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From First Joke to Final Applause

Stand Up Comedy Classes

Stand Up Comedy - Beginners with Showcase

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Our Stand Up Comedy Course is your chance to step into the spotlight, develop your unique comic voice, and perform in a live Showcase at a central London venue.

Over the course, you’ll explore a variety of techniques to boost your confidence, sharpen your wit, and master the stage. You’ll work with an experienced comedy tutor to write, structure, and rehearse original material while learning the art of delivery, timing, and handling any situation.

If you’re an aspiring performer, a curious beginner, looking for a confidence boost, or looking to get started in the industry, this course gives you the creative tools, industry insight, and stage experience to make people laugh.

By the end of the course, you will

You will not only understand how the comedy industry works, including how gigs are booked, how to navigate the open mic circuit, and how to start building opportunities as a performer but also:

  • Confidently hold a room and engage an audience from start to finish.
  • Use your voice, microphone, and body language to maximum comedic effect.
  • Structure jokes, stories, and sets for maximum laughs.
  • Improvise and respond in the moment, including dealing with interruptions and hecklers.
  • Develop and refine your unique comedic style and point of view.
  • Rehearse and perform with professional feedback.
  • Deliver a live set in a Showcase performance at a central London venue to an invited audience.

Benefits of taking this course

Learning stand up comedy isn’t just about making people laugh - it’s about building skills that stay with you for life. Over the duration of the course you will:

  • Build confidence speaking in front of an audience.

  • Learn to think quickly and creatively under pressure.

  • Improve storytelling, timing, and delivery.

  • Strengthen your presence in both performance and everyday communication.

  • Connect with like-minded creatives and expand your network.

  • Experience the thrill of performing live and hearing that first big laugh.

 

⚙️
Master the Mic
Learn how to use your voice, timing, and mic technique to deliver punchlines with impact.
🎓
Write It, Own It
Create original, structured material that reflects your unique comedic voice.
📋
Find Your Style
Experiment with different comedic approaches to discover what works best for you.
🔀
Perform Live
Finish the course with a Showcase performance in a professional London venue.

Useful Information

1
Do I need previous experience?
No, this course is suitable for complete beginners and those who have dabbled in comedy before.
2
Will I have to perform in front of people?
Yes! Performance is part of the process, but we build up to it in a supportive and encouraging way so you feel ready.
3
How long is the Showcase set?
Typically between 3–5 minutes, depending on the class size.
4
Can I invite friends and family to the Showcase?
Absolutely! The Showcase is for an invited audience and it’s a great way to celebrate your achievement.
5
Will I get feedback?
Yes, you’ll receive friendly, constructive feedback throughout the course to help you improve your material and delivery.

Other students have also been interested in

Students often combine this course with other acting, improvisation, and writing classes to broaden their performance skills and creative confidence

Browse Courses

You can filter Courses by month and tutor

Date Day Time (BST) Duration Tutor Venue Price Booking
06 Sep 2026 - 19 Oct 2026
Sun
11:00-13:00
7 weeks (inc. showcase)
Sarah Iles
City Academy, Farringdon
£285.00
05 Oct 2026 - 16 Nov 2026
Mon
18:30-20:30
7 weeks (inc. showcase)
Kate Smurthwaite
City Academy, Farringdon
£285.00
06
Sep
06 Sep 2026 - 19 Oct 2026
£285.00
Day:Sun
Time:11:00-13:00
Duration:7 weeks (inc. showcase)
Tutor: Sarah Iles
Venue: City Academy, Farringdon
05
Oct
05 Oct 2026 - 16 Nov 2026
£285.00
Day:Mon
Time:18:30-20:30
Duration:7 weeks (inc. showcase)
Tutor: Kate Smurthwaite
Venue: City Academy, Farringdon

PAYMENT OPTIONS

You are welcome to join the course up to the second class.

ONLINE & PHONE PAYMENTS

Online – To book your selected class/course online, just click Book Now next to your chosen class/course.

Phone – We would be happy to take your booking over the phone, just call us on 020 7042 8833 .

CASH & CHEQUE PAYMENTS

Cash - You are welcome to pay cash, just come and see us at our office: City Academy, 10 Herbal Hill, London EC1R 5EG.

If you book 2 or more different classes/courses at a time we can offer you a 10% discount. If you wish to take advantage of this offer please enter 2ORMORE in the promotional code box when booking online or quote code when booking over the phone. Please note that this offer cannot be applied when you are booking two or more of the same class/course.

INDUSTRY TUTORS

City Academy tutors are experienced artists and performers that work in the industry. If your tutor's availability changes at short notice, our team will arrange for a suitable replacement and notify you in advance.

CANCELLATIONS POLICY

We offer a full refund or full credit of your original course if you cancel at least 72 hours before the start of your booking.

We cannot offer any refund if you cancel less than 72 hours before the start of your booking, or if you do not attend.

(For more information please see our terms and conditions)

City Academy, Farringdon
City Academy, Farringdon
Closest Station: Farringdon
Closest Bus Stop: Hatton Garden

All City Academy tutors are experienced professionals from theatre, film/TV and performance industries. So whilst they're training you they may also be rehearsing for a West End show or working on a movie. We like that and we do believe it makes a difference in class.

Sarah Iles
Sarah Iles
Kate Smurthwaite
Kate Smurthwaite