British Comedy Guide

Brown Sauce partners with Tara Theatre for The Comedy Lab

Thursday 25th July 2024, 9:00am

  • Brown Sauce and Tara Theatre will offer up The Comedy Lab on Friday 18th October
  • It's a free one-day workshop and showcase event for aspiring comedians from a South Asian background
  • The deadline to apply is Wednesday 4th September
Brown Sauce

Brown Sauce, the leading London-based monthly comedy club for South Asian comedy, has announced it is working with Tara Theatre - the UK's oldest global majority-led theatre company - to put on an exclusive workshop and showcase event: The Comedy Lab.

Taking place on Friday 18th October, this event aims to provide a unique opportunity for new South Asian unsigned comedy enthusiasts and performers to showcase their talent and connect with like-minded individuals.

The Comedy Lab offers aspiring comedians the chance to participate in a free one-day workshop in London, where they will receive expert guidance from comedy professionals, hone their stand-up skills and expand their comedic repertoire. This exclusive workshop will culminate in a ticketed showcase event, where participants will have the opportunity to perform up to a 5-minute routine alongside a top comedy headliner.

Sharlin Jahan, founder of Brown Sauce, says: "Starting out in the comedy world isn't easy, especially as a minority. But we're trying to change that by creating more spaces for us. The Comedy Lab is a fantastic chance for new South Asian comedians to shine and for us to collectively build a supportive community. This is our first comedy lab with the amazing Tara Theatre, but we hope this is the first of many things we do to support the South Asian scene. We want it to be as warm and inviting as a samosa lovingly made by your mum - right now, it's more like a samosa your dad microwaved: lukewarm and still defrosting!"

Tara Theatre's executive director and joint CEO, Helen Jeffreys, says: "Tara Theatre is all about developing South Asian talent of all kinds and comedy is such a brilliant way to explore important topics, while also having a bit of a laugh! The partnership with Brown Sauce is also particularly exciting and we can't wait to help uncover new comedy talent."

Tara Theatre's senior producer Neena Shea, and newly appointed associate director Gavin Joseph, comment: "Brown people telling jokes? Yes please. We're all in need of some laughter and we're super excited that we have collaborated with Brown Sauce to provide a space that champions the South Asian community and a new cohort of South Asian comedians. On a more militant vibe, comedy is another vehicle in which we can challenge, provoke, and respond to systems of oppression whilst also bringing joy to the diaspora. It is one of the most impactful ways to bring communities together and as the 21st century philosopher Kevin G famously said 'don't let the haters stop you from doing your thang'."

Limited spots are available for The Comedy Lab, and aspiring comedians are encouraged to apply before the deadline of Wednesday 4th September. Successful applicants will be notified by Friday 20th September, ahead of the workshop and showcase taking place on Friday 18th October. Eligibility criteria include being of South Asian background and having 0-1 years of experience on the comedy scene.

The headliner for the evening showcase event will be revealed shortly, with tickets for the event available via the Tara Theatre website

To apply for the workshop visit taratheatre.com

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