18 Years of Memories!

We don't know if we've mentioned it much lately but we turn 18 years old this month! That means that ComedySportz UK is now legally old enough to drink alcohol, get a tattoo and buy fireworks. You'll have to come along to the show at Chorley Little Theatre to find out which of those we get up to in the bar afterwards!

Every Birthday show is also an opportunity for us to enjoy some great memories and laughter! Below, some of our players look back at moments that have stayed with us from the last 18 years...

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So Many Memories!

John: A few weeks ago at Waterside Arts, a dad pointed me out to his kids and said: "It's Armitage shanks" - a character I'd played in last years panto. It's great to have so many loyal fans! Those moments are really special.

Lukas: Yeah! One of my favourite memories is watching an audience volunteer make Darryl repeatedly slap himself in the face during a game of Moving Bodies. Like John said, it's great to have so many loyal fans! Those moments are really special - especially when they happen to someone else...

Rachel: Kate and Tommo (original Chorley players) racing each other at skydiving in a game of Forward Reverse... That went on for 8 minutes. It was our first match and we didn't realise maybe games shouldn't always go on that long!

Darryl: This is from the early days at Chorley. I can’t remember the exact context but I was a sniper and I asked Steven how he knew about a certain characteristic of the person we were targeting. His response was I can see his passport! The target turned out to be a guerilla. Harambe hadn't been killed yet so you could still make jokes about that sort of thing.

Sean: I love seeing people flourish and come out of themselves during our workshops. There have been so many great moments during workshops and players practice that no audience ever gets to see. It's fun to perform with friends.

Bron: We do enjoy a good post match curry. There are quite a few of us in the troupe and once about 20 of us went for a meal. Marcus ordered a starter. No one else did, which meant we all had to wait for our main course. Some of us had had a full day of workshops before the show and no time to eat... Several players died from hunger.

...Oh Marcus.

Laura: I loved it when Erin from CSz Twin Cities came to visit and performed with us because it was my first look into the “ComedySportz extended universe” and I realised just how big the CSz Worldwide family really is! It's been great playing with improvisers from all over the world!

Marcus: It was my first show at the Comedy Store and to choose which team went first the referee got members of the audience to draw a moustache on me and Ash. It was a special show raising money for Movember. The child who was chosen to draw a red moustache on my face with a felt tip pen literally tattooed a red goatee beard to my face... I was not sure where the red ink stopped and my crimson blood began. That evening I found out why that particular brand of pen is called Sharpie.

Sean: That's what you get for ordering a starter when no one else does.

Marcus: I did actually ask for my starter to be sent out with the mains. So I could have a chicken pakora/lamb madras hybrid. It's not my fault!

Bron: We've learned a lot over the years and performed in some fantastic- and not so fantastic places. It's been great to see audiences grow especially at the Edinburgh Fringe where that audience has included Prince Edward and his family. We were told we were going to have a special visitor but not who it was going to be. We were busy preparing for the show so didn't know they'd effectively shut down Cowgate so the prince and his family could get to the venue. It was a very surreal experience.

Rob: Starting ComedySportz 4 Tots has been a real highlight for me. Lots of fun and madness every month. Grateful for the opportunity to get very little uns watching our comedy and introducing improv to really young kids who are so imaginative makes the show so much fun to perform!

Kate: It was great to see Manchester play the ComedySportz World Championship final in Philadelphia this year! Finally the UK has been recognised as a world power. It definitely made up for that time Marcus ordered a starter when no one else did.

Marcus: It was... It was six years ago.

Want To Know More?

You can read more about the last 18 years of improvised adventures on our updated History page! If you have memories of shows or workshops that you'd like to share with us you can find us on social media or drop us an email! If you would like to find out about all of the exciting things we have planned for the next 18 years then never miss an update and sign up to our monthly mailing list!

Somehow got this far and still not seen a ComedySportz show? Check our calendar for upcoming shows. Want to take an improv journey of your own? Why not sign up to one of our workshops or classes starting early 2020!

2020 Workshop Dates Announced!

We're excited to announce our next batch of 8 week courses in Improv and Stand-Up comedy will commence Saturday 25th January 2020. Don't miss your place and sign up now to our immensely popular comedy workshops. Whether you're looking to develop new performance skills, meet new people or just trying something new altogether our fun and friendly courses have something for everyone. Our workshops have featured in The Stage, Cosmopolitan UK and The Guardian Online. We're delighted to confirm that our workshop spaces are also fully wheelchair accessible.

If you're already thinking about your new year, new you be sure to check out our classes for 2020!

An alternative gift for Christmas

Book a workshop for 2020 today!

Foundation in Improv

Whether you're a budding performer or not, the idea of going off script can be intimidating! Learn the core skills of an improviser and rediscover your playful side with our safe and supportive classes. Develop your listening and communication skills to react and be in the moment. Say 'Yes, And' to Improv! Click here to find out more.

Beginning Stand-Up Comedy

Ever imagined yourself performing stand-up live but don't know how to start? Maybe you just want to develop confidence in public speaking or put a few jokes into an upcoming speech you have to make. Even if you are already performing, this course will help you craft jokes, hone your material and develop your comedic voice. Click here to find out more.

Give the gift of laughter this Christmas!

You can also book a place on either or 8 week Improv or Stand-Up Comedy workshops as a Christmas present for a friend, family member or colleague! Write a note when booking or contact us beforehand to make arrangements. We will provide you with a certificate and info sheet to give on the day. If you think you know someone who would benefit from our classes then give them a gift like no other!

Other Comedy Workshops and Classes

We'll also be continuing to run our improv drop-ins for those looking to learn new skills. We're currently planning another exciting line up of classes which we'll be announcing in the coming weeks. Keep checking back for updates!

We will also be running our sketch writing course again early 2020. Watch this space for dates!

Finally, we're running another Presentation Skills workshops on Saturday January 11th. Our last Presentation Skills intensive proved very popular and we're delighted to be running this class again. Use the skills of a Stand-Up to deliver engaging, entertaining presentations to wow your colleagues in the new year. Secure your space by paying a small deposit or pay in full today!

Find Out More!

ComedySportz UK has been running workshops in Manchester for fifteen years. Our facilitators are fully accredited by CSz Worldwide and have performed and taught all over the world.

Please don't hesitate to get in touch to find out more about our upcoming workshops. Our team will be delighted to answer any questions you might have and help you choose the course that is right for you. Want to see how we put our skills into practice, why not check out a show and members of our team will be happy to answer any questions afterwards.

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ComedySportz 18th Birthday Show!

In 2001 ComedySportz UK started with just two teams, one ref, no script and some jokes! Not much has changed since then (our except our player's kits) and we're delighted to be returning to the venue where it all began - Chorley Little Theatre - to celebrate 18 years of fun and laughter on Saturday, 16th of November!

It's hard to believe since those humble beginnings that we're still here 18 years later and have performed and taught all over the world! Our journey started when Bron (centre, pic above) came back from America to run the youth theatre at Chorley Little Theatre. She had fallen in love the show in America and asked if we could do a one off show for charity. Players and audience members love it and we've been putting the world into CSz Worldwide ever since!

18 years later and the ref still can't control the players shenanigans!

Our birthday shows are always a highlight of our year and great fun for all ages. As always our birthday show will be a Chorley vs. Manchester match with players who have been with us since the beginning versus newer players. ComedySportz UK is now also legally old enough to drink so you'll be able to find us in the bar after!

We'll be playing plenty of audience favourite games including 'Object Tag!' so be prepared to bring some really imaginative objects to see if we use them in our game! In previous years people have given us everything from a spare tyre to a microwave from which to craft quick-witted jokes and gags.

Video Highlights From Previous Birthday Shows at Chorley Little Theatre!

 

If you can't make it to Chorley you can also catch us at Waterside Arts (also on the 16th) as well as ComedySportz 4 Tots. Be sure to follow us on social media as we share memories from the last 18 years and we hope you'll join us as we celebrate this very special birthday weekend!

These dates are also currently our last regular ComedySportz shows of 2019 as December will see the return of our our Improvised Pantomimes - book your tickets now!

ComedySportz 18th Birthday Show

Venue: Chorley Little Theatre
Tickets: £8 Adults £5 Concessions – Book Here
Date: 16th November 2019
Time: 19:30 (2hrs inc. interval)

 

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Halloween Spooktacular this October!

Ghoulish gags and games abound in our Halloween special at the end of the month. Players will be adding a little pumpkin spice to our usual family friendly show as teams get you screaming with laughter with spooky sketches and songs inspired by your suggestions.

Screaming with Laughter this Halloween

Instead of the red and blue team this month it'll be the Dead and Boo teams vying for your laughs with special themed games. Don’t worry though, there’s still a referee on hand to issue penalties for bad jokes and bad behaviour – like trying to eat your brains!

It'll be great fun for the whole family this Halloween with treats for any audience members in fancy dress. Who wins? You decide!

For families with younger kids there is also ComedySportz 4 Tots at 3pm with plenty of big laughs for little kids.

Our Halloween special is always lots of fun and just the start of a fantastic autumn/winter line up of shows. Don't miss our 18th Birthday weekend on 16th November with shows at Waterside Arts and Chorley Little Theatre - more details coming soon. Then, in December, our Improvised Pantomimes return with shows at Waterside Arts and The Palace Cinema in Longridge!

ComedySportz Halloween Spooktacular

Venue: Waterside Arts, Waterside Plaza, Sale, M33 7ZF
Tickets: £8 Adults £6 Concessions – Book Here
Date: 26th October 2019
Time: 18:30 (2hrs inc. interval)

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"Is This On?" Starting Stand-Up Classes

Thinking of joining our next Stand-Up Comedy course?  Always wanted to try your hand at Stand-Up but not sure if taking a course is right for you? Read on to find more about our classes...

ComedySportz Stand Up Workshops Manchester

There's No Wrong Reason To Take Stand-Up Classes

Maybe you've always wanted to try your hand at Stand-Up but you're not sure how to get started. Maybe your friends think you're hilarious but you're not sure how to structure your material. Perhaps you want to hone and tighten your comedic writing. You might already have a few gigs under your belt and you want get feedback on your material, and focus on crafting new jokes. Or, maybe you just want to build confidence in speaking in public. Whatever your reason for taking a Stand-Up class you'll get regular feedback to help you find your voice. Classes are a safe and supportive environment to try out ideas, overcome jitters or just enjoy a couple of hours trying to make other people laugh.

There Are A Billion Different Ways To Be Funny

There is no one right way to perform stand-up as everyone has a different sense of humour and style of delivery. So why take a class? Classes are a great way to hone your material, work on the craft of joke telling and see what works. Whether you want to to be a quick-witted One-Liner comedian or develop a surreal character act, workshops are an environment to discover the kind of comedian you want to be.

Even People Who Are Naturally Funny Can Benefit From Workshops

You might be the funniest person your friends know but performing Stand-Up in front of strangers can be a very different experience. Even the naturally funny can benefit from a little direction, helping to shape gags to get maximum laughter from your routines, stories and jokes. They're a great way to get regular feedback from professional stand-ups & peers and to try out new ideas in a supportive environment.

Stand Up Workshops

Learning Stand-Up Can Give You Fresh Perspectives

Successful Stand-Ups tell jokes and stories with clear points of view and the best try to find a new perspective on even the most banal of subjects. Performing Stand-Up encourages you to think outside the box and see things from a new perspective.

Stand-Up Is Not As Solitary As You Think

Stand-Ups are often told "oh, I could never do that. It's too scary." Of course, standing in front of a crowd with only a microphone and a few jokes can seem very scary. However, starting your stand-up career with another group of comics helps ensure you get the support you need to take your first steps onto stage.

Feedback from a previous course. Shared with permission.

Sign Up To Our Stand-Up Classes Today!

ComedySportz UK has been performing and teaching since 2001. Our workshops have featured in The Stage, Cosmo UK and The Guardian.  If you’re thinking about starting stand-up classes with us we’re happy to answer any questions you have before signing up. You can sign up here.

All of our classes and workshop leaders are fully accredited by CSzWorldwide, one of the world’s largest comedy performance schools. So, when you take a class with us, you’re not just benefiting from our experience but the knowledge of over 30 ComedySportz teams worldwide!

Feeling a little more spontaneous? Why not check out our Foundation in Improv course.

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