Week-long Intensive Beginner's Stand Up Comedy Course

Dates: 18th November-22nd November plus showcase on November 24th.

Time: 10.15am-5pm (except Thursday which is 10.15am-2.15pm)

Duration: 5 consecutive days with a relaxed showcase for those who want to perform.

Showcase: 1-4pm Sunday November 24th

Location: The Bill Murray, London.

Cost: £450/£325 NHS, student and unemployment discounts available - just ask

TICKET LINK AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

This course is for people who have never done stand up comedy or new comedians looking to sharpen their act. We will look at the very basics of stand up comedy, from learning how to write a simple "pull back and reveal" joke to how to apply for gigs on the London circuit.

The intensive course covers everything in our usual courses and allows a significantly larger amount of time on stage for participants. The course will cover detailed joke writing, performance and developing your stand up persona.

In the last 2 years previous alumni of Dec's course have won Britain's Got Talent, So You Think You’re Funny (with 6 getting to the semi finals) & the NATYS and were finalists in Funny Women, the Musical Comedy Awards, Chortle Student Comedian of the Year, British Comedian of The Year, BBC New Comedian of the Year, Not So New Comedian of the Year, West End New Act of the Year and The Channel 4 Sean Lock Comedy Award. 8 Beat the Gong at the Comedy Store and two have won Beat the Frog at the Frog and Bucket in Manchester. This could also be you in the year after you take the course!

**Who is teaching?**

Dec Munro is a co-founder of the Bill Murray pub (Chortle’s Best London venue 2023). He’s directed shows that have won awards at the Edinburgh Festival (Lara Ricote's which won Best Newcomer in 2022 and Sofie Hagen's in 2015) and at Leicester Comedy Festival (Stuart Goldsmith's show in 2023 which won Best Show) been turned into TV shows ("Juice" by Mawaan Rizwan for which Mawaan won the BAFTA for Male Performance in a Comedy in 2024) and been seen around the world. He's also worked on stand-up sets that have been on Live at the Apollo, Conan, Netflix specials, Mock the Week and Radio 4. More importantly, he loves comedy and he is excited to work with comedians at all stages of their career.

Dec has directed stand up shows by Mawaan Rizwan, Sofie Hagen, Angela Barnes, Lara Ricote, Alasdair Beckett-King, Kuan-Wen Huang, Ellie Taylor, Andrew Hunter Murray, Stuart Goldsmith, Michael Akadiri, Henry Rowley, Sukh Ojla and Zach Zimmerman amongst others and given Outside Eyes (show notes) to acts including Viggo Venn, Jordan Brookes, Alexandra Haddow, Tatty Macleod, Kemah Bob, Jonny Pelham, Abby Wambaugh, Shenoah Allen, Avital Ash, Ted Hill, Grace Campbell, Joshua Bethania, Marjolein Robertson, Fiona Ridgewell, Steve Bugeja, Chloe Radcliffe, Jacob Hawley, Alex Kealy (and many more also brilliant people)

"I cannot recommend Dec Munro highly enough. His feedback is measured, insightful, never superfluous and ALWAYS useful." Angela Barnes

"He will make you into the best version of yourself. I am never funnier or more productive than when I am in the company of Dec." Sofie Hagen

"Definitely recommend Dec's course for anyone who wants to start in comedy and is unsure where to begin. It definitely helped me go from a local comedy club to the BBC in a very short time" Joshua Bethania (Winner, So You Think You're Funny and BBC New Comedian Finalist 2022)

"Dec Munro, award-winning director and comedic hero is our (genius) teacher. Yes, comedy, but not a sense of humour, can be taught. Just do the course —it’s brilliant. " The Times, article by Caroline Phillips about Dec's intensive course January, 2024. Since Dec's intensive course started running at the Bill Murray in summer 2022 every course has been fully sold out - usually between 1-5 weeks before the start date

see more -

**Feedback from latest Intensive courses:**

"If you’re thinking about doing this course, just go for it. Dec knows funny. I’ve been running workshops for more than a decade and the way he handles a room is masterful. Each person is heard, supported and challenged to discover their own unique voice. We learned a lot, laughed a lot - it’s the best thing I’ve done." Ella Simms

"Dec is a genius. So incredibly generous, knowledgeable and nurturing. He helps you find your voice and creates a very encouraging atmosphere to try stuff out... everyone in the group was super kind and helped each other.. I absolutely loved this course.. Highly recommend!" Ritu Arya, Actor (Red Notice, The Barbie Movie, Umbrella Academy)

"This course was one of the best weeks of my life" Luciana Berger, Former MP & Senior Advisor inHouse Communications

"Anyone that's thinking of trying stand up comedy for the first time.. I really enjoyed it! I loved the kindness, the preparation and delicateness and first timers coming in and being excited for the ride of their life. Anyone who's thinking about doing this - I'd highly recommend it. Do it! (if you want)" David Casteneda, Actor (Sicario 2, Umbrella Academy, Most Dangerous Game)

‘I have ADHD so I really hate homework – but I actually did some for Dec! Feedback forms usually feel like a very boring chore that make my brain start to dribble out of ears while I cry and I did mostly fill this out while high but then this question made me stop and realise just how much I got out of the course and that I should finish in the morning. Morning: Dec is incredible – I was feeling lost in my own overthinking and self-doubt but the supportive and nurturing atmosphere he curated allowed me to confront vulnerabilities, actually enjoy myself, let go a bit and this helped me solve some approach and persona inner battles that I’d trying to figure out alone for 6 months – in just 5 days.’ Scarlett Kefford

“If you’re thinking of doing Dec’s comedy course, could I encourage you to do just that. It honestly might very easily be one of the best decisions of your life. Dec is encouraging, supportive, clever and insightful but above all, a wonderful human. This is hard to find in any walk of life. But what he’s got in addition to that, is a touch of magic. He somehow got our group of completely diverse newbies of totally varying abilities to get up and do a standup showcase, which was AMAZING. And to be a kind soul AND have magic powers must surely be one of the most rare things in the world. And by the way - I didn’t just learn how to write a joke, you weirdly find out who you are via the back door, and how to play against or with it for comedic effect - and you could save yourself years of therapy fees, religious conversions or gap years and find yourself here instead. If this was a theatre show I’d say JUST GO. BOOK NOW. But because it’s a comedy course, I’ll say SELL YOUR SISTER. AUCTION YOUR WIFE. You won’t regret it. Thanks Dec. You are a legend.” Jonathan Stadlen, Managing Director, Knickerbockerglory

“Feels like gaining superpowers. Dec has created a doorway into the wonderful world of comedy and I am forever thankful to him and the Bill Murray. A truly transformative experience.” Alex Bache, Creative Director

"A life changing experience that made me a better, funnier person at work and at home." Sharath Jeevan OBE (Founder, Intrinsic Labs and Lecturer at Oxford & Cambridge Universities on Leadership)

"If you want to try something new in a fun and supportive environment and meet amazing people, sign up right now! Even if you’re not sure whether you’re funny or nervous about performing - this course will bring out the best in you. The week-long intensive version was a great option because we had people travel to London from all over Europe for it, and you bond so much as a group. Dec is basically the teacher from Dead Poets Society. Get on board, it’s unforgettable. " Kat Dellar, MBA Student

“I have wanted to “have a go at” stand-up for over a decade. I have always felt blocked in accessing that aspect of my creativity and feared failing. I booked on Dec’s course at the wonderful Bill Murray Comedy Club in order to push me out of my comfort zone and help me see if stand-up was for me. I ended up having a truly life affirming experience. I now have a 5-minute set to hone and a creative outlet. Oh, and lots of new very funny friends. Dec takes you through the basics in a very supportive way and at no point does it feel exposing, although it is challenging (in the best way). I would recommend this course to anyone wanting to scratch an itch/explore a dream/gain more confidence standing in front of people.” Rob Jones, NHS Professional.

“This course was one of the greatest things I have ever done in my life. In just one week I took a few ideas on a page to my first full 5 minute stand-up set. I fulfilled a lifelong dream in just 5 days and it’s all thanks to Dec and is skills as a teacher and mentor. Such a fun, relaxed and supportive environment to explore one of the greatest gifts – laughter." Michelle Ahern, Marketing Director, TEDxSydney

"I started Dec's 5-day stand up course thinking 'I like comedy, I'd like to try this' and ended it thinking 'I love comedy, I want to do more of this.' Dec knows the industry inside-out and has a unique talent of passing his knowledge and passion onto other people. The confidence of the whole class rocketed across five days and that's wholly down to Dec. He's basically a genius and annoyingly, a really nice person too." Lauren Layfield, Radio and TV Presenter

“I’d had the recommendations, seen all the glowing reviews, but now, having done the course, I can see that no words really come close to describing how utterly phenomenal and enriching the experience is. Dec is a fantastic teacher, head cheerleader, font of comedy wisdom, purveyor of kind and laser-focused feedback, skilled holder of space, and a thoroughly lovely human being to boot. If you have even the vaguest interest in comedy or have ever fancied giving it a bash, then you will not regret signing up. You will be well looked after in finding your unique comedy voice, in the most supportive of environments, with a bunch of awesome and diverse new friends. Just do it!" Nafeeza Towheed, Integrative Psychotherapist, Leadership Coach, Supervisor and Trainer

"Superb teacher, lovely environment. I learned more about my authentic self in 5 days than any self help book or yoga retreat ever taught me. I learned to laugh again." Rich Bunn, Senior Programme Manager for the House of Commons

"Dec is a comedy legend, being wrapped up in his comedic brain for a week is a huge privilege and will surely ignite a supercharged passion for humour and the craft of comedy in you. His balanced approach of honesty, positivity and professionalism will make you feel at ease and allow you become the best comedian you can be! I would genuinely recommend this course to every one, you can’t not gain from exploring the world of comedy, you’ll be sure to become a better performer, boost your confidence and even make some amazing friends from all walks along the way." Salma Abouelela, Creative

"I wasn’t sure if stand-up was for me but I just had this niggle that I wanted to try it - and I’m so glad I did! Yes I felt like I was throwing myself out of a plane every time I got on stage the first day. But YES I loved it, feel so much more confident, know more about being funny and met some excellent people. And I laughed a lot! If you want to laugh for six days straight then this is the course FOR YOU" Lauren Turner, Senior Journalist, BBC

"I liked everything about this course. The atmosphere that Dec creates of support, kindness, trust and friendship in the group is invaluable. Beyond the genuine lasting friendships and connections in the comedy community, it gave us all the gift of feeling comfortable and safe to try, to fail, to just do. I’ve never done a course this short, and I’ve never done a course where folks were so emotional over it coming to a close and how meaningful it was to us – that says so much. It’s fair to say that, even after 5 days, Dec is the best teacher I’ve ever had." **Ori Winch**, Nanny

"This course is one of the best things I've ever done for myself as a person who loves comedy, and just generally as a human! In just 5 days this course delivered on so many of the best things in life - a safe space to creatively experiment, creative collaboration with amazing classmates, a chance to discover more about myself and my voice, a huge boost in confidence, and of course a lot of laughter throughout. Dec Munro is a wonderfully calm, kind and knowledgeable teacher who genuinely cares about each of his students. Five (million) stars." Heenu Nihalani, Senior Editor at a content consultancy

"I had the joy of writing about the course for The Times. We had belly laughs, learnt more than I’d have thought possible in twice the time and then all pulled off really decent performances. To call Dec a “star” is like dubbing Buckingham Palace a “hovel.” **Caroline Phillips**, Journalist

“I am so pleased I did this course! I’d been thinking about giving stand up a go for a really long time, but I have very little experience in public speaking and was worried about getting up on stage! I finally got the courage to give the course a go and I absolutely loved it! Dec created such a welcoming, creative, supportive space and we learned a huge amount about personas, joke writing, and we got the chance to practice! It was such a joy just to be part of this fun, funny group and enjoy our shared love of stand up! If you’re thinking of giving it a go, do it!” **Ruth Stokes**

“What a week! Dec is the kindest and friendliest teacher I’ve ever had, from a welcome email to congratulations at the end of our show. He knows the world of comedy inside out and provides a really constructive and fun environment to learn. PLUS super detailed notes as well. I was worried that I wouldn’t be funny at all but throughout the week I found my style and was on a big high after the show. The course was so much fun and I learnt a lot. Wish I could go back in time and do it all again!” **Viki Jackson**, Head of Comms for the Museum of Happiness

“If I could do this course every week, I’d really enjoy my life. The material, development and teaching are priceless!" **Laura Riseborough**, Actor

"I've learned so much from working with Dec. His warm, supportive teaching style and self-effacing humour created a safe and encouraging environment for me to find my voice and experiment with my set. Dec's honesty and practical constructive feedback has been invaluable for my growth as a comedian. From the technical elements of performance and joke writing to the more ethereal components of authentic self-expression, Dec has the knowledge, expertise, and passion of a truly great comedy teacher. Dec Munro is a fantastic human being and I wholeheartedly recommend working with him." **Tegan Verheul**, Actor

"Until I signed up to your course a month ago, comedy was a world I'd loved visiting as a day-tripper, but never properly explored. After the full on immersion of the past few weeks, and especially the last seven days, I'm properly addicted to the place. The things I wanted to get out of last week were to get back on stage, learn some comedy writing craft and take on a major challenge. Tick, tick, tick. Yesterday's showcase was a surreal and wonderful experience. I can't quite believe it happened, especially given how high the mountain looked and felt a only week ago. Crucially, I've also come out of the week with a whole bunch of funny and interesting new friends whose comedy careers I can follow and support and feel a connection to. That's an amazing thing and, I can imagine, may well prove to be the most important legacy of all." **Dan Muirden**, TV writer

“The Beginners Intensive Stand Up Course at The Bill Murray was a joyful way to spend a week. It was so fulfilling to explore my creativity and to collaborate with a diverse group of exceotionally funny people. This course has created my first stand up comedy community and it’s so great to be a part of.” **Stacey Edwards**, Technical Operations Manager – Snapchat

"I've taken it twice, it was that good" **Beth Knight**, Artist

“I can honestly say this intensive course was one of the best weeks of my life. Stand-up is something I have loved my whole life, but something I never thought I could do. This course is the perfect way to build confidence, learn techniques and get stage experience, all leading to the final showcase. Dec creates a supportive, inclusive and fun community from the first day, leading with gentle authority and improving you every step of the way. You meet like-minded people from all walks of life, who you encourage, befriend and laugh with every day. I would not have had the courage to do stand up without this course – period. Now I have done it, enjoyed it and looking to do more! I can’t thank Dec and the Bill Murray enough.” **Ben O’Dell**, Marketing Account Director

"There is nothing to lose and everything to gain, by doing this course. Dec creates a magnificent container of kindness which becomes a safe space to attempt comedy ourselves and supportively encouraging each other in the process. Dec's ability to communicate with clarity and enthusiasm gives the best possible foundation on which to learn joke formulation. And you will laugh. Lots." - **Juliet Brook**, Broadcaster

"I loved every minute of the course and I'm sad it's over so soon. The people are fab, the teaching is great, and it's basically a week of making people laugh, and people making you laugh - what's not to love!" - **Ryan Denham**, Writer

"This course not only helped me gain the confidence to get on stage for the first time but it also taught me new ways to write and approach comedy. Dec is a fantastic teacher who was able to foster a very supportive and fun environment in the class and give very specific tailored feedback to everyone so we were all able to improve and get the most out of it. I would recommend this course to everyone from people looking to start careers in comedy to people just looking to gain some extra confidence and learn how to be funnier in public speaking. This course has it all and is a lot of fun too." **Matthew Hunter**, Videographer, Logically

"This course with Dec has been everything I wanted it to be and more!! It's given me the confidence to pursue the creative projects I've been wanting to do for years, with structure and a clear way forward, all in 6 days...magic! Also it was super fun." **Ruby Visaria**, Actor & Author

"This course was completely transformative. I cannot believe how much progress the whole group made in just five days. It’s more than just a stand up course: it provides a network, best practices to generate material and inspiring advice to find your voice as a comedian. I cannot recommend the course and Dec’s teaching highly enough. Thirteen stars (and a jelly baby) out of five stars. Very nice." **Glynn Goodall**

“As a TV personality who has a dream to transition into Stand-Up Comedy, I strongly recommend The Stand-up Comedy Class for Beginners with Dec Munro. Through the Course, Dec was able to guide and teach us (me) to the point of having enough confidence to take that first step. We learned techniques, understood boundaries and when/if to push them, we also learned to write and were given opportunities to take the stage in a safe and supportive environment. Following the course, I continued with coaching from Dec to prepare myself for a Comedy Competition. Through his guidance, I was able to “survive” my first audience-filled gig – afterward I cried, I felt exhilarated, I felt I had accomplished the impossible… and I felt thankful. Thank you, Dec, for helping me achieve a dream. I strongly recommend the Stand-up Beginners course and Dec Munro as a teacher and tutor.” **Ann Kaplan Mulholland**, ex Real Housewife of Toronto, Author & Entrepreneur

"The course was informative, inspiring and lots of fun. Dec is a fantastic teacher with an encyclopaedic knowledge of comedy. As an absolute novice in a week I went from never having written or performed anything to a set in front of actual humans on a stage that has had some of my comedy hero’s on! Can’t thank Dec Enough!" **Sasha Kinsley**

"I'm that person (we all know the one) that is critical of everything and everyone, especially teachers/courses of a performative nature. But somehow Dec managed to surpass (just barely) my unreasonably high bar. He cultivates an environment that allows everyone to feel safe enough to fail and inspired enough to try again. And most importantly, if Dec has an ego, he's checked it at the door. No narcissistic, ego stroking BS in this class! Ahhh how refreshing! So, if you're like me and hesitant, because of too many battle wounds from previously awful, narcissistic teachers... Take a breath, sign up, you're in the right place." **Sage Mears**

"The beginners’ course was an amazing opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and develop from a total beginner into being ready to perform a set in the course of a week. Dec is a brilliant teacher and creates a supportive, relaxed atmosphere but one in which everyone learned loads. If you’re thinking about signing up, go for it!" **Oli Peat**

"For people thinking of signing up for this course, do it! We had folks do the class because they wanted to get into comedy, they love comedy, they were curious about how it’s done or they simply wanted to build confidence. If you don’t think that you’re unique or have a different perspective, you will come away from this course having been proven wrong. You couldn’t ask for a better guide through an intensive 5 day course than Dec - he brings out the best in everyone with kindness and patience." **Julie Stirman**, Singer/voiceover actor/singing teacher

"Dec is everything you need in a comedy teacher: kind, calm, generous, encouraging… and a comedy connoisseur! The course felt like a college education condensed into a week. I think I filled an entire notebook. Dec created a safe space to study other comedians, test and perform your own material. I came away feeling so motivated to get started and give this stand up thing a proper go." **Liv Long**

"Dec is the comedy equivalent of Charles Xavier from X-Men. He identifies your unique skills and strengths, helps you craft your persona, and equips you with the knowledge to thrive in the world of stand-up comedy!" **Paddy Ryan**

"Take the course! Regardless of whether or not you want to be a comedian. Learning about and trying out stand-up comedy in the friendly supportive environment that is Angel Comedy I found is one of the best, challenging and rewarding ways for personal development. I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of the course, its intensive nature, the camaraderie, the chance to perform at the showcase and taking what I’ve learned on the road/comedy circuit. Dec Munro is a great guy, a teacher who helps bring out and channel the funny in you." **Jurgen Strack**

"I’d been recommending this course to friends before it even finished. I’ve come back to normal life after a week’s intensive learning about all things stand up feeling rejuvenated and ready to gig despite only having my first one at the showcase! Dec paces out every topic in and around stand up and handles it like he’s been doing it for decades (he has). Buy your dang spot on the next course already." **Kieran Shah**, User Researcher at Snook

"An amazing course, taught incredibly well. A great way to build confidence and explore creativity." **Vik Thanki**, Financial Services Professional.

"I arrived at the course with nothing and left with something. Dec is a legend and will get you to writing and performing at a higher level than before. Do this course." **Craig Jaffa**, Head of Marketing at Axia Futures

"Don’t think, just go. It’s intense but thoroughly entertaining and you’ll not just come out with a tight set, but also with a lot of insight into your own comic abilities, not to mention a group of friends who are in the same boat as you and the knowledge that you can get Dec’s advice and guidance whenever you need it." **Saurabh Kejriwal**

"Coming with zero experience and possibly too much enthusiasm, Dec’s course helped me put my first steps into the open-mic circuit and ensured I didn’t crash and burn. It also helped me focus on what I want to do with comedy." **Mat Smith**, Senior Editor

“The course gave me a new lease of life. It’s tremendous fun, with an excellent teacher, who created an incredibly supportive environment for a diverse group of amazing people, some of whom will be lifelong friends. I’ll treasure forever the memories and the video of my showcase performance.” **Peter Brewer**, Former Managing partner and Chief Investment Officer, Cumulus hedge fund & apple hurling world champion 2011

“I took this course because there is no better way to convey serious messages than with humour, IMHO - and I wanted to do that better than via old jokes; I can now generate fresh, relevant and genuinely engaging content … and got so much more from the course too - friends, a network of collaborators and a great life experience :-)" **Gordon MacSween**, Global Head of Patent Services for Clarivate plc

“Dec’s intensive comedy course helped me create 5 minutes of material to perform, and more importantly gave me the confidence to perform it!” **Joe Fry**

"I booked this course spontaneously within a few hours one day on a whim and I am so glad I did. I wasn't even particularly planning to be a comic but just did it to see where it took me and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Do not think too much about it, just do it and turn up (well, read the stuff before but just go headfirst into it!). You basically get to laugh for an entire week with a bunch of hilarious people from all different backgrounds, and Dec is one of the kindest humans I've ever met who has an absolutely magical superpower of tapping into what makes each person special and bringing that out in the funniest way possible. Expect to fail fast but bond over failing together in a safe and nurturing environment, and emerge at the end of the week with a clearer sense of who you are and how you view the world - and of course seeing the humour in it!" **Rachael Stets**, Strategy Director

“I would definitely recommend to any one even a little interested in comedy. A really uplifting, supportive five days, during which I gained confidence on stage, in my persona/material, and just in general. The showcase was a lovely end to the experience, watching everyone nail their 5 mins and really enjoy the time on stage was a testament to Dec and his course!” **Susie**, student

"This course gave me the confidence, guidance and support to try stand up- something I’ve been trying to get the courage to do for about 6 years. I learnt so much, and genuinely just had a great week!!" **Anna Soden**, Actor

"I've wanted to try out stand up comedy for a long time, and the week long course has provided me with the perfect opportunity to do so. Dec is a fantastic teacher, offering not only the most professional teaching in comedy, but also invaluable guidance on how to start up a potential comedic career based on his vast experience in the industry. You will also get to meet the most supportive group of friends who are super passionate about comedy. That surreal feeling of leaving the whole room with laughters for the entire 5 minutes can easily be one of these truly memorable moments of your life." **Charlie Chen**, developer at a hedge fund

"Want to be a stand up comedian? This course will make you one. Within a week, you'll go from holding a microphone upside down to confidently delivering 5 minutes of material in front of an actual audience in an actual comedy club. Dec is a brilliant, supportive teacher and the opportunity to have an experienced director support you in developing your initial act is too good to miss!" **Oliver Wright**

"Dec Munro is the kind of teacher that you'll instantly move to the top of your 'Thank you' list for all the imaginary awards you win in the shower. And those might become actual real awards in the future if you do his course, follow his advice and keep up the work after." **Hannah Smith**, Marketing

“If you’re one of those people who’s always wondered about trying stand-up but hasn’t yet pluckedup the courage to do so, this course is a great place to start. Dec is a kind, engaging and knowledgeable teacher who not only shows you the fundamentals of generating different types of material but also encourages you to step out of your comfort zone and go beyond what you previously thought you were capable of. It was fun, practical and truly life-affirming.” **Alex Rogerson**

"Amazing week Dec is the best teacher! I would recommend signing up now to anyone who is thinking about taking this course. One of the best learning experiences I've had. Builds confidence, an amazing learning environment to take creative risks, learn about persona, process and the fundamentals of writing comedy. Dec excels at helping with ‘what comes next’ in a concrete, realistic way." **Hannah Binney**

‘I have ADHD so I really hate homework – but I actually did some for Dec! Feedback forms usually feel like a very boring chore that make my brain start to dribble out of ears while I cry and I did mostly fill this out while high but then this question made me stop and realise just how much I got out of the course and that I should finish in the morning. Morning: Dec is incredible – I was feeling lost in my own overthinking and self-doubt but the supportive and nurturing atmosphere he curated allowed me to confront vulnerabilities, actually enjoy myself, let go a bit and this helped me solve some approach and persona inner battles that I’d trying to figure out alone for 6 months – in just 5 days.’ **Scarlett Kefford**

Weekly Course Feedback

“Definitely recommend this course for anyone who wants to start in comedy & is unsure where to begin. Dec creates an environment which brings out the best in everyone and it definitely helped me go from local comedy club all the way to the BBC in a really short time” **Joshua Bethania**, Winner, So You Think You’re Funny 2022, BBC New Comedian Finalist 2022

“This course is great – do it! Dec’s friendly, relaxed but professional approach gets the best out of everyone & makes it so much fun to learn the basics of stand up. He brings knowledge, enthusiasm and experience to his teaching and covers everything from writing techniques to booking gigs in an accessible and engaging way. I learned loads, laughed a lot and met some great people while doing it.” **Jonathan Blake**, Political Correspondent, BBC News

"I usually don't like meeting new people or public speaking but really enjoyed the whole course, Dec creates a great, supportive atmosphere immediately, felt encouraged and confident all the way through :)" **Quinn Lambert**

“I can’t say enough good things about Dec’s Beginner’s Stand-up course. It’s cleverly structured. The teaching is top class. On week 1 everyone was terrified. By week 5, we were jumping up on stage to practise material on each other. Dec created an inclusive environment while still pushing us to improve every week. I came away with a solid understanding of the foundations of stand-up – persona, joke-writing, performance, and how to get into gigging. The final showcase was a blast – the nicest way to do an early gig. But I haven’t just come away with new knowledge (and what critics including my mum have described as a frankly side-splitting five minutes of material); I’ve made friends – weeks on we’re still seeing each other regularly to workshop, gig, and (shock) socialise. And did I say the teaching was good? It was really good. Dec was supportive and knowledgeable. He had smart ways to teach us things that weren’t just sit-down lectures. And, he’s brilliant at helping you find what’s funny about you, and how to turn what could be a joke into… a joke. I’d recommend the course to anyone whose mates have ever told them ‘You should do stand-up’. Your mates are probably wrong, but the course is fantastic.” **Genny Edwards**

"Dec's class is the best way to get started doing stand up. Working with a director who regularly has shows at international comedy festivals is helpful because he can provide a 3rd party perspective that's incredibly professional. Very generous person and wise teacher. If you're serious about stand up, take the class. Hopefully you can get a spot!" **Nina Kramer**

"Dec has an incredible instinct for crafting all different types of comedy. Dec is a gifted, generous teacher. He is insightful and comprehensive in his teaching. He is humble and kind. His love for comedy shines through and will increase your heart and stamina for it." **Rosemary Gomes**

"This course was fantastic. Dec Munro is a great teacher – engaging, personable, supportive and very funny; he helped me to build something that I am proud of, and I really loved working with the other group members. He's very good at what he does. It was like learning to drive in a Rolls Royce." **William Arnall-Culliford**

"Dec is an outstanding comedy teacher and mentor. He brought out the best in my work, encouraging me to take risks, play to my strengths, and create comedy content that gave me the opportunity to have fun. I would highly recommend working with him if you have the opportunity. I'd absolutely recommend the course, for those who want to do stand up, for anyone who wants to sharpen their comedy writing skills, for people who want to improve their public speaking, or build confidence." **Maria Gregg**

“With Dec’s abundance of knowledge about comedy and the business, this course is the perfect way to get started in stand-up. But it’s worth doing even if you never intend to get up on another stage after the final showcase. These classes really demonstrated that comedy is an awesome way to take what’s different about us (and potentially the things we’re self-conscious about) and turn them into something funny, which is actually quite a profound way to gain self-confidence. It’s also just a fun, creative way to spend your weekend.” **Fran Fabriczki**

"I loved this course! Given that it's pretty much everyone’s worst nightmare to stand up in front of strangers and try to make them laugh, Dec does a fantastic job from the very beginning of fostering an encouraging, friendly atmosphere where we all help each other to find what makes us individually funny. I had no creative – let alone comedic – experience going into this course, and I was still able to perform a 5 minute set at the end of it. I had put off trying stand-up for ten years out of nerves, but after seven weeks I really enjoyed performing in front of an audience and want to do more." **Annabel Edmonds**

“I had the best time on Dec’s course. He equips you with all the tools you need to do your first five minutes and have the confidence to get up and perform. The structure of the course was the perfect balance of interactive/practical and teaching. The teaching was incredibly clear and I’ve come away knowing what I need to do in the shorter/medium and longer term. Dec is incredibly supportive and cultivates a really supportive environment amongst everyone in the class – as a result you finish the course having met some amazing people who will accompany you on your comedy journey forthwith.” **Abbi Cole**

"Phenomenal course with the right balance between structured learning, practise and feedback, and open discussion. Would 100% recommend to anyone wanting to start out in comedy or just enjoys stand up. Dec is incredibly open and insightful as a teacher and his feedback helps you grow so much more as a performer." **Morag Deans**

"Dec's Introduction to Stand Up course has been a fantastic experience. His ability to instil confidence and draw out the funniest side of people is remarkable. His insight and advice is invaluable, and he ensured the atmosphere was nothing but supportive and welcoming for the duration of the course, meaning everyone achieved tangible progress week on week. I would leap at the chance to work with Dec again in any capacity." **Sam Coade**

"As a beginner to comedy, Dec helped me to feel welcomed into this strange world right from the start. If you have been wanting to finally make the leap into performing comedy, this course is a great first step! I highly recommend the course to all those out there who have been waiting for a sign to finally start their stand-up career. This is it, this is that sign." **Anna George**

"Dec's got a real knack of finding what’s funny about you, drawing it out and helping you hone in on it, sometimes even before you've realised what that even is. He created a relaxed atmosphere in the class which gave space for people to grow into their comedy." **Jamie Cutteridge**

"I would thoroughly recommend this course. As someone who aspires towards stand up but suffers from a lack of confidence/nerves, I have found Dec's help to be invaluable in these early stages. His knowledge, credentials and clear passion for the subject are a clear indication to me that if you require help with stand-up comedy, Dec is the person to ask." **Dan Powell**

"I guess my situation was maybe a bit unique and I really had no idea what I was signing up for, looking at a schedule that included booking gigs and a live performance at the end I thought I was well out of my depth! But the course was well paced, engaging, supportive and with a great bunch of people (and Dec) and it took me to a place where I actually felt confident to perform and would even do it again, most importantly it was fun!" **Tom Naish**

"I took Dec Munro’s 'Getting started…' class and was very impressed with the course. Beyond my expectations, the course took me from complete zero to a working 5 min set and gave me the tools and confidence to deploy it on an unsuspecting stand-up world. Dec really knows his stuff and it shows." **Tom McManus**

"I'm really appreciative of Dec's guidance as well as generosity with his time. His style of nurturing everyone's individual style (rather than a prescriptive "in order to be funny do A, B and C") is really great - which lets each person's personality come through to create their own authentic brand and style of humour." **Varun Kumta**

"A fantastic course that I would recommend to anyone with a passion for stand-up. Dec really encourages you to harness on what already lies within. Plus a great opportunity to meet amazing people." **Nikki Goffe**

"I would 100% recommend this course to anyone who wants to get an insight into comedy from someone who really knows what they're talking about and really pushes you to work harder to do your best." **Naif Mohamed**

“This course is great! Dec has helped me immensely to begin my journey as a stand up comedian. The course was full of useful insights as well as allowing creative freedom and challenging me to do things I wouldn’t have thought I could do so quickly! Also Dec is a great bloke.” **Jon McMain**

"I would highly recommend this course. Even though I had already completed a beginners course in the past. It was great to go back to basics, re-focus and come away with a greater understanding and tight set plus. I am very happy." **Elaine Blackmore**

"Dec was incredibly supportive and knowledgeable while remaining constructively critical. My writing and editing ability has drastically improved since starting the course and I would recommend to anyone thinking about taking part in the future to do it! End-to-end, a fantastic experience." **Laurence Kite**

"Dec perfectly balances encouragement and honesty to create a free and expressive atmosphere enabling interesting material and personas. Working with Dec for just a few months has really accelerated the development of my persona, material generating skills and trust in my individual comic voice" **Annie Sheppard**

"Dec has rekindled my love for stand up comedy. Previously I had given up on writing and performing stand-up, now I'm picking it back up again with even more determination. It's terrible. It’s basically all Dec's fault that I now have a solid 5-minutes, that I'm really pleased with and I think is genuinely funny. Damn You Dec Munro! Damn you!" **Harry McIlroy**

"Dec is excellent at packaging comedy in a fun, accessible way to all, communicating with ease how to understand the importance of persona and how a comedian is seen by the audience. Allowing us to "find our funny" and understand that everyone has something to say, everyone can find and communicate what we find funny and deliver with economy of words and with creative performance techniques, I am so so glad I took Dec's course, comedy is terrifying but horrendously rewarding and I would recommend it to anyone looking to take comedy seriously." **Grace Viccary**

"I found this course incredibly insightful and made me think about stand up differently and actually open my eyes to some of the realities and real practicalities of it. Dec's take on how much character and persona play into the delivery and writing process is unique and has not only deeply informed my understanding of the creative process around standup, but also allowed me to better appreciate comics out on the circuit today." **Lewis Craig**

"Comedy has been a long term passion for me and although I'd never given it a go myself, I pushed myself to try something new and joined Dec's Get started in Comedy Course on Zoom. Dec was a brilliant teacher who harboured a very supportive atmosphere amongst the group, which let us know that we could always try out material amongst a very encouraging audience. He was great at explaining techniques and showing examples from a wide variety of big names in comedy. The best thing about the course was that Dec spent time with us in 1on1 sessions to help us create and refine our first 5 minute set, before performing it in front of the rest of the class. This meant that we finished the course with our very own first set, the experience of performing it in front of people and clear next steps about what to do in the world of comedy." **Dominic Burrell**

"Dec provided us with a rounded and well-formed intro to the world of doing the stand-up that came from a place of experience and knowledge. If you need a nudge in the right direction cos you have the itch this is a great route to get you going." **Andrew Garnet**

"If you're considering taking this course - stop considering and book it up immediately. It's just the most enjoyable, life-affirming week. You'll come out of it with five minutes of standup comedy that you never thought you could produce, you'll have performed it which is the most exciting experience you can imagine, and you'll have made a bunch of new friends. Whether you want to work in comedy or you just want to clamber out of a rut and stretch your brain, this is the place. Go for it." **Chris Smith** (broadcaster and bestselling children's author)

"Dec was an outstanding teacher for a number of reasons - his technical knowledge covering everything from an opening gambit to persona and delivery. Since the course, I have been able to analyse and critically assess the positives and the pitfalls of both good and bad sets and tailor mine to be more effective and snappy. What I enjoyed perhaps the most was Dec gave us the freedom to explore comedy in our unique styles and guided us based on those styles. I have found other teachers or courses may sometimes be relatively generic in delivery and advice, and material generated there would be boxed in by the conformity, whereas Dec let the participants present their own work and helped each of us craft it using his perspective. I also found the one to one session very useful & a unique part of the course. Dec has a pleasant and warm nature and vast experience, knowledge and passion. Recommended!" **Alf E Jones**

"I really enjoyed the zoom course with Dec and I learned so much. His feedback was very precise and detailed." **Andrea Koikai**

"One of the best decisions I've taken in years. The opportunity to learn a new skill, meet some amazing people and learn from a super knowledgeable tutor is priceless. It's worth the price twice over." **Kevin Cromwell**

"Get started in comedy is a fantastic course. I am definitely a lot more confident in my knowledge of the ins and outs of stand up. Apart from being a smashing bloke, Dec is straight up in his critique of your work and helps you to find the funniest truth of your material. Highly recommended." **Dave Layde**

“I’m unfunny as default, so comedy had always been something magical and unapproachable and now it’s a realistic activity for me.” **Leo Schick**, journalist and producer

"I came to Dec Munro's class new to comedy and not really knowing what to expect. Within the first session, I already knew that the Stand Up Beginner's course had become the highlight of my week. Dec is a wonderful teacher who clearly has a wealth of experience and knowledge to draw on and communicate in his particularly patient and twinkly-eyed way. The pace of the course saw me go from dreaming about performing on stage, to learning the fundamental skills of a standup like "persona", writing and stage presence to eventually performing my own material in front of a live audience in one of London’s best comedy clubs! I would recommend this course to anyone with a passing interest in comedy, someone who wants to build their confidence or anyone who just wants to meet like-minded people and feel part of a community. All in all, I feel richer for the experience!" **Jake Patrick**

"Dec takes you from being a trembling wreck to someone who can survive and thrive for 5 full minutes on stage in an amazingly short period of time." **Robert Griffiths**

"Dec is a fantastically supportive teacher, who over the course has been able to take me from zero to a 5-minute set. His knowledge about the structure of jokes, how to balance honesty with humour and how to get started in the industry are invaluable. I have finished the course feeling fantastic and confident to start pitching for slots. Thank you Dec!" **Jen Larner**

About the course:

"A rollercoaster seven weeks from having absolutely no idea what I was doing, to standing in my dining room doing pigeon impressions to complete strangers in the name of comedy. Dec's course goes from persona to performance with tons of support along the way, and I'd thoroughly recommend the whole experience."

About Dec:

"A rare human being with a knack for bringing out the funny in people in a way that completely suits their persona and style. Dec doesn’t seem to say a lot, but he doesn’t need to, because whatever he offers is measured and meaningful." **Victoria Barker**

"I consider myself an introvert, yet through Dec's comedy course I learned to embrace it and build it into my comedy persona. I've come out of Dec's course more confident not just in my comedy skills but also other parts of my life. You don’t have to be a class clown or a natural centre of attention to excel in comedy. Go for it!" **Peter Hoffer**

"I've gone from zero to hero doing Dec's course! I had so much fear about writing my own set. It had stopped me taking the subject at university 20+ years ago! Since doing this course with Dec I have overcome a debilitating fear that stopped me, and I can now write my own standup comedy and perform it in my own unique style. I now know who I am as a comedian, what I stand for and my performance style. Thank you!" **Franny Treymaine**

"It had been suggested I try standup and after browsing online I came across Dec's course. I was interested and made contact. From then on Dec was quick to reply to any questions I had and a quick phone call with him confirmed that this was the course for me. I have loved every single session. Dec has been able to teach me (a complete beginner) some incredibly helpful tools in a clear and concise manner. He is always on hand to help with feedback/suggestions. I would recommend this course to everyone." **Sean B**

"Three words to describe this course, so ably led by Dec: Wow, Wow and Wow. Were I allowed a fourth word, it’d also be Wow. The course is super-supportive, cleverly laid out and really does get you to a point where you not only have a tight 5 minute set, but also you think ‘ok I might actually be able to land this.’ I’d highly recommend." **Ollie Williams,**Teacher

"You may not sure what is funny about you or how to be funny. Or maybe you have an idea because your friends find you funny. Dec helps you on this course to unleash all your potential and understand how your jokes and your ideas can be shaped to make you become a Comedian. You will end this course understanding the techniques that work and building a natural intuition to transform all your sentences into funny material. Also, I often do public speaking for my day job and this course helped me feel more confident than ever in both stages, the professional and the comedy one." **Roger Ferrandis**

"I never thought I would get to a point where I could perform 5mins of stand up in front of an audience, but I felt comfortable doing this by the end. Dec is an incredibly engaging and talented teacher. I couldn’t recommend this course enough." **Caroline Steel,** (Presenter, Crowd Science on the BBC World Service)

"Dec shines a light on areas of comedy which are hidden from most. I would recommend this course to aspiring comedians, those who are simply curious regarding how comedy works, anyone who has a speech which needs an injection of humour or if you just feel like learning a new skill" **Leon Earlington**

"It has been an absolute pleasure being part of Dec's class. I joined with no expectations of continuing after the showcase but I have enjoyed every part of the course enough to know, it doesn't stop here! Found my happy place! I cannot recommend Dec highly enough . He is a kind, generous and wise teacher who will be there for you through this process to make sure you get to where you want to. He will help and guide you to let you craft 'your funny' giving you the tools you need." **Chandkiran Nath**

"I'm so glad I found this comedy course taught by Dec Munro. He has been very generous with his time and wisdom throughout. His knowledge of comedy skills and informed practice has been invaluable to me and, from what I witnessed, others in the group. His style is nurturing and enabling. He allowed me to try out work and fine tune it with the 1:1 session which finally gave shape to a piece I can be proud of performing. I found his approach nourishing for my inner comedian. When I researched where to take a course, his stood high above the others in my opinion. I was not disappointed at all. I'm looking forward to developing my five minutes to the next stage. Thank you so much Dec." **Rob Windsor**

"In 6 weeks with Dec, I wrote more pages of fuller-formed thoughts that might be sorta funny than I have in the 19 years of wanting to get into comedy where scribbles never transformed into something more. This is largely because Dec does two things brilliantly: provides a scaffolding to the art of creating comedy without making it a full-on science; and transmits (to anyone listening to him) a deep understanding of the writing process that leads to insightful comedy." **Angadh Nanjangud**

"I joined Dec's Stand-Up Beginner's course because I wanted to learn more about writing comedy, and I am so glad I did! Dec guided us through everything, from establishing a persona and turning much-loved pub stories into material to joke structures, performance techniques and so much more. And all that nerdy comedic learning was balanced with dedicated performance-time each week, which brought our material to life in front of the most supportive group imaginable. I'm gutted my course has already come to an end. If you've long considered stand-up but always found an excuse not to, this course will put an end to those excuses. You won't find a more relaxed, supportive and hilarious course to learn comedy on, run by the kindest man in comedy – and you can quote me on that!" **Imogen Bole**

“I cannot recommend Dec enough. He has been wonderful to work with, on both a personal and professional level. The course brings out the best in everyone and leads to such an amazing community. I can’t imagine a better space to learn comedy, nor a better teacher to learn it from.” **Fred McMahon**

"Thank you very much Dec, I learned a lot, was challenged, and improved a lot. Great material provided, very good exercises. I can only recommend the course, I promise you, you will not regret it." **Wilfried Tchangoue**

"Dec is the man. This is a really inviting and friendly way to introduce yourself to the world of comedy. As someone who had absolutely no background or idea in what performing was all about, this course taught a solid foundation of theory and case studies to learn from. That theory is then consistently practiced in weekly challenges (but this is never too scary or overwhelming). By the end, you’ll be on your way! Plus you'll most likely meet a bunch of legends. Do it!" **Anthony Smith**

"Dec is a fantastic teacher, full of enthusiasm and a killer beard. I studied with him on the 'introduction to stand up comedy course', it was such a positive experience and a great way to start your "career" in comedy. He’s got a fantastic comedy brain and eye for comedy, I'd love to work with him again in the future, highly recommended" **George Heslop**

“Dec’s course is great because he gives you all of the rules and techniques people follow to generate standup material, but he doesn’t prioritise any of that over you finding your own persona and voice and what’s funny about you. At our class showcase, everyone was funny and no one sounded the same. If you think you might be interested in standup and want to build some confidence, this is absolutely the class for you.” **Amanda Stauffer**

“Dec is great at this - he clearly loves comedy, he clearly knows comedy, and he clearly enjoys teaching. I would recommend the course to anyone - whether you are serious about doing comedy and want to make the best possible start, or if you just want to have fun for a few weeks, meet some cool people and do an exceptionally cool thing (perform a gig at the Bill Murray in front of a crowd). Attending the course is one of the best things I have done for myself” **Fergus O’Doherty**

“Dec is a great teacher, balancing encouragement with honesty and constructive feedback. This course will not let you down. It doesn’t matter why you want to do it, I can promise you will meet interesting people, the final showcase it’s a rush of adrenaline, and you will have tremendous fun. There is downside though: once it’s over, you will have withdrawal symptoms and you will miss your weekly appointments with Dec and your fellow classmates to talk about comedy!” **Benedetto Ferretti**

“Dec created a really supportive class where I felt included from day 1. While he encourages flexibility and developing your own voice, he also doesn’t shy away from giving direct, pointed feedback on concrete material – this is a nice balance. Highly recommend the course!” **Amanda Choumin**

“Dec’s classes are very nurturing, of course fun and very focused. He creates a very supportive group. Dec definitely improved my understanding of certain joke structures. He’s helped me find my comedy writing and performing mojo.” **Dawn Cato**

“I feel compelled to write a funny quote and leave that as the sole testimony of this wonderful course. And as much as I am now equipped to do so, I cannot fairly reduce this course to a cheesy pun. This is such an eye opening, confidence building course and I could not recommend it enough for anyone who has that itch to get on stage but just needs a nudge to scratch it. Dec creates such a lovely atmosphere that no matter the level you’re coming in from, you’ll feel welcome. He also had lots of time for my relentless questions.” **Yannick Wojtan**

“I very much enjoyed the Beginners Stand Up Course with Dec. It was fantastic to learn new comedy theory and techniques, test them out in a supportive environment amongst a great group of people and receive feedback that can be applied quickly to improve. I would be very happy to work with Dec again in future courses.” **Marcus Beeby**

“Before this course I never thought I’d be able to do stand-up comedy and by the end of it I had written my first 5 minutes and performed it in front of an audience. I met great people and enjoyed every moment of every class – I’m definitely going to continue with comedy and that is down to the confidence and skills that Dec’s teaching gave me.” **Ben Levett**

“I had a delightful time! It’s a great way to take some first comedy steps in a friendly and supportive environment. Dec knows everything about comedy and my classmates were lovely (and hilarious). The final showcase was so much fun.” **Rosie Thomas**

“Taking Dec’s course was a fantastic decision. The incredibly supportive environment that he creates was ideal for getting over my initial nerves and finding my path.” **Vishnu Lal**

“The healthy kick-up-the-arse you need.” **Scott Oswald**

"Words don't really do justice how much I enjoyed the course and how much of that is down to Dec. I came in not knowing what to expect and Dec was knowledgeable, kind, constructive and hilarious. He goes the extra mile, even if he doesn't have to and I was so glad to have him teaching me. I learnt a great deal and can go away from the course ready to keep applying what Dec has taught me to the real/comedy world." **Lara Modiano**

“Such a great course! I really learnt a lot and I didn’t stop laughing! This is the best course ever. It will change your life forever!” **Charlie Latimer**

"Stand up was the most frightening thing I could ever imagine doing on a stage. Dec and his course transformed it into one of the very best weeks/experiences of my life. It's just been fantastic to laser-focus on something creative and joyous for a week, and to share that with an amazing group of people. I would recommend the course to anybody who has ever even contemplated stand up. If you're a comedy fan, a performer, looking to improve your public speaking, whatever it is... this course will change your life for the better. DO IT, YOU FOOL!" **George Webster**, Actor (Masters of the Air, Versailles)

"Booking this course was one of the best decisions I've made in a long long time. It’s a safe, friendly and supportive space to explore the foundations of comedy. I've met some amazing people and rest assured you are in excellent hands with Dec." **Leah Davis** (Presenter, CapitalXtra and Funny Women finalist)

For any questions about the course or to be added to the course mailing list please email [email protected]

Tickets: £450/£325 NHS, student and unemployment discounts available - just ask

9:45 AM - Doors open

Presented by Angel Comedy.

This is an 18+ event