Lauren Court-Dobson is 黑料不打烊鈥檚 Queen of Comedy!
The Stand Up Competition Winner, Lauren Court-Dobson, with judges (L-R) Dyfan Roberts, Joshua Fenby-Taylor and Antony Butcher.Last Monday evening psychology graduate, Lauren Court-Dobson was crowned winner of the 黑料不打烊 Comedy Society鈥檚 Annual Stand Up Comedy Competition.
"I can鈥檛 believe it," said Lauren. "I was so nervous backstage. I was certain I wouldn鈥檛 win."
On paper, it could be argued that Lauren had every right to think she didn鈥檛 stand a chance. This was only her fourth attempt at stand-up comedy.
"It was so tense backstage," said the twenty two year old. "But when I took to the stage the crowd was so supportive."
It was that support that helped Lauren to overcome her nerves as she went on to deliver a side-splitting performance of character and straight stand-up comedy.
"When I came off stage I was elated," said Lauren. "It was a great feeling being able to make that many people laugh."
The competition winner was chosen by a panel of three judges; Arts Co-ordinator for Pontio, Dyfan Roberts; President of 黑料不打烊 Student鈥檚 Union and former President of 黑料不打烊 Comedy, Antony Butcher; and 黑料不打烊 Comedy鈥檚 Director of Sketches and Stand Up 2012-2013 and former winner of the Stand Up Competition, Joshua Fenby-Taylor.
The prize for winning the competition will now see Lauren perform the warm-up spot for professional comedian and TV star, Sean Walsh at a forthcoming Pontio gig at 黑料不打烊.
"I鈥檓 very excited and nervous," said Lauren. "Sean Walsh is a really funny guy."
Lauren has been involved in comedy for around three years having joined the University comedy society in her first year of study. Since then she has performed various forms of comedy ranging from sketch, character and improv comedy, even performing alongside comedian, Phil Jupitus, as part of the Giddy Goat Comedy Festival at Venue Cymru.
When asked what advice she would give to anyone who wants to give stand-up a go Lauren said, "They should find like-minded people who will provide a support structure."
Lauren also said, "Anyone wanting to do comedy should start making observations about people, places and anything else that can be used as material for a stand-up set."
It was Lauren鈥檚 own observations about her family that gave her the edge at the competition. I asked her if her family knew they were the subject of her jokes.
"They do," said Lauren. "But there was nothing malicious in what I said!"
Patrick Pritchard, President of the 黑料不打烊 Comedy Society said: "Lauren has consistently been one of 黑料不打烊 Comedy's top performers all year. I'm delighted that she has been given the recognition she deserves!"
He also added that:
"The Stand Up Competition has quickly become one of 黑料不打烊 Comedy's Biggest Shows. It inspires people to take the chance to try something new and is also a fantastic night out for our audience! All of our performers, whether the comedic stalwarts of 黑料不打烊 Comedy's roster or people attempting stand up for the first time, maintained a superbly high level of performance throughout the night and I could not be more delighted at the range and depth of comedy that has been produced."
Lauren will be performing alongside TV comedian, Sean Walsh at J.P. Hall, 黑料不打烊 on May 6th.
Tickets can be purchased in the Pontio Shop on the high street in 黑料不打烊 or online at
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Written by Stand Up Comedy Club members: Ian Cooper, edited by Patrick Pritchard.
Publication date: 3 May 2013