W&T’s Community Comedy Club wins Big Ideas Bonanza!

Big Idea Bonanza

W&T have shown that laughter really can be the best medicine as its Community Comedy Club wins the Big Ideas Bonanza.

The Big Idea Bonanza – a campaign seeking ideas to improve the health of residents in Birmingham and Solihull – has announced Women & Theatre’s ‘Community Comedy Club’ as the winner of its inaugural award.

W&T’s Community Comedy Club was developed in 2010/11 in partnership with Stanhope Hall Community Centre. It consisted of 4 community comedy courses each culminating in a Comedy Night, where community participants performed their own material alongside a professional headline act  and host Mrs. Barbara Nice, the well loved comedy alter ego of W&T’s Artistic Director Janice Connolly. The courses were very successful with participants reporting raised self esteem and confidence and Comedy Events attracting large audiences and fantastic feedback.

The Big Idea Bonanza prize includes a package of support from The Young Foundation to develop the project further and maximise its potential to:

  • Tackle low level mental health issues such as anxiety and depression
  • Remove barriers of isolation and loneliness
  • Develop new approaches in mental health
  • Encourage social inclusion in health, education and the wider community
  • Raise confidence and self-esteem
  • Provide new opportunities for genuine social engagement

Eleanor Cappell, Social Entrepreneur in Residence at the Birmingham and Solihull NHS Cluster, who managed and ran the Big Ideas Bonanza said  “I and my colleagues at the Young Foundation look forward to working with the ‘Women & Theatre’ team over the coming months developing their ventures sustainability, scalability and impact measurement tools.”

Our Community Comedy Club has been incredibly successful, making a huge impact on individuals’ lives and uniting the Highgate community. We are thrilled to have won this award and have the opportunity to work with The Young Foundation to explore sustainable ways of developing the project, ensuring the benefits of laughter can reach more people in a range of contexts.

Posted: August 17, 2011 in Announcements, Community, Health, Projects, news
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Comedy Course & Comedy Evening with The Feast, 11-14 April

The Feast and Women & Theatre present:
Faithful & Funny
Exploring faith        Creating Friendships        Changing lives

Free Youth Comedy Course with Mrs Barbara Nice

Laughter is a powerful force, and can be used to lift up or tear down. We believe young people can be Faithful & Funny

Calling Christian and Muslim young people!!  Come and join local comedian Mrs Barbara Nice, a stand-up comedy star with TV credits including Phoenix Nights and Coronation Street, on a comedy course that will make stand up comics out of total beginners. You also get the chance to perform at our Youth Faithful & Funny Evening at the end.  There are only 10 places, so book now!

Course held Monday 11 April to Thursday 14 April, 10am to 12pm
At The Springfield Centre, Cnr Springfield and Woodlands Roads, Moseley, B13 9NY.
Free for all students, year 10 and above. Refreshments included.
For more information or to join the course contact Helen Tomblin, on 07968 695 812 or helen@birmingham.anglican.org

Interfaith Youth Comedy Evening

Featuring Birmingham local DUNCAN LOGAN, along with Christian and Muslim young people performing stand-up comedy. Hosted by MRS BARBARA NICE.

Thursday 14 April, 7.00pm
at The Springfield Centre, cnr Springfield and Woodland Roads, Moseley.
Free curry and refreshments served.
Free, for Age 15+, everyone welcome.

This special comedy evening features stand-up from a group of Christian and Muslim young people who have been taking part in a comedy course with Mrs Barbara Nice (of Coronation Street and Phoenix Nights fame). Come and support them as they share their newfound skills alongside Barbara Nice and headlining act Duncan Logan, one of the most original, freshest and cleanest acts on the comedy circuit.

‘I really want to book this guy again and again’ – Juice Comedy.
‘Naturally talented, naturally funny’ – Surgery Comedy
‘Fantastic night definitely book him again’ – Stafford Boat Club

Course and comedy night made possible by Westhill Endowment, Women & Theatre and the Diocese of Birmingham.

Posted: April 5, 2011 in Announcements, Uncategorized, news
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Highgate Community Comedy Evening, Wednesday 30th March

Comedy Evening Eflyer

Highgate Community Comedy Evening
Local people from Highgate performing their own stand-up comedy
Hosted by Mrs Barbara Nice, and featuring Jo Enright
Wednesday 30th March, 7.30pm
At Stanhope Hall Community Centre, Ketley Croft, Highgate, B12 0XG
Free curry and refreshments
Free, for Age 16+

Have a laugh at this great local night out! This special comedy evening features stand-up from a group of Highgate residents who have been taking part in a comedy course with Mrs Barbara Nice (of Coronation Street and Phoenix Nights fame.) Come and support them as they share their newfound skills alongside Barbara Nice and headlining act Jo Enright.

“I had cramp in my belly, was laughing so much.”
“Very funny. Can’t wait till there is another one. Thanks for a great evening and a great curry!”

This project has been funded through the Heart of Birmingham Teaching Primary Care Trust’s Mental Health Grants Programme 2009-10 and suported by the Digbeth Trust.

Posted: March 18, 2011 in Announcements, news
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Comedy Course with Mrs Barbara Nice, starting 2nd March

Stanhope Comedy Course

Free Comedy Course with Mrs Barbara Nice

  • Create your own stand-up comedy routine
  • Develop your skills on the microphone
  • Build your confidence
  • Make your voice heard
  • Have a laugh with new mates!

Come and join popular local comedian Mrs Barbara Nice, a stand-up comedy star with TV credits including Phoenix Nights and Coronation Street, on a comedy course that will make stand up comics out of total beginners.  You also get the chance to perform at a Community Comedy Evening at the end.  There are only 15 places, so book now!

Course held on Wednesday Evenings, 7pm – 9pm

From 2nd March – 30th March 2011

At Stanhope Hall Community Centre, Ketley Croft, Highgate, B12 0XG

Free for all 16+ living in or around Highgate

For more information or to join the course call Pippa at Women & Theatre on 0121 449 7117 or email pippafrith@womenandtheatre.co.uk

This project has been funded through the Heart of Birmingham Teaching Primary Care Trust’s Mental Health Grants Programme 2009-10 and suported by the Digbeth Trust.

Posted: February 10, 2011 in Announcements, news
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Stanhope Community Comedy Evening

Local men from Highgate perform their own stand-up comedy
Hosted by Mrs Barbara Nice

Wednesday 8th December 2010 at 7.30pm
Stanhope Hall Community Centre, Ketley Croft, Highgate, B12 0XG

Free for all ages, curry and refreshments included!

barbaranice

After the success of the Stanhope Women’s Comedy Night and the Stanhope Young People’s Comedy Night, the men are at it too!

This special comedy evening features stand-up from a group of Highgate men who have been taking part in a comedy course with Barbara Nice (of Coronation Street and Phoenix Nights fame).

Come and join us for a night of laughter and fun – Featuring new local acts and the hilarious Steve Day to round it all off!

‘A great night-well worth it!’
‘This was a good, fun packed evening. It should happen again. The food was good too!’

Please find a map below; Stanhope Hall is on the corner of Emily Street and Ketley Croft:

View Larger Map

This project has been funded through the Heart of Birmingham Teaching Primary Care Trust’s Mental Health Grants Programme 2009-10 and supported by the Digbeth Trust.

Posted: December 3, 2010 in Announcements, Community, Projects, Uncategorized, news
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Highgate Community Comedy Evening on Thursday 28th October

Local Young People from Highgate performing their own stand-up comedy
Hosted by Mrs Barbara Nice
Thursday 28th October at 6.30pm
At Stanhope Hall Community Centre, Ketley Croft, Highgate, B12 0XG

Free, for all ages, curry and refreshments included

Have a laugh at this great local night out! This special comedy evening features stand-up from a group of Highgate young people who have been taking part in a comedy course with Mrs Barbara Nice (of Coronation Street and Phoenix Nights fame. Come and support them as they share their newfound skills alongside host Barbara Nice and headline act Joe Lycett, winner of Chortle’s Best Newcomer Award 2010.

Just check out some of the feedback for our last comedy evening:
“Very wicked! Loved it and would like to see more of it!”
“I had a ball- tonight was brilliant!”

Please find a map below; Stanhope Hall is on the corner of Emily Street and Ketley Croft:

View Larger Map

This project has been funded through the Heart of Birmingham Teaching Primary Care Trust’s Mental Health Grants Programme 2009-10 and supported by the Digbeth Trust.

Posted: October 26, 2010 in Announcements, news
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Barbara Nice & Gals at mac on 3rd October – SOLD OUT!

Barbara Nice & Gals
Sunday 3rd October at 7pm
at mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham

Women & Theatre invite you to join us for a comic feast hosted by everyone’s favourite Kings Heath housewife and mother of five, Mrs Barbara Nice. She presents a friendly and hilarious night of laughter from a high quality pick and mix of the nation’s funniest women. All proceeds go to support our new project, Wasted.

Susan Calman has proved herself a force to be reckoned with from her first gig in Glasgow in 2005 to rave reviews in Edinburgh. “A wee lassie with a big future” (The List)
Francesca Martinez, one of The Observer’s 50 funniest acts in British comedy, “may be wobbly, but never the jokes” (The Stage)
Isma Almas is a promising newcomer with incisive, “fantastic material. She left everyone in her slipstream” (Chortle).
All-female sketch group Lady Garden are “One of the funniest, clever and sexy new sketch groups around” (Time Out) with their rapier-sharp wit.
Barbara Nice, described as “a hybrid between Mrs Merton and Victoria Wood” (The Times), Barbara Nice “doesn’t just blur the gap between audience and performer, she obliterates it” (Edinburgh Evening News)

All proceeds go to Women & Theatre (B’ham) Ltd. Registered in England & Wales No. 1998448; Registered Charity No. 518580.

Tickets are £12 (£9 concession), available from mac on 0121 446 3232 or online at www.macarts.co.uk

Posted: September 21, 2010 in Announcements, news
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Stanhope Community Comedy Club – Wednesday 7th July 2010, 6.30pm

Hosted by Mrs Barbara Nice
Wednesday 7th July at 6.30pm
At Stanhope Hall Community Centre
Curry and refreshments served
Free, for Age 16+

Have a laugh at this great local night out! This special comedy evening features stand-up from a group of Highgate women who have been taking part in a comedy course with Mrs Barbara Nice. Come and support them as they share their newfound skills along with professional comedians!

Annette Fagon is a loud comedy newcomer, making fast progress on the UK comedy circuit by talking about everything from hoodies and mobile phone habits to Beyonce’s mental state.
Best Newcomer at the 2006 BECA Awards and Midlands Stand Up Runner up 2007.
”With this sort of retro observational comedy, she’s just like Peter Kay would be – well, if he were female, black and from Leicester” Chortle

Barbara Nice: is everyone’s favourite Kings Heath housewife and mother of five, with a comedy style described as a hybrid between Mrs Merton and Victoria Wood. She is the comedy creation of Women & Theatre’s Artistic Director Janice Connolly. Janice has also been seen on TV in Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights, Max & Paddy, Thin Ice and Coronation Street.
“As hilarious as it is possible to get” The Scotsman, ***** The Independent

This project has been funded through the Heart of Birmingham Teaching Primary Care Trust’s Mental Health Grants Programme 2009-10 and suported by the Digbeth Trust.


View Larger Map“>Map to Stanhope Hall

Posted: July 2, 2010 in Announcements, news
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Another W&T comedy night on 3rd October 2010!

Save the date folks, Women & Theatre are holding another of our popular comedy fundraising nights on Sunday 3rd October 2010! This time we’re holding it at the lovely refurbished mac. Tickets will be available a little closer to the time from mac’s website.

Women & Theatre invite you to join us for a comic feast hosted by everyone’s favourite Kings Heath housewife and mother of five, Mrs Barbara Nice. She presents a friendly and hilarious night of laughter from a high quality pick and mix of the nation’s funniest women:

Susan Calman has proved herself a force to be reckoned with from her first gig in Glasgow in 2005 to rave reviews in Edinburgh. “A wee lassie with a big future” (The List)

Francesca Martinez, one of The Observer’s 50 funniest acts in British comedy, “may be wobbly, but never the jokes” (The Stage)

Shazia Mirza’s distinctive deadpan observational comedy provides a unique perspective of life as a British Muslim stand up. “Outrageous… Shazia can find humour in anything” (Trends)

All-female sketch group Lady Garden are “One of the funniest, clever and sexy new sketch groups around” (Time Out) with their rapier-sharp wit.

Ava Vidal is a cool and composed who has risen quickly through comedy’s ranks, and was the only female finalist in the BBC 3 New Comedy Awards. “a biting, brutal wit… a force to be reckoned with” Chortle.co.uk

Barbara Nice, described as “a hybrid between Mrs Merton and Victoria Wood (The Times), Barbara Nice “doesn’t just blur the gap between audience and performer, she obliterates it” (Edinburgh Evening News)

All proceeds go to Women & Theatre (B’ham) Ltd. Registered in England & Wales No. 1998448; Registered Charity No. 518580

Posted: June 14, 2010 in Announcements, news
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Barbara Nice & Gals in Comedy Fundraising Night – 16th September!

Comedy fundraiser flyer

Our last Comedy Fundraiser event was such a swinging success that we’ve decided to hold another one! We  invite you to join us for a comic feast to raise funds for a new Company van!

Women & Theatre presents

Barbara Nice & Gals
Comedy Fundraiser

Barbara Nice “As hilarious as it is possible to get” The Scotsman.
***** The Independent
***** Chortle

Wednesday 16th September 2009
The Glee Club Birmingham, The Arcadian Centre
Doors 7.30pm / Audience in by 8pm / Show 8.30pm
Admission £15
Allocated seating / club menu available
Box Office: 0871 472 0400/ www.glee.co.uk

Following last year’s sell-out Comedy Night, Women & Theatre are back at The Glee Club to bring you another warm, friendly and hilarious night of laughter on Wednesday 16th September from 7.30pm.

Comedy legend Barbara Nice has been driving Women & Theatre’s iconic purple van, the length and breadth of the UK, gathering a high quality line up of the Nation’s funniest women including Jo Enright, Annette Fagon and Kerry Godliman.

Described as “a hybrid between Mrs Merton and Victoria Wood” (The Times), Barbara Nice “doesn’t just blur the gap between audience and performer – she obliterates it” (Edinburgh Evening News.)

Barbara Nice is the comedy creation of Women & Theatre’s Artistic Director and founder member Janice Connolly. Janice has also been seen in Peter Kay’s award winning Phoenix Nights. Other TV credits include Max and Paddy, Thin Ice BBC, Dead Man Weds ITV and Coronation Street.

Everyone welcome!

Women & Theatre is a Birmingham-based company with 25 years experience of creating illuminating and accessible new theatre about things that matter.  Women & Theatre is an award-winning company and has been pioneering new ways of addressing contemporary issues through performance since 1983. The company creates engaging drama, which promotes the spiritual, social, physical and mental well being of the whole community. We aim to reflect the language and lives of ordinary people, giving voices to those not usually heard.

Throughout the years, Women & Theatre has held the belief that laughter is food for the soul. Within all our work there is always a healthy dollop of humour that we bring to audiences across Birmingham, the West Midlands and the UK. Securing a new van for the company will keep us reaching diverse communities and professional audiences for many years to come!

All proceeds to Women & Theatre new Van Fund!
Women & Theatre (B’ham) Ltd. Registered in England & Wales No. 1998448; Registered Charity No. 518580

Posted: August 5, 2009 in Uncategorized
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