Guess where I am?

1984

George Orwell’s book, fictitiously proposing a New World order, exploring the themes of mass media control, government surveillance, totalitarianism (practically true!) - and it's also the closure date of Woolworths, in this seaside town. Uncanny...

Giant Dune Grass sculptures, sway mournfully in the wind, while the largest Mirror Ball (6m in diameter) beckons us to dance ‘til we drop. Oh, and there’s a colourful rainbow illumination brightening up the grey day.

Got it yet?

All worth seeing, well apart from Woolworths, which unlike the signage in the image, has fast faded away.

I love incongruity – everyday interruptions in daily life. Incongruity provides me with a surge of energy and often a smile. I was encouraging incongruity in last night’s comedy class, and my cohort didn’t disappoint. Unexpected larger shoes, exaggerated attention to detail, super slurred speech and a world ruled by Arthur Minute, sparked so much mirth.

Look out for the unexpected. Make it yourself or join me in one of my comedy classes, sometime soon. If your business needs more humour; YOU need more humour, or if you’re a speaker or comedian who wants to develop new material, get in touch.

In case you haven’t guessed – it’s the coast road alongside Blackpool’s Queen’s Promenade.

And the relevance of 1984 (besides Blackpool’s Woolies closing date) a famous line from the book, “You will own nothing and be happy” (Orwell’s 1984) provides a fantastic opportunity to create the philosophical and comedic responses to chilling, rollercoaster-like change and adversities often beyond our control. It’s called ‘Flipping it’

So let’s flip this:

Happy with nothing? Mr Orwell, no, no! May we continue to create havoc, humour and hope… DESPITE the BJ’s, and alike, in this world ;)

Coming soon - look out for NEW ONE DAY, SATURDAY WORKSHOPS in TOTNES and BRIDPORT!

As usual, big thanks and love from Maggie and the Comedy Matters team :)

Dune Grass by Architect Freestate
Mirror Ball by Michael Trainor
Photo by Timon Reinhard on Unsplash

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Tues 27 SEP: 6 week stand up comedy course. In-person at the Cellar Bar, City Gate Hotel, Exeter

Stand Up - Intensive 6 week course