Stand Up and Shine — Free Comedy Workshop Series for women (Feb - March 2026)
WCC culture microgrants are funding a free comedy course for women
It runs for 6 weeks, offering weekly daytime workshops for all adults identifying as female and non binary.
-
The Passage - St Vincent's Centre, Carlisle PlaceLondon, England, SW1 (map)
Need a good laugh? Want to feel more confident and connected to your community?
Join award-winning comedian Carly Smallman in an unforgettable FREE community workshops series, Stand Up and Shine, designed to uncover your smile and free you up!
WORKSHOP EVENTS, AT THE PASSAGE
DATES: Mondays: February 9, 16, 23; and March 2, 9, 16 2026
INCLUDED: Free morning tea (food and refreshments from 10:30AM)
TIME: 11AM to 1PM
ARRIVAL TIME: From 10:45AM (Register below to secure your place)
INTENTION: Confidence • Connection • Laughter
SPECIAL SHOWCASE, AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL
DATE: Wednesday, March 18 2026
TIME: 1:15PM to 3PM
ARRIVAL TIME: From 12:45AM (Register below to secure your place)
WATCH: Carly will perform stand-up and invite you to join her on stage, if you wish to show off your new comedy skills.
INVITE: Family and friends are welcome to attend!
CERTIFICATE: Receive a certificate of completion and track your wellbeing across the seven events.
Comedy is a universal language that transcends barriers and unites us. Research consistently highlights the profound impact of comedy and laughter: fostering connection, strengthening communities, and enriching lives. Perhaps it’s true after all… laughter really is the best medicine! Register and come find out for yourself?!
* Workshop spaces are limited to 15 people only. You must register to secure your place and be a woman, resident of Westminster, and over 18 years of age. The special showcase event is for workshop participants and their guests only. Special workshop and showcase guests to be announced! We are required to track how you feel before and after each event — this can be anonymous.
What participants gain from Stand Up and Shine?
Stand Up and Shine is designed to help women feel more confident, connected and emotionally supported — whether life feels steady or overwhelming right now.
Across six weeks, participants are gently guided through laughter, storytelling and creative play in a way that feels safe, supportive and pressure-free. Many women join simply wanting to feel more comfortable speaking up, meeting others, or enjoying something positive for themselves — all in a friendly, cosy space.
You’ll gain:
A sense of confidence that carries into everyday life
Human connection with a supportive group of women with shared experiences
Tools to express yourself without judgement
Moments of laughter, relief and joy
A feeling of pride in showing up for yourself
The option (never an obligation) to take part in a celebratory showcase
You don’t need to be funny. You don’t need to perform.
You just need to be open to connection, creativity and kindness — towards yourself.
About Carly Smallman
Director Co-Founder of BYOB Comedy • Comedian • Comedy-on-Prescription Workshop Facilitator • Women’s Advocate
“I believe comedy should be joyful, fearless and a bit mischievous! My workshops are a safe space to take risks, make mistakes, and most importantly, have a bloody good laugh.” — Carly Smallman
Carly loves comedy! From booking fabulous shows, to performing and providing workshops all over the country, she can’t get enough of making people laugh.
Carly Smallman is a comedian, writer and performer who has spent over a decade making people laugh on stage, screen and radio. She has performed stand-up on the BBC, been a panel show regular for ITV, and hosted on Talk Radio. On the live circuit, she’s played everywhere from comedy clubs and arts centres to London’s Vaudeville Theatre and the Apollo.
Carly is passionate about helping others discover their comedic voice. Drawing on her wide experience as a writer, performer and producer, she creates a supportive, practical and joy-filled environment. Whether you’re a beginner or polishing your material, Carly is committed to giving you the tools and confidence to shine.
Alongside her performing career, Carly has built exciting, innovative projects that bring comedy to new audiences. In 2016, she co-founded Bring Your Own Baby Comedy, lunchtime comedy clubs for parents (and their little ones), which have grown into a national success, winning awards including ‘Best Mental Health for Parents’. She also co-created Tarot, Nice to Meet You, a live comedy and tarot show that won ‘Best Audience Interaction’ at the Brighton Fringe in 2022.
Some people said some nice things:
"Delightfully ebullient" – Time Out
"A bundle of energy" – The Sun
"The most exciting female act in the country right now" – GQ Magazine
Directions to the workshop venue
ADDRESS: The Passage, St Vincent’s Centre, Carlisle Place, London Westminster, SW1P 1NL
TRANSPORT: Victoria Tube/Train/Bus Terminal London
PLAN JOURNEY: TfL journey planner
ENTRANCE: Map (below left); and view a photo of the external entrance (below right).
Contact
Carly Smallman
carly@byobcomedy.com
07877 189747