Did you hear the one about the straight white man who made his career out of punching down?

Yeah, we’ve heard it too – since the dawn of stand-up comedy. It’s never been funny.

Meanwhile, most queer people can write funnier DMs than the hour-long specials Netflix trots out, so where’s their mic?

That’s why Homotopia Festival 2025 is presenting Laugh-a-dil, a brand-new, queer-led comedy initiative. With workshops where you can flex your funny bones, confidence-building spaces that don’t punch down, and a comedy night that will blow the roof off Liverpool’s cabaret scene (metaphorically – it’ll be in the downstairs at the Everyman at the same time as Panto, rest assured no panto goers will be harmed).

Before the world premiere of Laugh-a-dil Comedy Night, there’ll be two free workshops led by comedy writer Marcella Rick and performer Claire Beerjeraz. Together, they’ll take you from fledgling ideas to 5-minute sets:

Workshop 1: Write Funny Stuff, Mon 24 Nov

Workshop 2: Say Funny Stuff in a Funny Way, Thu 27 Nov

Attend both workshops, then (if you fancy) jump on stage at the Laugh-a-dil Comedy Night, where you’ll perform alongside a brilliant queer line-up, headlined by Alex Stringer, fresh from the Edinburgh Fringe. No pressure, no hecklers (unless you’re into that), no gatekeeping.

All participants get free tickets to the big night, whether you perform or not.

Laugh-a-dil is about creating space for queer comedians to thrive, be heard, and most importantly – have a proper laugh.

Laugh-a-dil Workshop 1: Write Funny Stuff
Mon 24 Sep

Always wanted to try stand-up but not sure where to start? Got thoughts, rants – or group chat gold – that could be material? Maybe you’re a poet who wants to build more laughs into their verses, or a playwright with an itch to explore more comedy in their work. Whatever stage you’re at, this workshop is for you!

Writing funny stuff can be daunting. What if it’s not as funny as it is in your head? What if you sit down to write funny stuff, and come out the other side with nothing but sad verses about your balding cat? This first ever Laugh-a-dil workshop is all about digging into your comedic voice, supporting each other, and giving things a go.

Write Funny Stuff uses meme-making, playful prompts, and practical tools to help you turn your ideas into punchlines. No pressure to perform – just space to explore, experiment, and laugh. Led by local comedy writer Marcella Rick, and performer/poetry slam champion Claire Beerjeraz, this workshop will help you to find the form to fit your funny stuff, and the confidence to get it written down.

By the end of the session, you’ll have the bones of a 5-minute set, a better sense of your unique voice, and maybe even the itch to hit the stage at the Laugh-a-dil Comedy Night.

All participants will receive free tickets to the big night, the chance to express an interest in performing, and potential for further opportunities at future comedy nights.

Laugh-a-dil Workshop 2: Say Funny Stuff in a Funny Way
Thu 27 Nov

Having jokes to tell is one thing, but saying them in front of a live audience is a whole different beast. Whether you came to our first workshop and already have a set written, or you’re just keen to develop your comedy performance skills, this workshop is designed to support you to take the mic.

With a key focus on confidence building and stage presence, Say Funny Stuff in a Funny Way will help you to explore your unique performance style, with opportunities to try things out, get professional feedback, and be supported by a group of people doing the same.

Co-facilitators Marcella Rick and Claire Beerjeraz have said funny stuff on stages across the North West and London. With training from 20 Stories High, and credits including the sell-out run of Marcella’s original play Potato Milk (Playhouse Studio, 2024), this pair are keen to support queer people to find their confidence behind the mic.

Whether you’re completely new to comedy performance, or just looking to polish your stage chops, this is a supportive space to explore the craft, and try things out.

You’ll also have the pressure-free option to perform at the Laugh-a-dil Comedy Night that evening. All participants will receive free tickets to the big night, and the chance to express an interest in performing, and potential for further opportunities at future comedy nights.

Presented as part of Homotopia Festival 2025.