First comedy club for kids

Stand-up James Campbell is to launch what's thought to be the first comedy club for children.

The regular night, an extension of his popular Comedy 4 Kids live show, will feature guest comics – as well as short spots open to youngsters aspiring to be stand-ups.

To develop those fledgling talents, Campbell is also starting the first comedy course for children aged seven to 13.

His publicist said: “The main thrust of the Academy will be encouraging children to think about their place in the world and develop comedy from their own perspective.

“They will be helped to devise, write and perform material as part of the course.  Children will then be able to practise their act in a safe environment with feedback and criticism to help them improve. 

“Once a certain level of competence has been achieved, they will be encouraged to perform a five-minute spot in James Campbell’s weekly Comedy Club 4 Kids - these places are only available to pupils of James’ academy.”

The 90-minute classes run for 12 weeks, from May 1, costing a total of £250, and 30 spaces are available.

And the club starts on  Sunday June 5 at the Menier Chocolate Factory Theatre in Southwark, South London.

Before then, Campbell is taking the kids’ show on tour to the Melbourne Comedy Festival.

For more info, email: Melissa@jamescampbell.info

Published: 7 Mar 2005