New comedy course wants Merseyside's funniest people to Stand Up in Bootle

Bootle Stands Up! is looking for Merseyside’s funniest people who have what to takes to take to the stage and get audiences laughing.

Bootle Stands Up! which is sponsored by Dowhigh Ltd, is part of the 2024 Salt and Tar Comedy Weekender, run by Big Comedy UK and Sefton Council, which is taking place across the May Bank Holiday Weekend on 23rd-26th May.

Bootle Stands Up! Is seeking around a dozen people to challenge themselves and take part in a free six-week comedy masterclass, led by established local comedian Brendan Riley.

The initiative is raising money for the superb YKids charity in Bootle, which aims to empower and support children and young people in the local community to believe that they can, and then do, make a difference.

The course is available to anyone aged 18 and over. You can apply via the website: bigcomedyuk.com

Big Comedy UK Director Brendan Riley said:

“We were delighted by the success of the first ever Salt and Tar Comedy Weekender last year!

“Each year we are looking to add a new element to the festival and this year we are introducing Bootle Stands Up!

“It is a really great way to engage with the local community. We know there are lots of budding comedians in Bootle and we would love them to come and join us for our comedy workshops.

“We are delighted to be raising money for YKids, which is a fantastic local charity in Bootle.

“We would like to thank Dowhigh Ltd, a Bootle-based firm, for their support in making this event happen.

“We have run successful comedy workshops and events like this before, raising money for local charities such as Claire House children’s hospice, the Community Link Foundation and Southport Lifeboat.

“This is a six week comedy workshop, culminating in a show on the main stage at the new Salt and Tar events space on the opening night of this year’s Comedy Weekender.

“We are looking for around ten people to take part. It could be someone who has always wanted to have a go at stand up comedy; it could be someone with a great sense of humour who’s good at making people laugh; it could be someone keen to build their confidence and improve their public speaking skills.

“I always encourage people to use original material in the show.

“The workshops will take place on six Monday evenings leading up to the festival, with a venue to be confirmed soon.

“We are not looking for the next Michael McIntrye! Just someone looking to enjoy a new challenge, through a really fun learning experience.

“We will teach people lots of skills, including how to deal with a heckler; creative writing; public speaking; dealing with nerves.

“At the end of the course, the participants will deliver a 10-minute set on stage at Salt and Tar on Thursday, 23rd May 2024. It should be fun!

“If you’re interested in taking part you can apply through our Big Comedy UK website or call me on 07770591625 and I’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have, or explain more about the process.

“The workshops are a fantastic way of building your personal skills and public speaking confidence.

“The people in the group are always really supportive of each other. All we ask is for people to commit to six weeks of doing the course and then the show.

“For anyone thinking of taking part, it is a really great experience.”

The Salt and Tar’s Comedy Weekender in Bootle is back for 2024, with a star-studded line up that is sure to keep the audience laughing.

The event will take place over the May Bank Holiday weekend, launching with Bootle Stand Up! on Thursday 23th May and running to Sunday 26th May 2024. Tickets start from just £5.

Gary Delaney and Brennan Reece, alongside local comic Katie Tracey will appear on the Friday, with Bingo Nights UK’s Disco Bingo taking to the stage on Saturday night, followed by Seann Walsh, Peter Rethinasamy and Hal Cruttenden on the Sunday.

During the daytime, Salt and Tar will be home to plenty of family-fun, with Comedy Bingo hosted by local comedian Brendan Riley and Britain’s Got Talent Finalist Steve Royle performing on the Saturday, and John Harding’s Magic Show and a second helping of Comedy Bingo on Sunday.

Cllr Christine Howard, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills said:

“Last year’s comedy event was a brilliant success and, following the event, we received lots of positive feedback that highlighted what a hit it was.

“The acts this year are sure to draw a fantastic crowd and make it another successful weekend.”