The Linda Smith Lecture

Mark Thomas in the Gulbenkian Theatre before giving the Linda Smith Lecture 2015

Mark Thomas in the Gulbenkian Theatre before giving the Linda Smith Lecture 2015

The deposit of Linda Smith’s personal archive with the University of Kent in 2013 provided the inspiration for the formation of the British Stand-Up Comedy Archive, which is now growing into a substantial collection, for use by comedians and for those researching stand-up comedy and associated performance arts. The Linda Smith Lecture was established in 2015 and given by Mark Thomas. It was intended that the Lecture be annual event to celebrate Linda’s life and work, her interest in comedy and its use in and for political and social commentary, and to promote the work of the British Stand-Up Comedy Archive. Extracts from the first Lecture by Mark Thomas can be found on our SoundCloud account. The full audio recording of the Lecture can be accessed through Special Collections & Archives at the University of Kent (catalogue reference BSUCA/Events/2/1).

 

Andy Hamilton. Photo by Steve Ullathorne

Andy Hamilton. Photo by Steve Ullathorne

 

Comedian and comedy writer Andy Hamilton, also a friend and colleague of Linda, gave the 2016 Linda Smith Lecture. Andy Hamilton is an award winning comedy writer, known for his regular appearances on The News Quiz, I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue, QI, and Have I Got News For You, and as the co-creator and co-writer of TV shows Outnumbered and Drop the Dead Donkey. The full audio recording of the Lecture can be accessed through Special Collections & Archives at the University of Kent (catalogue reference BSUCA/Events/2/2).

 

 

 

Susan Calman. Photo by Steve Ullathorne

Susan Calman. Photo by Steve Ullathorne

The brilliant comedian Susan Calman gave the 2017 Linda Smith Lecture. Susan is known to Radio 4 listeners as a regular panellist on The News Quiz, and for her two series, Susan Calman is Convicted and Keep Calman Carry On. On television she has appeared on QI and in the sitcoms Fresh Meat and Dead Boss. She is also known for her superb stand-up act, and her first DVD Lady Like is available from Go Faster Stripe.

 

 

 

 

 

Barry Cryer

The wonderful Barry Cryer gave the 2018 Linda Smith Lecture.

A personal friend of Linda’s, Barry has contributed to this country’s entertainment industry for over 50 years. He has written for some of our highest rated shows and for many of our most popular comedians. His brilliant wit is still enjoyed by millions – in theatres, on television and radio, notably the iconic I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue.