More names join Chortle's Conference

Comics, club owners and commissioners...

More names have been added to the Chortle conference, offering unrivalled advice about getting on in the industry.

Tony Law will be joining the panel on 'the new alternative' in comedy. A former regular in the larger clubs, Law reinvented himself with more absurd material, which earned him a nomination in the 2012 Edinburgh Comedy Award.

With experience of both the club circuit and following a more personal course, the Canadian stand-up is perfectly placed to comment on the advantages and pitfalls of both approaches.

Another comic, Sam Brady (and failed Buddhist monk) joins the panel on 'self-promotion'. He has put together his ongoing comedy tour Happiness, entirely independently – and will share his experiences of the pros and cons of not waiting until a promoter decides to stage a tour, instead choosing to do it himself.

Meanwhile, Comedy Store owner Don Ward is joining the session on the state of the comedy club industry, discussing the threats, opportunities and challenges facing the circuit as audience tastes and demands change.

And the broadcasting panel What Commissioners Want has been joined by Fiona McDermott, commissioning editor for comedy at Channel 4, whose recent orders include Drifters, Caitlin Moran's Raised By Wolves and David Baddiel's Sit.com. She will explain what the broadcaster is looking for and what, personally, excites her in a pitch.

Comedians with TV ideas will also get the chance to pitch to her and the rest of the panel, including the BBC's Chris Sussman and Caroline Raphael, from TV and radio respectively.

The event, to be opened by Alexei Sayle, takes place at the Soho Theatre all day on June 13, and tickets include breakfast, lunch and coffee – and the chance to mingle with the contributors.

Click here for the full programme. Or use the form below to buy tickets, currently priced £65 for the full day.

• A very limited number of £18 bursary places are available to those who have embarked on a career in comedy but would find it impossible to attend otherwise for financial reasons. Email steve@chortle.co.uk with a brief outline of your situation and experience if you wish to apply for this.