The Rep, Birmingham to host free LGBTQ+ comedy masterclass

As part of an LGBTQ+ community comedy project, The Rep Theatre, Birmingham are hosting a free comedy masterclass with renowned comedian Angie Belcher. The event, which will be held on Saturday 16^th August 12pm-4.30pm, will offer the opportunity to meet the team, have a go at creating some of your own jokes, and get a taste of LGBTQTeeHee!

Following the masterclass, there will then be the opportunity to take part in a 10-week project running through the Autumn and culminating in an evening of comedy at The Rep in November.

The event is open to anyone from the LGBTQ+ community and it hopes through comedy, “to build resilience, reduce stigma and encourage honest discussions around mental health in a fun and supportive environment.”

The workshop is supported by professional comedians and wellbeing practioners. For more than fifteen years, Angie Blecher, the masterclass leader, has been specialising in the link between comedy, mental health and personal development. Her Comedy On Referral program attracted global coverage when the project was launched, using stand-up comedy workshops to help people in recovery from trauma for the NHS. She has compered many stages including Glastonbury Festival’s Cabaret Tent, and as an actor, she starred in the lead role in the Midlands comedy horror flick Crispy’s Curse on Amazon Prime. Over the years, her career has evolved from stand up, acting and performing to award-winning work as a coach and trainer.

The masterclass is free to attend but sign-up via the form is needed. For those who would rather be in the audience rather than on stage, the LGBTQTeeHee! Comedy Festival, featuring material created through the 10-week programme plus opening and headline acts, takes place on 21^st November. Priority tickets are on sale now, public booking on sale from Friday 25^th July.