Press:

Ref: 18/10 JSS 1 March 2010

University hosts world premier comedy event with a mobile twist

The University of Winchester will be hosting the first interactive comedy event of its kind on 4 March when it features Txt Stage – an ad lib performance involving audience participation via mobile phones.

Txt Stage is the brain-child of part-time Lecturer Chris Buckingham whose m-learning manual Textercise is due to be published online at the end of March.

“Txt Stage will be totally innovative,” explained Chris, who has lined up the popular five-man comedy troupe The Noise Next Door to launch the event. “These guys have got a fantastic reputation on the circuit and have totally thrown themselves into the idea of using mobile devices to create added laughter. Everyone is buzzing about taking part in something so new and fresh.”

During the evening, the audience will be fed a series of questions via specially designed websites on their phones. The one-word answers will then appear on a backdrop, inspiring a change in direction for the comedy.

“Obviously there’ll be a slight delay so we can monitor replies,” said Chris who has taught English as a Foreign Language for the past 12 years. “Hopefully, once the audience gets into it, the comedy will build up into a massive crescendo. If successful, ultimately, the idea behind Txt Stage could be rolled out into a wide range of other areas.”

The mobile technology behind Txt Stage has been powered by Bemoko, a mobile website company based in Basingstoke. Students of the University’s BA Performance Management degree have also been involved in the marketing and planning of the event as part of a Business Planning module.

Txt Stage will take place on Thursday 4 March at 7pm in the Performance Gym at the University of Winchester, Sparkford Road, Winchester SO22 4NR. Tickets are £5 available from www.Txtstage.eventbrite.com

Ends

Notes to editors:

Interviews available on request

The University of Winchester has over 5,800 students studying a wide selection of courses ranging from Foundation degrees, Bachelor Honours degrees through to professional development, postgraduate Masters and Research degrees. Programmes of study span the arts, humanities, social sciences, business, education, health and social care.

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