A round of applause for free stand-up comedy course

Following the success of last year’s stand-up comedy course, east Manchester’s New Deal for Communities is offering twelve east Manchester residents another chance to learn how to become a comedian.

Held at the Manchester Velodrome at Sportcity in east Manchester, the free course starts on 11 September and will be take place every Tuesday evening for 12 weeks.

Set up and run last year by comedian Ashley Boroda, this year's course will provide a step by step guide to becoming a stand-up comedian from writing material to microphone technique. Students will also learn to source material, study comedic styles and learn performance and confidence building skills.

Sean McGonigle, east Manchester NDC Co-ordinator said: "The course was such a great success last year that we decided to run it again. It was amazing to see how the students' confidence grew from week to week. They all did really well and two of those who took part in the course have now gone on to perform on the comedy circuit which is absolutely fantastic."

Wendy Eaton, Openshaw resident and former student, who since graduating from the course has performed in Ireland, said: "This course is wonderful. Everyone in the group really gained in confidence as the weeks went on. I'm so glad it's being run again so others have the same opportunity given to me. Tuesday nights gave me the energy to achieve and I know it's helped me in my job and community work as well as being enormous fun."

Ashley Boroda, Comedy promoter and course tutor added: "Stand-up comedy is one of the only areas of life where you can get on by talent alone. You don't need to have qualifications, or have gone to a fancy school or a top university. It is also not important to have contacts in the industry, have a famous parent or even possess model looks. You just need to be funny."

Places are limited to residents who live in Newton Heath, Miles Platting, Ancoats, Clayton, Openshaw, Beswick or Gorton. For further details and registration please contact Lela Cribbin on 0161 230 2100 or l.cribbin@manchester.gov.uk .

The course is strictly for over 18s. Deadline for applications is Wednesday 5 September 2007. For more information visit www.eastmanchesterndc.com

For further information contact Roz Hughes at New East Manchester on 0161 223 1155