I applied for the National Film And Television School Writing and Producing Comedy course a couple of years ago, as it happens. I *nearly* but didn’t quite make it on – if memory serves, I was first reserve.

People I know who have done it seem fairly divided on whether the course is worth the money, but of course it seems an excellent networking opportunity. And you get to write and think alongside some brilliant people – like Alex Bertulis-Fernandez, who did the course last year and whose Cannes Indie Shorts Festival selected short film I momentarily appear in.

This year’s intake includes Rosie McKaig, a very funny writer/performer who I know through Next Level. She invited me to the showcase as one of the NLS “sketch daddies”, a phrase that makes me feel so uncomfortable I am bound to repeat it.

The quality of the sketches, as you’d hope, was extremely high, helped by the professional actors hired to perform them. It felt like being at a live radio four sketch comedy show at the radio theatre, with the actors mugging between lines and everyone with a glass of wine inside them.

I was reminded of four things for my own writing process while watching these excellent scripts brought to life. One, say the thing. Honestly, just say it. The sooner people understand the game – unless it’s a pull back and reveal – the sooner people relax and have a nice time.

Two: nonsense will never not be funny, if done well. There was one sketch here that almost entirely revolved around saying a stupid name over and over again.

Three: just absolutely go for it in performance. A well-performed, no-holds-barred read makes any sketch twice as good.

Four: just have a really clever, funny, and relatable idea. Easy.

I particularly enjoyed the sketch about ADHD in the workplace, and the one about the inner monologue about removing ones card before the transaction goes through. Both simple ideas, escalated brilliantly, with satisfying endings.

I am going to write many funny sketches this year. You’ll see. You’ll all see.