"Comedy keeps the heart sweet"    Mark Twain

This is the website of TONY KIRWOOD.

I am a leading UK comedy specialist - in writing, teaching and performing.

My COURSES and WORKSHOPS are designed to motivate people of all ages, types and backgrounds to get up (or even lie in bed) and be funny. My philosophy is, if I can do it, so can you. And that being funny is good for you.

LATEST NEWS

Previous student Ben Rickett's sketch "Crossed Lines" has been causing a buzz on the internet and has got to the finals of the Yobi Laugh Competition.

Previous students Sam Morgan and Dave Rees's sketches went down a storm at the Exeter Festival and are now doing the Sam & Dave Show on Radio Exeter.

Previous student Dan Sweryt has been selling sketches to BBC's "Tilt" and "Grrrr"

Jude Mahon (previous "Get Started in Standup" student) reached the Funnywomen Competition finals

THE HISTORY OF SITCOM

The complete history (so far) of one of the great art forms of the last 100 years.  Watch tapes, join discussions, and find out how raucous Music Hall comedy developed into a zeitgeisty televisual medium.

Friday December 17-Sunday 19 2010

at Burton Manor College  

The Village, Burton, Neston, Cheshire CH64 5SJ 

0151 336 5172    www.burtonmanor.com

AND THEN

Belstead House

Sprites Lane, Ipswich, Suffolk

Friday February 23 - Sunday 25  2011   01473 686321      belstead.house@suffolk.gov.uk 

This is a preliminary notice, as I'll be filming in the new Harry Potter movie and have had to put back the dates until I know exactly when I'll be clear.

Over a weekend, participants will write a character-based sketch and see it performed by professional actors in a Central London venue. The probable date is late November - early December. Keep an eye on this space!

DISTANCE LEARNING

If you don't live in London, or would rather study at home, I have set up email courses you can do in your own time and pace. Details on the courses page.

If you are looking for courses or tuition on comedy writing or performance, look on the Courses page. If your company is interested in workshops to enhance creativity or teamwork - look at the Workshops page. If you don't see what you are looking for, contact me and we will devise something together, or phone 07826009657.

I am a successful comedy writer, with material performed on a large number of UK and European TV and Radio Shows.

I teach Comedy Writing and Standup Comedy at Richmond Adult College www.racc.ac.uk

I teach Radio Writing with the Professional and Creative Writing Department at St Mary's University College, Strawberry Hill, Twickenham

I am also a professional actor, with credits on many TV comedy programmes such as "The Brittas Empire", "Murder Most Horrid" and the recent film "Charlie & the Chocolate Factory". I have also been a standup comedian.

"I love comedy. It's the only art form that's also a social grace. You meet a sculptor at a party, you can't say "He's terrific, look at what he can do with the potato salad."

Paul Reiser