After teaching Improvised comedy classes for the last two years, The Isle of Wight School of Comedy is now offering Stand-up comedy classes every Tuesday 7pm at Bar 74, Union Street, Ryde (until 9pm).

Luc Valvona, comedy veteran and founder of the school said,

“We have an amazing and thriving music scene on the island, I don’t see why there can’t be the same for comedy. We shouldn’t have to import comedians from the mainland for our comedy nights!”

The classes give insight into the mechanics of how to write comedy, craft punchlines and create a comic persona, but most importantly, a stage to try out material in a safe environment, with a friendly audience of fellow classmates and constructive criticism.

“We’re going to put on our first show on the 27th February at Monkton Arts, and then every couple of months from there, to give our performers something to work towards. It can be difficult to practise stand-up as you need an audience to make it work, and not just any audience will do!"

A comedy audience has a unique energy to perform in front of, that is different from a theatre, music or poetry audience, and there aren’t many places you can experience that on the island.

Luc is currently competing in the Musical Comedy Awards in London, as his act, Baron Fortitude - Victorian Rapper. The Semi-finals are in March. Message him Through the Isle of Wight School of Comedy Facebook page for enquiries for the comedy classes.

£10 for taster sessions, £60 for the six week course or £15 for individual sessions.