Dave Cohen

Dave Cohen has been writing, performing and teaching comedy since 1983.

A Perrier-nominated stand-up in 1984, co-founder of The Comedy Store Players in 1985, multi-BAFTA winning comic lyricist for TV smash Horrible Histories, Dave's career has spanned every area of writing and performing in the business. He's written for Have I Got News For You and Spitting Image, top sitcoms Not Going Out and My Family, and dozens more radio and TV shows.

He began teaching and blogging about comedy in 2006 and has produced two books: in 2013, How To Be Averagely Successful At Comedy "a gag-packed insight into the inner workings of the comedy world... Go out and bloody well buy the whole book" (Bruce Dessau) and in 2018 The Complete Comedy Writer "A comprehensive, funny and ridiculously up-to-date guide for anyone who wants to write comedy" (British Comedy Guide).

Since 2015 Dave has been co-hosting with James Cary the Sitcom Geeks podcast, your complete guide to the mechanics of comedy writing.

His latest book If I Only Had The Time will be out shortly.

Sign up for news of all Dave's courses and a FREE copy of How To Be Averagely Successful At Comedy at davecohen.org.uk

"Dave Cohen gives great notes" Sam Bain, co-creator and writer Peep Show, Babylon, Fresh Meat

"Dave is a highly experienced writer and a terrific teacher. Not many people know more about the craft." Bill Dare, senior tutor National Film & Television School Comedy Writing & Production Course

"Anyone who wants to get into comedy writing should do one of Dave's courses. He's a right laugh and I think there were biscuits." Sian Harries, writer Man Down, Here Be Dragons, The Tourist Trap

Courses

How to Write a Funny Book with Dave Cohen and Tony Hawks

Did you know that 40% of all TV shows and movies are book adaptations? There's never been a better time to write one.

Image shows from L to R: Dave Cohen, Dan Sweryt

PICK UP YOUR FIRST RADIO/TV WRITING CREDIT

A six-week correspondence course - with proven radio and TV credits success - to get you into the habit of writing topical comedy. Starts Feb 2025

The Joy Of Sketch with Dave Cohen

If you want to become a great comedy writer the best way to learn is to write sketches - loads of them.

Write A Sitcom In EIGHT Weeks

Go from "I've got an idea" to "I've written a first draft" in eight weeks.

Services

Dave Cohen's Script Reading Services

"There are few more experienced writers than Dave. Take heed of his words." Jim Howick (Ghosts/Horrible Histories)

Testimonials

“Such an inspiring class. Would recommend 100%!” Marcus Barnes

“I thought your classes were informative, fun and covered exactly what I hoped they would. I would definitely be interested in more classes and without a doubt would recommend your classes to all aspiring comedians and script writers.” Carly Freedman

“I particularly enjoyed thinking about and discussing what made a memorable character – hearing other people’s thoughts and meeting the other members of the class was really great.” Jane McCutcheon

"It was spot on for me. Have already recommended it to a couple of friends & work colleagues.” John Sandy

"Thank you for making it such a great day! I've had a considerable hiatus from writing & comedy in particular, you managed to make it all very fresh & exciting & engaging. You really delivered the essentials." Maryann Devally