Do you know about our charity Komedia Productions? Aiming to make the arts accessible for all, Komedia Productions is especially for young people and families who otherwise may not be able to engage with the creative industries.
We’ll now hand you over to Jenny De Jersey, Project Assistant at Komedia Productions, to talk about her personal highlights of 2025 so far.
Take it away, Jenny!
January: Sundae Club
We kicked off January with our first Sundae Club of the year. Sundae Club is Komedia’s monthly family extravaganza, serving up an incredible three hours of creative fun for kids. January’s Sundae Club featured a performance from super sleepyhead Mr Sleepybum, live music from the incredible The Swing Ninjas and a dreamy craft workshop by Pull and Pin, where everyone made their own dreamcatchers.
Every month, Komedia Productions donates tickets to local charities to enable more families to experience the joys of Sundae Club. It’s a real treat to see family members of all ages enjoy taking part in arts activities together.
“The kids had a lovely time, as did I. We will definitely go back. I didn’t really know what Sundae Club was all about, so it was good to see what goes on there.” – Family given Sundae Club tickets via AMAZE.
February: Young Comedian's Showcase
From September ’24 – February ’25, I supported local comedian Tom Veryzer and a host of guest comedians to deliver a series of comedy workshops for young people in Hangleton. In partnership with The Hangleton and Knoll Youth Project, the project was made possible by a grant from BBC Comedy.
In February, our group of Hangleton young comedians came together with a group of young people we work with at our weekly ‘Laughter Crew’ sessions at The Crew Club in Whitehawk to perform their very own Comedy Showcase at Komedia, hosted by award-winning comedian Michael Akadiri (top image).
They performed their own stand-up and improv sets, worked as Front of House, designed the programme, and worked with one of the brilliant tech team at Komedia to support with lighting & sound. It was a joy to be a part of their journey, seeing their confidence grow as they developed their own special skill. They performed to a sold-out audience and we could not be prouder of how well they did.
“We have been so pleased with your comedy workshop and all the huge effort you’ve all put into it. We were so proud of S and all the young people involved with their performances on the night. What an amazing night! The whole thing has been so good for S and his development too. We are massively keen for him to continue coming to the workshops.” – Parent of young person from Hangleton programme
evim [my home]
Also in February, we were delighted to support a collaboration between Ceyda Tanc Dance and Theatre Fideri Fidera.
Inspired by Sufi mystic and nomad Rumi, and the hypnotic whirling dervishes, evim [my home] is a magical and interactive dance theatre performance for children aged 0-7 and their families.
We worked to support them in taking the piece to children and families in local communities to help them develop the show. Audiences were able to experience their beautifully interactive dance piece for free, with the majority of audiences not experiencing a performance like this before. They delivered two performances: one at The Crew Club and one at Komedia for families linked to local charities we work with.
‘My favourite bit was everything.’ – Young Participant, The Crew Club
evim [my home] is part of this year’s Brighton Festival with performances at South East Dance Space on 17 & 18 May 2025. For more info click here.
March: Amazing Futures Stand-Up Comedy Workshops
In March, comedian and performance artist Victoria Melody delivered two comedy workshop sessions with young people who are part of Amaze’s Amazing Futures Project.
The sessions began with a warm-up, sharing what makes you laugh and making a funny face and passing it on. Everyone had a turn saying “Hello, my name is…” on the mic and then answering a silly question (for example – what’s your favourite mode of transport or animal and why?).
In pairs, they talked about things that annoy them and why – the young people had lots of really great, original ideas! Everyone had a turn to talk about these at the mic, on their own or in groups, and one young person took to the mic with a member of Amaze staff. How wonderful to see what a brilliant double act they made.
“It was so much fun, and the young people loved it. It was so lovely to see everyone feel so comfortable in taking part and seeing their confidence grow by the end of the session. One of the young women said “You were both strangers when I came in” and that really cemented that connection that you made with them in two hours.” – Jem Hadert, Amazing Futures Co-ordinator Brighton & Hove
Support our work!
If you’re interested in what Komedia Productions has to offer, want to support their work with a donation or encourage a young person to sign up for their Kids Workshops, then visit their website to get started!
