Lottery award for Kirkcaldy theatre company

Kirkcaldy-based comedy theatre company Suit and Pace is well known for not shying away from more controversial subjects in its performances.

And its latest venture, which it has just been awarded a grant for, is yet another groundbreaking project.

The social enterprise company which has charitable status, has just received £9750 from the National Lottery’s Awards for All to run comedy workshops for people with disabilities, where they can learn the tricks of the trade and gain confidence in performing their own work on stage.

The project is called ‘DIY Comedy’ and the sessions will give adults with disabilities the chance to try their hand at creating and performing comedy sketches they have created themselves.

Beth Hamilton-Cardus, artistic co-director with Suit and Pace, which is based at Westbridge Mill, said: “We’ve worked on similar projects previously, and have found that comedy is a great way of getting challenging messages across.

“We really hope it will give local people with disabilities the chance to teach other people about their experiences, while also having lots of fun.

“We hope to bring together a group that can perform at local events and for relevant organisations. We plan to start weekly classes in January and we’re deciding on session timings and locations based on what fits best for those who’d like to attend.”

The project will culminate with three performances for families and friends.

Roger Mullin, Kirkcaldy MP, said of the award: ““I am very impressed at the innovative way Suit and Pace tackle serious issues by making use of comedy to educate, entertain and engage communities, and I wish them every success with their project.”

Suit and Pace regularly perform sketches and plays and run storytelling sessions at community events.