Comedy writing updates

It's been a busy spell recently, and I'm keen to share everything!

Firstly, I recently received my final grade from my Comedy Writing MA. The most important thing is really all of the invaluable knowledge and improved professional practice that I have gained as a writer over the course of two years. Good grades are lovely, of course, but what really matters is that I have left the course a much better writer and collaborator than I was when I joined.

That said, I am delighted to have received a grade of distinction! This means that, in July, I will receive a piece of paper signed by DAWN FRENCH, confirming that I am a 'Master of Comedy Writing'. That's pretty cool!

The other big, significant development for me was that I attended the BBC Comedy Festival in Belfast last week. It was an extraordinary experience - at times, a bit overwhelming, but ultimately, so, so informative and inspiring. I've come away from the festival with renewed excitement and determination.

To be entirely honest, I was incredibly nervous before I went - feeling like I had no place being at an industry event when I am at the very beginning of my comedy writing journey. However, I pushed through the imposter syndrome and made an effort to connect with fellow comedy professionals, all of whom were so incredibly kind and generous and fun! The comedy industry might feel impenetrable and unattainable from the outside, but my experience last week showed me that the industry is actually full of encouraging, supportive, curious and awesome people, and that, if nothing else, was a fantastic takeaway from the festival!

Also, hearing talks from some of my actual comedy heroes was exhilarating. Hearing producers talk about how to embrace the challenges of the current economic situation was inspiring when it so easily could have been demoralising. And having Jamie Demetriou shake my hand and tell me he liked my Rark t-shirt?! Well, that was just something else entirely...

Thanks to everyone who I met at the festival, and I really can't wait for the next one now!