News release - Students stand-up for comic relief
10 March 2009
Southampton Solent University staff, students and one very brave soul from BBC Radio Solent are to take to the stage on Friday, 13
th March to raise cash for Comic Relief during a lunch hour of stand-up comedy.
The one-hour Joke-athon will see Solent's BA (Hons) Comedy degree students 'do something funny for money' between 12 and 1pm in the Students' Union.
Star of the show is set to be Radio Solent drivetime presenter, Steve Harris, whose journey from no hoper to hopeful joker - having been mentored by Deputy Course Leader for Comedy, Dr Chris Ritchie and his students – will be put to the test!
During his latest broadcast from Southampton Solent University, Steve took some top tips from Dr Ritchie and braved a trial run, using gags sent in by his Radio Solent listeners.
"Having a go at stand-up comedy seemed like a good idea at the time - but it's not easy," says Steve.
Dr Chris Ritchie adds: "Steve has come on really well. His latest performance was confident and he had some good jokes. But we'll see how he does on the day."
Steve's slot will be recorded and broadcast from 4.00pm on Radio Solent.
Pictured above (from L-R) Dr Chris Ritchie, Deputy Course Leader for Comedy and BBC Radio Solent drivetime presenter Steve Harris.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT SOUTHAMPTON SOLENT UNIVERSITY PRESS OFFICE ON 023 8031 9040
Notes to editors:
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Photographers and journalists are welcome to attend the joke-athon – and have a go at telling a joke - at Southampton Solent University on Friday, March 13th from 12-1pm. Please contact the Press Office for more details.
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If you've ever wondered how to succeed in stand-up comedy – or you just want to able to tell a joke well, read on…
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Dr Ritchie's rib-tickling tips:
1. Be confident
2. Be true to yourself
3. Look like you are enjoying your performance
4. Be energetic
5. Have stamina
6. Structure your set
7. Pace your performance
8. Make sure your moral outlook is the same as your audience (some jokes will go down differently, for instance, with different age groups)
9. Have an attitude that is consistent and that the audience understand – it is this that allows, for instance, Jack Dee to be funny in a miserable kind of way
10. Timing is everything!