An Evening with Paul Kerensa on Story, Character and Comedy
August 4 @ 7:45 pm – 10:15 pm
Session led by Paul Kerensa
On 4 August, Sutton FilmMakers welcomes writer, comedian and broadcaster Paul Kerensa for an evening exploring story, structure, character and comedy.
Paul has written on more than 100 episodes of Not Going Out, as well as Miranda, Top Gear, TFI Friday, The Royal Variety Performance, Andy and the Band, and a wide range of radio comedy and drama for the BBC.
This session will look at what makes stories work, how structure can help you shape stronger scripts, how to build characters and relationships that feel alive, and how comedy can be created through character, dialogue and visual ideas.
Paul will explore major storytelling theories including the Hero’s Journey, Save the Cat, the Hegelian Dialectic and John Yorke’s Into the Woods, alongside his own practical approach based on real writing experience.
What The Evening Will Cover
- What makes a story work
- How to build structure without becoming trapped by formula
- Story theories including the Hero’s Journey, Save the Cat, Hegelian Dialectic and Into the Woods
- Creating stronger characters and relationships
- Writing comedy through character, dialogue and visual humour
- Live Q&A on writing, comedy and the industry
There will also be time for questions on any part of his writing career, including sitcom, sketch shows, writing for radio and television, and developing your own voice as a writer.
A Little More About Paul Kerensa
Paul has also taught screenwriting at the University of Winchester, for BBC Writersroom and for London Screenwriters Festival, so this should be a particularly useful evening for anyone wanting practical, usable guidance rather than vague theory.
As well as his writing work, he is an experienced broadcaster, performer and author, with more than 3,000 stand-up gigs to his name, including The Comedy Store, the Montreal Comedy Festival and twelve Edinburgh Fringe solo shows.
Whether you are already writing scripts, thinking about starting, or simply curious about how stories, characters and comedy are shaped, this promises to be an entertaining and valuable evening.
Come ready to learn, laugh and leave inspired. You can find out more about Paul Kerensa here.
Non-members welcome for the evening (first two nights free as our guests) Here is how to find us
Date: Tuesday 4tt August 2026
Time: 7:45 pm – 10:15 pm