TV comic leads Ystradgynlais workshops as part of a Wales-wide arts festival for the over 50s

Surreal Welsh comedian Noel James, who was a huge hit with Simon Cowell and co on the TV show Britain’s Got Talent, will be leading comedy workshops for the over 50s at the Neuadd Les in Ystradgynlais next month.

The sessions, which take place on 6 and 13 June between 7pm and 9pm, form part of Age Cymru’s Gwanwyn Festival which celebrates creativity in older age.

Noel, who has also appeared on Channel 4’s Packing Them In and the BBC’s The Stand Up Show, was brought up in the Swansea Valley is equally surreal in both the English and Welsh languages.

One of his signature acts is to remove his guitar from its case, discard the actual instrument and then start playing the case!

Talking about the workshops, Noel said: “A lot of people would like to try stand-up comedy but lack the courage to go on stage. On this course a safe, constructive, environment will be provided for beginners to test their own material out. Microphone technique; joke writing; timing and all aspects of performance and delivery will be covered.”

Gwanwyn co-ordinator, Emma Robinson, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for anyone over 50 who has always wanted to try their hand at comedy but never had the opportunity. The workshops are structured so that the participants can hone their skills before appearing on stage – if they so wish! And however bizarre your ideas may be, I doubt very much they will shock Noel!”

If you wish to give one of the workshops a try then please call 07003 585227 or visit www.thewelfare.co.uk.