'Going from teacher to comedian is not that big a leap'

Jules O'Brian's content focuses on "navigating life as an older single lady."

Going from the classroom to the stage is "not that big a leap", according to one woman taking part in this year's Birmingham Comedy Festival.

Jules O'Brian from Tamworth, Staffordshire, took up comedy after 16 years of being a high school English teacher.

She was in good company as many comedians, including Greg Davies and Guz Khan, used to be teachers.

Speaking to BBC Radio WM Ms O'Brian said: "I think a lot of people go from teaching into comedy.

The teacher turned comedian will be performing at the Birmingham Comedy Festival.

"It's nice to have a room full of people looking at you and wanting to hear what you say.

"When you have a class full of 16 years olds giving you a bit of lip, you can't say what you really want to say."

Her content focuses on "navigating life as an older single lady."

"I'm in my early 50s now so I've done a few different things, I've done teaching, I've been a full time mum. I talk about all those things. There's quite a lot of relatable stuff," she added.

The 10-day comedy festival features, starting on Saturday, established artists such as Joe Lycett and Babatunde Aléshé, alongside debut performers and rising stars.

It launches at The Glee Club, with the award of a prize for emerging regional talent, won in 2024 by comedian Tom Towelling who is also one half of Birmingham double act Good Kids.