TV star headlines comedy night series organised by Derby writer aiming to ‘make industry accessible’

A Derby comedy writer has organised a comedy night series championing accessibility in the comedy industry.

Lizzy Lenco, a Derby comedy writer and regular contributor for BBC Radio Derby organised the Happy Tuesdays series at Dubrek Studios.

The debut comedy show is on Tuesday September 12 and will be headlined by acclaimed comedy star Harriet Dyer.

Harriet is an award winning comedian, writer and mental health advocate who has appeared on BBC3, BBC Live at The Fringe, BBC Radio 4, Channel 4, Absolute Radio and The Russell Howard Show.

Supporting acts for the show include popular standup Alex Leam from Derby, Guntis Brazma a Derby based poet and comedian from Latvia, local poet and rap artist-comedian KC, and experienced MC and comedian Lyra.

Speaking about comedians that have been handpicked to create an exciting line-up, Lizzy said: “We will be running Happy Tuesdays at Dubrek Studios every second Tuesday in the month and our first line-up is great.

“Harriet has been on Channel 4 and various large platforms, so it is really good we have her headlining.

“Alex did really well in Edinburgh and it is so nice to showcase local talent too.”

Accessibility is important to Lizzy, who is a wheelchair user herself. She said: “I’m a comedian with a visual impairment.

“I got together with other disabled comedians to source and promote accessible venues.

“We are pleased to be working with Dubrek Studios as an accessible venue.”

“I am really excited about this venue, it is all on one level and you can even get a wheelchair on stage.

“We want to make comedy more accessible and inclusive so will be bringing a diverse range of well known acts to Derby to perform at Dubrek Studios as well as showcasing local talent.”

Lizzy has high hopes for the future and hopes to open Derby up to a diverse range of acts.

She said: “I am hoping to bring a much wider range of acts to the stage, diverse in terms of disabilities, gender balance and class, so there is something for everyone.

“There are two women leading our debut Happy Tuesdays show.

“Standup comedy is notoriously difficult as hecklers can be off-putting.

“Our comedians will not be ‘punching down’, we want to create a friendly space where we are kind to our audiences so people feel comfortable coming to see our shows.”

This month’s event will take place at 7.30pm on Tuesday September 12, at Dubrek Studios.

The address is: 67 Bridge Street, Derby DE1 3LB.

There is a launch night ticket offer of £5 in advance, £8 on the door.

To book tickets visit this website here.