THE creator of Black Country comedy character Doreen has launched a comedy school to help aspiring comedic writers, performers and directors to hone their skills.

Quarry Bank born writer, director and film-maker David Tristram has teamed up with Doreen actress Gill Jordan to create an online course to pass on some of their comedy tips.

David said: "It's designed for people who are interested in writing comedy - even if they've never tried it before."

Dudley News: David TristramDavid Tristram

The six-week online course, Taking Comedy Seriously, is for amateurs, students and professionals alike and participants can do it at their own pace. To find out more click here.

Dudley News: Actress Gill Jordan who plays DoreenActress Gill Jordan who plays Doreen

David came up with the idea of sharing some tips and advice with aspiring comedy writers and performers during lockdown.

As well as creating the iconic lazy cow character Doreen Tipton, who shot to fame as a YouTube sensation before selling out major UK theatres, David has made audiences laugh all over the world with his many comedy plays which have proven favourites with amateur thespians from the UK to New Zealand to Vanuatu in the South Pacific.

At one stage he was among the top 10 most performed playwrights in Britain in a list headed by greats William Shakespeare, Alan Ayckbourn and John Godber.

One of his most performed stage plays, Last Tango in Little Grimley, has earned him "a lot of money over the years" - he said - confessing to having written it in a week.

The feat, he believes, can be replicated by anyone interested in "the elusive art of comedy" and keen to learn.

Mostly video based, with written elements to download, the course includes a look at the history of comedy plus tips on character creation, directing, comic timing and a look behind the scenes at how Doreen, the character David and Gill brought to life, went from an internet sensation to award-winning stage, film and panto star.

Participants will also be invited to write their own one act play.

Anyone keen to find out more about the school of comedy can watch a short trailer online at comedyconnection.co.uk, or email david@comedyconnection.co.uk.