He is arguably the greatest comedian of all time, and now Sir Billy Connolly will be giving lessons on how you can be a great comic too.
The Scots funnyman is giving fans a glimpse into what it takes to keep an audience laughing for well over 50 years. The 79-year-old has teamed up with BBC Maestro to create a series of lessons.
Billy Connolly’s BBC Maestro course offers aspiring comedians and Billy fans the chance to gain unique insights from a BAFTA Fellowship holder, from guidance on facing those first line fears to hard-won advice on how to best handle unwanted hecklers.
Sir Billy said: “I used to have lines that dealt with them, but you get bored with the same old line, and so do your audience. If they've seen you before and they hear you doing these old tired lines, they don't like it so much. You have to deal with it as it comes. It's hard, but you begin to look forward to it.”
Throughout his course, Billy shares highlights from across his extensive career, pinpointing key jokes and practical decisions that helped to establish him as a giant in the world of standup.
Billy went on to give tips about practising, he said: "I wouldn't advise people to watch themselves on video. Because you look like a twerp. If you're looking at yourself, you're looking the wrong way. It's the same as practising in a mirror. When you practise in a mirror, you're looking the wrong way. You shouldn’t be looking at yourself, you should be looking at your audience.”
He added: "Go up on stage and do your best. And remember that you have the best job in the world. You make people happy for a living, nobody can say that. It's just a joy. It's a blessing. You've got the tools on you to make people happy – happier than when they came in. It's a great thing. Remember that, instead of your wee notes.”
The 19 lessons include – becoming a comedian, preparing and going on stage, observation, developing material, hecklers, audiences, getting a break, and comedy for the soul. The course costs £80 for lifetime access to Billy’s 19 lessons and comprehensive downloadable notes.
More information can be found here.
