THE TEACHERS
Meet the course leaders for Laugh at Leeds.
PAUL 'SILKY' WHITE
Stand Up Comedy
Silky has been a stand-up comedian since 1994, appearing on BBC1, C4, Paramount and stages internationally, as well as being a 2019 Musical Comedy Awards finalist. Seven years ago, he founded Laugh at Leeds Comedy & Improv courses. His graduates have gone on to win national comedy competitions, appear on BGT, Big Brother, and other, more nuanced things too. Some have just had immense fun while making new friends.
"Cryingly funny" - Bath Chronicle
“A performer whose genuine charm captures his crowd. I urge you to go and see for yourself.” ★★★★ The Herald
“He’s like your funny best friend – only funnier.” ★★★★ Broadway Baby
KATE MCCABE
Beginning and Continuing Improv
Kate McCabe has been performing comedy for over 20 years. She has a background in acting from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. As a stand-up, she has performed all over the UK and in NYC, LA, Washington DC, Boston and beyond. She teaches comedy with ComedySportz Manchester, the University of Salford, Laugh at Leeds, Laugh Term (a Leicester Comedy Festival program), and Ultra Events.
As an improviser, she currently performs with ComedySportz Manchester and Murder Inc.
When not performing comedy, she provides VO for audiobooks and video games and works as a ‘maze master’ for The Crystal Maze Live Experience.
LUKAS KIRKBY
Beginning and Continuing Improv
Lukas is a stand up and improviser based in Manchester. As a stand up he performs up and down the country with his blend of musical comedy and whimsical one-liners. He recently was interviewed by Claudia Winkleman on BBC Radio 2 after winning a comedy competition in Hertfordshire.
Lukas is also one half of Pottervision, the Harry Potter parody show that was a sell-out at the Edinburgh Fringe three years running. As an improviser Lukas regularly performs with ComedySportz UK, Murder Inc and Anything Could Happen. Every Christmas Lukas returns to his hometown in North Wales to perform pantomime at Theatr Colwyn with Magic Light Productions.
"One of the most exciting young acts on the circuit."
Comedy Balloon