Places available on free stand-up comedy course

Sixteen places are available on a free comedy course for east Manchester residents, funded by urban regeneration company, New East Manchester.

Now in its fourth year, the new course starts on 4 January and will run every Monday evening for 12 weeks at the Manchester Velodrome in Clayton.

The course, set up and run by comedian Ashley Boroda, provides 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.

Libby Graham, head of social regeneration for New East Manchester, said: "Regeneration isn't just about physical urban renewal.  It's just as important to support local people in learning new skills that could help them gain employment or make that career change.  We fund this course because it's a fantastic way to help boost people's confidence. Some ex-course participants have gone on to perform professionally, but the majority have found that they finish the course as more confident, motivated individuals who have used the skills they've learnt to help further their career."

Paul Redston, is one of many east Manchester residents who has benefited from taking part in the course. The 44-year-old builder from Gorton commented: "The course was fantastic and helped to answer so many of my questions including small things like how to hold a microphone properly.  It has given me inspiration and I am now committed to achieving my goal of becoming an original stand-up comedian."

Ashley Boroda, comedy promoter and course tutor, said: "This course has been incredibly successful since we started in 2006.  People sign up for all sorts of reasons, from a personal challenge to improve their confidence or self esteem, to having the ambition to take their talent to the stage and needing the skills to do it. Whatever the reason, everyone gets a tremendous amount out of it and it has even helped change some people's lives. The main thing is that it's a lot of fun and a great way to make new friends."

Preference for places on the course will be given to residents of Newton Heath, Miles Platting, Ancoats, Clayton, Openshaw, Beswick and Gorton. For further details and registration please contact Ashley Boroda on 0161 280 8938 or enquiries@ashleyboroda.com The course is strictly for over 18s.

For further information on New East Manchester visit www.neweastmanchester.com

For more on Ashley Boroda visit www.ashleyboroda.com

For more information on Manchester Velodrome visit www.manchestervelodrome.com