BEAM Amplify offers inspiring workshops and courses led by industry professionals at BEAM Hertford, designed to spark ideas, develop skills, grow confidence, and open up new creative possibilities.

'glossophobia' (n) - Fear of public speaking

Did you know more people are afraid of public speaking than spiders, heights and, um... death? And yet some people choose to do it for a living! Are you someone who has always harboured a secret urge to be one of them?

Whether you have a burning desire to be the next Michael McIntyre/Katherine Ryan/Victoria Wood/Billy Connolly, or have simply always wanted to have a go at making people laugh, help is at hand. Join one of the country's top stand-up comedians (and Hertford resident) Alistair Barrie for a six week course at BEAM Hertford, honing your comedy skills. Six weekly workshops will give you practical assistance in conceiving, writing and performing stand-up comedy, as well as insights into the profession and expert advice on how to navigate the industry itself. There will be homework! There will also be a masterclass from a top British comedian, and the course will culminate in a public showcase performance at BEAM Hertford itself.

So - if you're the jester at work, or down the pub, the quiet one who notices funny things people don't, David Brent trying to escape The Office or simply someone with an itch to scratch, look no further. If you want to gloss over your glossophobia, come and shine some light on your inner comedian with BEAM Hertford!

Course Schedule:

Week 1: 7-9pm, Tues 3rd Feb

Week 2: 7-9pm, Tues 10th Feb

Week 3: 7-9pm, Tues 17th Feb

Week 4: 7-9pm, Tues 24th Feb

Week 5: 7-9pm, Tues 3rd March

Week 6: 7-10pm, Tues 10th March, with a public course sharing in Stage 2

Course Leader:

Alistair Barrie is a comedian, writer and actor. He moved to Hertford in 2014, where he is probably best known for his annual 'Alistair Barrie & Friends' benefit show supporting the Herts Breast Unit Appeal which has seen such comedy luminaries as Jo Brand, Alan Davies, Al Murray and Mark Steel grace the BEAM stage.

As a performer, he has played in over 40 countries, including sell out runs at The Cape Town, Melbourne and New Zealand Comedy Festivals and twice been nominated for best show at The Edinburgh Fringe. As well as appearing at festivals including Glastonbury and Latitude, he is a regular pundit/panellist on Times Radio, Radio 4 and BBC Scotland and has released two stand-up specials on ITVX/NextUp.

He has done studio warm-up for Never Mind the Buzzcocks and Jonathan Ross, and written for programmes including The Now Show and Mock the Week, as well as other comedians such as Jason Manford, Jack Whitehall and Frankie Boyle. As an actor his credits include EastEnders, The Knock and the hit play 'Coalition'.

He is also the only comedian to have played both the Labour and Conservative Party conferences!