What Is The Comedy Bureau?
In late September 2025, the University of Kent unveiled a new initiative that has quickly become a talking point across campus and beyond: The Comedy Bureau podcast. Hosted by two of the college’s most distinguished comedy scholars—Laura Lexx, a graduate of Kent’s Drama program, and Dr. Oliver Double, Reader in Comic and Popular Performance—this series offers bite‑sized, scholarly insights into the mechanisms that make comedy work, from the psychology of laughter to the history of stand‑up. The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok, giving listeners multiple ways to engage.
Behind the Mic: Laura Lexx and Dr. Oliver Double
Laura Lexx first encountered Dr. Double during her time in the university’s stand‑up module. She has continued to push the envelope, delivering a staggering 43 comedy gigs as part of her assessment, compared with the mandated minimum of ten. When she reached out to Dr. Double with the idea of a joint project, the professor answered with a decisive “yes.” Their collaboration has combined academic analysis with practical, real‑world experience, ensuring each episode feels both informed and entertaining.
Structure and Content of the Podcast
The first series launched on 25 September with seven episodes, and more are scheduled to follow. Episodes are concise—typically around 20 minutes—making them easy to fit into a busy student schedule. Topics explore questions such as:
- What triggers laughter in social situations?
- Who was the first stand‑up comedian and how did the form evolve?
- Why do audiences laugh at one another?
- How do cultural differences shape humor?
In addition to interviews with performers and researchers, each episode features “quick‑fire challenges” where the hosts try out new jokes or comedic techniques, offering listeners a behind‑the‑scenes glimpse into the creative process.
Connecting with Kent’s Arts Community
The launch of The Comedy Bureau comes at a time when Kent’s School of Arts and Architecture is expanding its outreach. The university’s Drama, Theatre and Performing Arts programme invites students to participate in workshops that cover everything from character work to comedic timing. The university also offers a dedicated British Stand‑Up Comedy Archive – a special collection housed within the library that houses scripts, recordings and academic essays on comedy throughout history.
Students interested in comedy can join the Kent Stand‑Up Comedy Society, which meets weekly to rehearse, share feedback, and occasionally host guest performers. The society’s events provide an excellent real‑time laboratory for applying concepts discussed on The Comedy Bureau.
Actionable Steps: From Listener to Creator
For those who want to do more than just listen, The Comedy Bureau offers a clear roadmap to step into comedy production:
- Study the material. Download episodes and take notes on the mechanisms of joke construction and timing.
- Experiment in the community. Attend workshops or join the stand‑up society to test ideas in front of a live audience.
- Collaborate. Reach out to a faculty member or a fellow student to co‑create a short podcast or video series.
- Leverage university resources. Use the university’s media studio, where you can record high‑quality audio or video.
- Publish and promote. Upload your content to platforms like YouTube or TikTok and link it back to your university profile for visibility.
Implementing these steps not only hones comedic skill but also builds a portfolio that is attractive to agencies, festivals and future employers in entertainment and media.
Upcoming Opportunities and How to Stay Informed
Several events and opportunities are already on the horizon. Some highlights include:
- Open Days and Campus Tours – Schedule a visit to discover how the university’s teaching environment supports creative projects.
- Virtual Experience – Explore the campus online and view behind‑the‑scenes footage of the Comedy Bureau studio.
- Annual comedy festivals hosted by the university, featuring student performances and professional acts.
Students should also keep an eye on the university’s News Centre for updates on new podcast releases, guest speakers and scholarships tied to the arts.
Engage with The Comedy Bureau Today
Ready to dive into the world of comedy analysis? Here are a few ways to get started:
- Listen now to The Comedy Bureau on Apple Podcasts.
- Watch episodes and studio footage on YouTube and follow their TikTok page for short bursts of humor.
- Join the Kent Stand‑Up Comedy Society by signing up at the campus club portal.
- Explore the Drama, Theatre and Performing Arts program to see how comedy is woven into the curriculum.
- Check out the British Stand‑Up Comedy Archive for deeper research material.
By engaging with these resources, university students and aspiring performers can deepen their understanding of comedy while building practical experience that will set them apart in a competitive industry.
