As inspirational evenings go, this was a five star one. There I was in Dagenham with a very good friend who has just survived the onset of a ruptured brain aneurism (I know, amazing). We were contemplating how we would stretch the M&S dine in for two I brought round for four (I forgot about the kids), all the while I was telling her about Funny Women's new event Time of the Month – Scratch Night. “What’s a scratch night?” she said, and I explained it’s basically when you can share any material, and I mean any material, without being judged.
Now this is when I checked the time it started. It started at 6pm. It was now 5.45pm, I shot up gave my friend a massive hug told her “I’ll be back” and at least my quarter of dinner had to go back into the communal pot.
I got to the Betsey Trotwood in no time at all; I think it also deserves a mention that there is free parking outside in the evenings. So obviously I was a little on the late side and was feeling a wee bit anxious. But any worries I had were soon dismissed. I got upstairs in this cool little pub, entered and found a total chill out zone.
The group had previously decided to split into those who wanted to write and those who did stand up. I sat at the closest point to avoid any embarrassment, which happened to be stand-up. Kate Lennon from Funny Women was guiding the conversation with skilful ease.
It was so inspiring to sit and chat about comedy with other like-minded folk. We discussed welcoming open mic nights to perform at and any techniques we used to put a set together. Some discussed material they have been writing and it was beneficial to get structured feedback.
There were all sorts around the table, those that have done comedy before and those who have never tried it at all. After a small break we transformed the room to view the stage. This was all done with such easiness, and in an atmosphere more like the garage I used to put shows on as a kid. Although -positive point – I did not have to buy this lot sweets to watch. And that was that, it was so easy!
Kate was our MC called those up who wanted to perform and try out anything they had been working on or even thinking about. I had been playing around with a piece for my character act pub landlady Dolly Slatemen, considering it has been a few months it felt good to be back on a stage.
In the past I have taken part in Funny Women workshops, and I cannot recommend this scratch night enough. It's fun and a great precursor for any workshops you may want to try out. It’s also a valuable outlet for any act to try out some new stuff, or indeed like me just to get back on a stage. But the truly inspiring thing for me is when Lynne Parker suggested I get up on stage next month as me. I know moi, it is something I have been playing around with but never had the bottle to do as there has never been the right environment to try it out, well until now…
Debbie Baisden – follow @Debbie_Baisden and her creation @DollySlatemen (pictured) on Twitter!
Don't miss Dolly Slatemen at Brighton Nights on Saturday 28th February at Brighton Komedia – for more information click here!
