Stand-up

Stand-up at The Leadmill: Rachael raises vital funds with comedy challenge!

4 October 2024

A picture of Action Tutoring's Northern Programme Manager, Rachael, performing stand-up comedy on stage at the Leadmill, Sheffield. Rachael is holding a microphone and looking towards the audience in front of a neon-lit blue and black background.
Action Tutoring’s Northern Programme Manager, Rachael, performing a stand-up comedy fundraiser

Our Northern Programme Manager, Rachael, has courageously performed a stand-up comedy fundraiser in Sheffield. 

Confidently delivering her set in July at the famous Leadmill venue, Rachael’s eight-week UltraComedy training helped display her comedic talents.  

Read on as we discover the inspiring story of Rachael’s challenge, as she shares her setbacks and triumphs along the way.

The joy of making others laugh

Choosing comedy over a sporting fundraising challenge, Rachael says she loves making others laugh.

“One of the things I miss most about teaching is standing up in front of 28 pupils and making them laugh (I did teach them on occasion too!),” she says. “So, I thought it would be good to try some actual stand-up!”

A picture of Action Tutoring pupils smiling and engaging with their volunteer tutor. They are sitting in a classroom at a table and looking at their tutor, while they also have their workbooks and pens on the desk.
Action Tutoring pupils laughing and smiling with their volunteer tutor.

Overcoming writer’s block

Crafting comedic material proved a formidable challenge for Rachael, as she grappled with a creativity block.

“I discovered that writing actual jokes is really difficult. Being funny in the pub with your friends is very different to standing up on stage and performing your own material.” – Rachael

Rachael’s perseverance shone through as she embraced the training, relishing the opportunity to meet new people and share creative ideas.

Battling the nerves

As it would be for most, the prospect of performing stand-up comedy was nerve-wracking for Rachael.

“I was okay in terms of feeling nervous right up to the day itself and then I found my emotions hard to manage! There were 27 acts in total and I was on 25th! Waiting such a long time whilst everyone else performed was really tough.” – Rachael

However, Rachael conquered her nerves and delivered a brilliant performance in the spotlight.

“I was glad that there were such bright spotlights shining on me so I was dazzled and couldn’t actually see anyone in the audience!” – Rachael

A picture of Action Tutoring's Northern Programme Manager, Rachael, performing stand-up comedy on stage at the Leadmill, Sheffield. Rachael is holding a microphone and looking towards the audience in front of a neon-lit blue and black background.
Rachel performing her comedy set at The Leadmill, Sheffield.

Fundraising success

Rachael had great fundraising success, raising an incredible £503.75 including Gift Aid.

This amount could provide enhanced DBS checks for 44 volunteer tutors, or high quality maths or English workbooks to 96 pupils!

“Watching the funds raised for Action Tutoring mount up was a great buzz.” – Rachael

Get out of your comfort zone

Rachael encourages anyone considering a similar challenge to take the plunge!

Want to get involved and help us support disadvantaged pupils to unlock their academic potential? Email molly.cottrill@actiontutoring.org.uk to discuss your fundraising idea!

Fundraise for us!