Burnham stand-up comedian Richard Baum has reached the final of a Taunton comedy competition at his first attempt after honing his skills as part in a stand-up comedy workshop.
Richard, a novice comedian who attended a workshop by Somerset Skills and Learning in January, was inspired to enter Taunton’s ‘Stand up for Cider’ competition and in last Friday’s heat was voted amongst the top acts to progress to July’s prestigious final.
Trish Caller of Genius PR and Events, the organiser of ‘Stand up for Cider’, was impressed at Richard’s comedy debut.
Richard said: “I always thought that I’d like to try stand-up since there’s barely a better feeling than making a room laugh. I very occasionally manage it at work or with my friends but obviously none of them have paid to be entertained or are waiting expectantly for the next gag! Bridging that gap is the challenge.”
“I had tried and failed a couple of times years ago, but when I saw the Somerset Skills & Learning workshop advertised, I thought ‘Why not try again?’ and I’m pleased I did.”
“Not only did I meet like-minded people and find out about events like ‘Stand up for Cider’ but I had the chance to write and perform, and it re-started the ball rolling for me on both counts. There were 11 acts in the heat, many of whom were quite experienced. The top 3 as voted for by the audience went through, and I was delighted to be one of them!”
Richard’s next performance is at the Bridgwater Arts Centre on the 29th May, when five of the learners from the workshop will try out their material, supported by a professional MC and headline act of local funny man Mark Human. The evening is free, and audiences are asked to be kind as it will be most acts first trial in front of a live audience. For more information, visit the Bridgwater Arts Centre website.
Pictured: Richard during the (photographer Robbie Elford)
