Culture Verified source

Free Middlesbrough comedy course aims to uncover new North East stand-up talent

Listen to this article1 min · Best available voice selected automatically

A three-session beginners course at Middlesbrough Town Hall will help people develop material, confidence and performance skills at no cost.

By The Tees Editorial Desk · 7 October 2026

Free Middlesbrough comedy course aims to uncover new North East stand-up talent – The Tees editorial graphic Image: The TeesOriginal source

Need something explained?Tap a highlighted word, phrase or concept, or select any part of the article and choose Explain this.

People across Teesside are being invited to try stand-up comedy through a free beginners course in Middlesbrough.

The three-session programme has been organised by Teesside University’s Dr Claire Sedgwick as part of exploring the relationship between art and comedy. It is open to people with no previous performance experience and will cover developing material, creative expression and the fundamentals of stand-up.

Sessions take place at the Old Fire Station at Middlesbrough Town Hall on 10 October, 7 November and 12 December, with a showcase planned at the end. Travel-cost support is available to help widen participation.

Good stuff from around here

A little more good news

Facts, history, records and bright spots from across the Tees. Tap the source if you fancy going down the local-history rabbit hole.

Victorian engineering

Saltburn Pier originally stretched for 457 metres

The Victorian pier was originally about 457 metres long before storms in 1875 led to it being shortened. Today it remains one of Saltburn’s best-known landmarks.

Source: Historic England

Railway numbers

The famous 1825 opening train had 34 wagons

National Railway Museum records describe a 34-wagon train on the Stockton & Darlington Railway’s opening day. It reached about 15 mph at one point, remarkable for the time.

Source: National Railway Museum

Nature reserve

The Tees wetlands welcome nationally important winter visitors

Saltholme’s wet grasslands support nationally important numbers of wintering wildfowl and waders, including Golden Plover, Lapwing and Wigeon.

Source: RSPB

Industrial history

Dorman Long grew from a Middlesbrough firm into a global name

Arthur Dorman and Albert de Lande Long set up their steel company in Middlesbrough in 1875. By 1901 it employed around 3,000 people and later built major structures around the world.

Source: Tees Valley Museums

Spot something incorrect?

Tell the newsroom what needs checking. We’ll review the article and source.

Report a correction →