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Sober comedy night encourages pyjamas for maximum comfort | Sober comedy night encourages pyjamas for maximum comfort |
(about 2 hours later) | |
Eva Bindeman was among the acts who performed in pyjamas to create "comfy comedy" | Eva Bindeman was among the acts who performed in pyjamas to create "comfy comedy" |
Just over halfway through January and the twinkly lights and merriment of December are but a memory. They have been replaced with dark nights, cold weather and for those doing Dry January - sobriety. But now a comedy night with a difference is hoping to bring some comfort and joy to all of those looking for a way to brighten the dark months. | Just over halfway through January and the twinkly lights and merriment of December are but a memory. They have been replaced with dark nights, cold weather and for those doing Dry January - sobriety. But now a comedy night with a difference is hoping to bring some comfort and joy to all of those looking for a way to brighten the dark months. |
Steph Weeks is one of the organisers offering "comfy comedy" as she invites people to attend a completely sober comedy night, while wearing their favourite pyjamas or onesie. | Steph Weeks is one of the organisers offering "comfy comedy" as she invites people to attend a completely sober comedy night, while wearing their favourite pyjamas or onesie. |
One such evening, held by Class Act Comedy, took place at the Front Room fringe theatre in Weston-super-Mare on Friday. | One such evening, held by Class Act Comedy, took place at the Front Room fringe theatre in Weston-super-Mare on Friday. |
As people came through the doors, Ms Weeks, who also performed on the night, said she wanted to create a safe space for those who struggle with alcohol to relax and enjoy themselves. | As people came through the doors, Ms Weeks, who also performed on the night, said she wanted to create a safe space for those who struggle with alcohol to relax and enjoy themselves. |
Attendees were encouraged to don their softest pyjamas to "feel comfortable in every sense of the word" | Attendees were encouraged to don their softest pyjamas to "feel comfortable in every sense of the word" |
"It went really well, it was such a lovely crowd," the organiser told BBC Radio Bristol's Claire Carter. | |
"We had about 35 people come, which for a cold January night dressed in pyjamas was pretty good going, I think." | "We had about 35 people come, which for a cold January night dressed in pyjamas was pretty good going, I think." |
Ms Weeks said it also served as an initial ice-breaker, as people often tended to rely on alcohol to "loosen up" at these types of social events. | Ms Weeks said it also served as an initial ice-breaker, as people often tended to rely on alcohol to "loosen up" at these types of social events. |
'Odd at first' | 'Odd at first' |
The event on Friday was headlined by Eva Bindeman who said "sober doesn't have to be serious". | The event on Friday was headlined by Eva Bindeman who said "sober doesn't have to be serious". |
"Laughing out loud is quite a vulnerable thing... You feel quite seen," she added. | "Laughing out loud is quite a vulnerable thing... You feel quite seen," she added. |
"You have to address that it's going to feel a bit odd at first, because people associate comedy with being a night out, getting dressed up, maybe having a few drinks. | "You have to address that it's going to feel a bit odd at first, because people associate comedy with being a night out, getting dressed up, maybe having a few drinks. |
"I think once people realise that they're in a space where they can just have a laugh and they can just be themselves... you've broken the ice by just being a bit silly." | "I think once people realise that they're in a space where they can just have a laugh and they can just be themselves... you've broken the ice by just being a bit silly." |
Millie Malone performed on the night in her comfiest pyjamas | Millie Malone performed on the night in her comfiest pyjamas |
Ms Bindeman said it can often be intimidating performing to a sober crowd, but added: "If you're relying on it, [the crowd to drink] then you're not working enough on your comedy are you?" | Ms Bindeman said it can often be intimidating performing to a sober crowd, but added: "If you're relying on it, [the crowd to drink] then you're not working enough on your comedy are you?" |
The Front Room offered snacks and hot and cold drinks to punters, as well as some alcohol-free items such as 0% lager. | The Front Room offered snacks and hot and cold drinks to punters, as well as some alcohol-free items such as 0% lager. |
When asked what she thought made the sober comedy night so successful, Ms Weeks attributed it to embodying "the best of both worlds". | When asked what she thought made the sober comedy night so successful, Ms Weeks attributed it to embodying "the best of both worlds". |
Comedy sketch duo Jack and Jordan providing the laughs in their dressing gowns | Comedy sketch duo Jack and Jordan providing the laughs in their dressing gowns |
"It gives audiences a fun night out without being surrounded by drinking culture and it gives acts a night off from performing to drunk heckling crowds," she said. | "It gives audiences a fun night out without being surrounded by drinking culture and it gives acts a night off from performing to drunk heckling crowds," she said. |
So if you're looking for the best way to "soothe sore heads and ease January blues", a sober pyjama party might be for you. | So if you're looking for the best way to "soothe sore heads and ease January blues", a sober pyjama party might be for you. |
The next Pyjama Party will be at Starlings in Clifton, Bristol on 25 January, with another to follow at the Folk House, also in the city, on 28 February. | The next Pyjama Party will be at Starlings in Clifton, Bristol on 25 January, with another to follow at the Folk House, also in the city, on 28 February. |
Follow BBC West on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: bristol@bbc.co.uk | Follow BBC West on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: bristol@bbc.co.uk |
Related Topics | Related Topics |
Comedy | Comedy |
Alcohol | Alcohol |
Weston-super-Mare | Weston-super-Mare |