Paula Gilfillan from Berryscaur, only originally volunteered to put on a couple of fundraising comedy nights for her local village hall, but after being approached to put on a few more for other organisations, Berry Promotions was born. Her own “pop-up” club, The Bearded Dug Comedy Club, first appeared in Lockerbie, but has since gone on to perform in Moffat, Annan, Johnstonebridge, Dumfries and then later this year, Stranraer.
Paula has been a fan of live stand-up comedy for the past 25 years; she caught the bug when she was persuaded by a friend to visit the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 1991. She then went onto work as a volunteer Front of House and Stage Manager at an Arts Centre in Hampshire for 10 years. However, being a scientist by profession, Paula researched the “biological benefits” of comedy: “Laughter is a great medicine for the soul. It reduces the body’s response to stress, lowers blood pressure and stimulates the creative part of your brain. That’s why I keep creating these nights – it’s a great feeling for me too to see a room full of people laughing”.
Since moving to Dumfries and Galloway, Paula has enjoyed bringing comedy to rural venues and to people who wouldn’t necessarily have the chance to travel to see great acts. Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival gave her one of her first opportunities this year to do just that, for which she is very grateful.
However, as with comedy, something new always come around the corner and she has since become involved in youth events: Let’s Get Sporty’s Super Sunday event on the 3rd July saw The Stand veteran and ex-pro wrestler, Lee Kyle, entertain their visitors. She is also currently working in partnership with other local organisations to develop youth comedy workshops for 12-17 year olds to the region.
Paula is currently looking for local company sponsorship to work in partnership with her so that she can continue to bring comedy and performance art to rural areas. If your company is interested, she would love to hear from you at [email protected] or 07447 414581.
Most of all though, she hopes that the love for live stand-up comedy will continue to spread within Dumfries and Galloway, whether it be at comedy clubs or in performance art, and for adults or children.
For more information about The Bearded Dug Comedy Club and Berry Promotions, check out www.beardeddug.jotweb.uk or look for them up on Facebook.
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