Lessons in scripting comedy

The writers behind Birds Of A Feather, The Vicar Of Dibley, Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em and the Nick Hancock sitcom Holding The Baby are to hold a masterclass in comedy writing.

ScriptWriter magazine has organised the event after former BBC director-general Greg Dyke said: ‘The difficulty is finding the writers and artists who want to do more traditional fare.’

Birds Of A Feather’s Laurence Marks & Maurice Gran will be discussing the ‘centrality of character in comedy’, while Dominic Minghella, the brother of Oscar-winning Anthony who wrote Holding The Baby and ITV’s comedy-drama Doc Martin, will sing the praises of the American way of running shows.

Producer and writer Paul Mayhew-Archer, who co-wrote The Vicar Of Dibley with Richard Curtis, will examine the idea that the key to comedy is simplicity.

He said: ‘Writers are increasingly wary of going into mainstream comedy writing because they know they are going to be very exposed… and if you don’t pick up an audience immediately – and there’s little likelihood of that with the need for ratings and instant presence - you will not be recommissioned.’

Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em  creator Raymond Allen will conclude the day with a talk entitled: Are You Trying to be Funny? Or How I Escaped From The Toilet And Nearly Went Round The Bend.

The one-day course, costing £90, will be held at Rada in central London on April 29 – although there’s £10 off if you quote Chortle at the box office on 020 7908 4800.

Published: 18 Apr 2006