New research by Birmingham City University (BCU) has found comedy can be tool for improving mental wellbeing and resilience for Birmingham’s LGBTQ+ community.
First set up in 2024 and taking place at Birmingham Rep, LGBTQTeeHee! gives members of the LGBTQ+ community the chance to develop their own stand-up comedy routines over a ten-week comedy course, leading to a final showcase in front of an audience.
The programme is also exploring how art-based approaches can tackle disproportionately high rates of mental health challenges within the LGBTQ+ community.
Now, a new study has been published in psychology journal, Behavioural Sciences, to reveal the findings from the course on how comedy and community-based interventions are resolving this issue.
Through interviews with participants of LGBTQTeeHee!, the study found that comedy became much more than simply telling jokes. It provided a way to process difficult experiences, reframe adversity and connect with others who shared similar life experiences.
The research also identified several key themes including: reclaiming difficult experiences, greater confidence, sense of community, fostering resilience and personal growth.
“Comedy gave participants far more than performance skills,” said Dr Anthony Gifford, Lecturer in Psychology at BCU and lead author.
“This project offered a space to explore identity, connect with others who shared similar experiences and transform difficult experiences into stories of resilience.
“While laughter was central to the programme, the real impact lay in the confidence, belonging and empowerment that participants described.”
The findings from the research also discovered community-based comedy interventions offer accessible and identity-affirming spaces through which LGBTQ+ individuals can explore wellbeing, belonging, and resilience.
One of the participants spoke about the sense of validation and safety at the group: “I’ve spent most of my life feeling like I’m broken.
“But when I’m with these guys, I don’t feel broken. I feel normal. I feel that’s invaluable.”
LGBTQTeeHee! was originally developed and produced by Birmingham Rep as part of Bedlam Festival 2024, a festival celebrating creativity, wellbeing and inclusion.
Following participant feedback, BCU was commissioned by Birmingham Rep to academically evaluate the programme’s feasibility for providing mental wellbeing support and improvements when it returned in 2025.
“As a producing theatre, discovering, nurturing and incubating bold new ideas is part of Birmingham Rep's DNA. LGBTQTeeHee! is a powerful example of The Rep's commitment to developing innovative work with artists and communities,” said Rachel Sharpe, Director of Creative Learning at Birmingham Rep.
“We are help to create new voices and stories that have the potential to grow beyond their first production.”
Rob Beck, Senior Drama Practitioner at Birmingham Rep who leads the delivery of LGBTQTeeHee!, said “This programme helps people find community, light in the dark and reminds us that together we are stronger.
“This has been one of the proudest achievements in my career.”
LGBTQTeeHee! returns again in autumn 2026, starting with a comedy masterclass on 22 August. Register your interest for LGBTQTeeHee! 2026 here.
Pictured (L-R): Angie Belcher, comedy consultant; Rob Beck, Birmingham Rep; Fiona Brook, BCU; Dr Anthony Gifford, BCU (photo credit: Kris Askey)
