2011

I'm sending out my thanks in a bit blushy uncool way to James Kendall and all at The Brighton "Source" Magazine. Their ongoing "Unsung Hero" series features an interview with a different local every month who "Source" have decided are one of the "100 people who are making Brighton what it is." I was so honoured to be chosen to be an "Unsung Hero" in their special comedy edition in October about the Comedy Festival (link to feature below):

 http://www.brightonsource.co.uk/features/39-articles/2184-unsung-hero-jill-edwards

It was just a coincidence it also featured interviews with two of my local workshop graduates top comics Seann Walsh and Simon Evans; who along with the rest of my graduates have always made me feel the absoloute opposite of "unsung, " which I guess would be "sung?"

I was invited by Andrew Kidger from "Chello Zone" who look after various cable and satellite channels' marketing to deliver training for his team that would provide "the perfect cocktail of fun and inspiration, as well as helping to develop confidence and presenting skills." Andrew chose a great location in the fascinating "Museum of Brands" in beautiful Notting Hill. It was a pleasure working with his bright, interesting and yes, very funny team. 

"Jill organised an informative and fun-filled workshop for our large'ish team, many of whom had little or no experience of public speaking and presenting, let alone being funny! Using the basic techniques of stand-up comedy is a brilliant and engaging way to build confidence and teamwork and everyone raved about it afterwards. Not only did we learn some great techniques - we all laughed, a lot!" Andrew Kidger, Chello Zone 

Our congratulations accompanied by a spontaneous dance of joy on    hearing the marvellous announcement are going out to workshop graduate Brighton's own Angela Barnes (left) on winning the national BBC New Comedy Award 2011!!! Proud, delighted, just don't cover it really...

Jill Edwards Comedy Workshops Autumn Term 2011 stand-up comedy course at Komedia, Brighton ended with a superb sell-out "New Act Night" show. There wasn't a single weak link in a fantastic show of original fresh new comics marked out by their sheer individuality; not one act was the same as another on the bill. I had such faith in this lot but even my jaw was dropping as act after brand new act confidently took to the stage and stormed an audience of 292! I felt proudly nostalgic remembering top comic graduates from previous outstanding "New Act Night" shows while I watched my latest batch of newbie comics following in their footsteps.

Everyone at Komedia was buzzing about the all round huge success of the night. The show sold out, audience feedback was tremendous and we broke the bar sales record for May! My Advanced Workshop contributed to the night by sneaking a huge pile of sweets and a cookie of epic proportions backstage (below) to fortify the comedy newbies and wish them luck!