Hi, my Name is Theo Madden. I’m Currently studying sports journalism at Leeds Trinity University.

As part of my course, I have to complete a placement and decided to come out of my subject zone of sport and, after a successful placement with Leeds united last April, continue in PR. I had looked long and hard at options and know Red Ladder’s Marketing Manager Ruth but didn’t know much about the company. Although I had seen their play Promised Land when I was younger and really enjoyed it. When researching the company it was perfect because I love the creative industries, and there’s loads of good opportunities to network and see live performance.

Red Ladder is supporting local South Kirkby councillor Charlie Robinson with comedy workshops at the Mallard pub on Moorthorpe Train station which take place at 7:00pm to 8:30pm on Wednesday evenings. These are the third set of workshops run by Alex Dunlop for the theatre company, aimed at people interested in giving stand-up comedy a go.

I attended the first session to help Ruth with interviews for Red Ladder’s socials, signing people in and welcoming them. I have always loved comedy. My favourite comedian and legend is Victoria Wood. I also like “me old flower” Charlie Williams. So I thought I would sit in and see what the session was like. I got into the groove which made me stay until the end.

We started off with some games which were fun and then a short activity. For session two we had to bring 30 seconds of something to present. I was really impressed with everyone’s first go.

I can tell when I have really loved an event, I keep thinking and talking about it a lot. And that’s exactly it, I loved every moment, getting to know new people and their taste for comedy. But the major aspect for me was having a laugh for the first time in a while which was great!

The course enabled us to express the type of comedy we wanted to do in the way we want. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in comedy. It is a fantastic laugh, something fun, interactive and new to try. I will definitely be going back tomorrow night.

Millennium Community Hub CIC kindly received a Magic Little Grant through the partnership between Localgiving and Postcode Neighbourhood Trust to make this course possible. Postcode Neighbourhood Trust is a grant-giving charity funded by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.