Stand-up legend offers £80 courses via the BBC

Sir Billy Connolly is to become a comedy tutor.

The Big Yin is to offer video lessons in stand-up via BBC Maestro, a commercial service that offers ‘world-class online courses’.

The platform says: ‘For the first time, and exclusive to BBC Maestro, he’ll be sharing his unique approach to a lifetime of making people laugh and how you can make your own stand-up more windswept and interesting. In the words of the great man, "If you give people a chance, they shine."’

The 79-year-old comedian – who BBC Maestro calls ‘a ‘legend of stand-up… hailed the funniest, most influential and greatest comedian of all time’ – joins a roster of top-flight talent offering tips to subscribers. Other courses include David Walliams on writing books for children, Gary Barlow on songwriting and cookery courses from Marco Pierre White.

Launched in 2020, BBC Maestro is run by the corporation’s commercial arm, BBC Studios, and is seen as an attempt to mimic the success of America’s £2billion MasterClass platform, whose instructors have included Martin Scorsese and Steve Martin.

Subscription to BBC Maestro costs £110 a year, with individual courses such as Sir Billy’s available for £80. A launch date for the comedy course has not yet been disclosed, but the lessons are already being advertised on the site.

Sir Billy announced his retirement from stand-up in 2018 after being hit by Parkinson’s disease. He now lives in Florida, where he pursues his passion for art, as well as taking part in other projects, including several TV shows about his career.

Published: 17 Sep 2022