Writing Crime Comedy Masterclass

Learn how to craft your crime comedy.

Join comedy coach, Chris Head, for an immersive weekend of crime comedy writing. Inspired by our exhibition, Agatha Christie: A World of Mystery, we will explore the craft of writing comedy about criminals, police, private detectives and all kinds of lawbreakers and investigators. Whether you have an existing project or starting from scratch, and whether you want to write for TV, radio, stage or stand-up, you will learn how to navigate the intersection of crime and comedy.

We will take inspiration from classic examples of crime comedy, including The Goon Show and Monty Python, with contemporary examples including Michelle Wolf’s stand-up, How to Get to Heaven From Belfast and Only Murders in the Building. Participants will be invited to share their favourite crime comedy clips, several of which will be discussed and analysed over the weekend. You'll then be guided through a series of comedic writing exercises to help you create a crime themed comedy piece in your chosen style and genre.

We conclude the weekend with a rehearsed reading in the Library's lecture theatre, where two professional actors will join us to help bring selected scenes to life. You'll leave with a trove of new ideas and tools to continue developing your crime comedy scripts.

Chris also teaches via Zoom (as one-to-ones and courses), as well as in businesses, like advertising agencies. He also coaches stand-up comedy for everyone from newbies to pros worldwide, and provides coaching on speaking and presenting.