to find their funny and broadcast it loudly."

As well as open-mic stand-up, other performance routes encouraged by the project include writing an hour-long theatre show and writing comedy for television and radio.