Retired art teacher and 71-year-old grandma, Jackie Prudom is making her comedy debut this June as she takes on the Beyond a Joke Comedy Gala in a bid to raise funds for all those affected by lung cancer.
After two years of shielding, Jackie decided to undertake the comedy challenge in a bid to rebuild her confidence and despite never having done a challenge like this before, she is determined to see it through.
“I’m absolutely terrified and I haven’t a clue on stand up. I want to draw on what I know, on being a mother and a grandmother, using those situations to relate to people in the crowd and hopefully get a few laughs out of it.
It’s a really daunting challenge to do but I was a teacher for so long, so it is within my capabilities, but it has been a while since I’ve done it.”
No matter what, I won’t let you down. I will turn up and no doubt my mind will go blank during the performance, but I’ll have my friends and family as an onside audience to keep my spirits high.
Taking on the challenge
“When I first received the email, I just thought it was something to do and it’s for a good cause. Throughout the pandemic, especially as I was shielding, I lost a lot of confidence in going out and talking to people.
You get used to staying in and watching TV and I just thought to myself that I’m better than that, I can do more, so I decided to take on the challenge.”
Those taking part in the Beyond a Joke Comedy Gala will receive expert training from The Comedy Trust who are providing five workshops from their sell out Comedy Course for Beginners.
Participants will attend weekly group sessions led by professional comedians, Rob Thomas and Sarah Jones, to help build and refine their routine which they will take to the stage on Saturday 18th June at The Studio in the iconic Royal Court in Liverpool.
“It helps knowing that I’ll be going on the training course for beginners, and I trust in that. I think right now, with everything that’s going on in the world that we need a bit of comedy and if I can do that for my friends and family then I will.”
“The challenge is an opportunity to get my brain active, to work on a routine, which I’ve never done before, all while raising funds for a great cause.
As someone who suffers from severe asthma, I know what it feels like to struggle with breathlessness, and I’ll do whatever I can to help.”
The mother of four and grandmother of three granddaughters will have a big crowd cheering her on as she takes to the stage and despite her worries, Jackie is determined to get the crowd laughing.
Will you join Jackie in taking on the Beyond a Joke Comedy Gala? We’ve got a limited number of places left and we urge those make sure they can commit to all workshops and the final show.
