London comedy scene gets a much-needed boost: foc fest arrives
The UK comedy scene, often criticized for its lack of diversity, is seeing a powerful counter-narrative emerge. Kemah Bob, a prominent voice in the industry for nearly a decade, is spearheading that change with FOC It Up, a comedy club and now, a burgeoning festival aiming to amplify the voices of femmes of colour. The initiative, born from a simple desire to collaborate with more artists of colour, isn't just about representation; it's about fostering a genuinely inclusive space.
From cabaret slot to festival headliner: a rapid ascent
What began as a single hour-long slot within The Cocoa Butter Club's cabaret nights in 2018 has blossomed into a dynamic platform hosting mixed-bill comedy showcases, a flourishing podcast, and even performances at the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe. Bob’s vision was clear: to create an environment that felt genuinely warm and embracing, a stark contrast to the often-insular atmosphere of the comedy world. “It's about them all being here, and that just feeling really cool,” Bob explains, encapsulating the ethos of FOC It Up.
Now, that ethos extends to FOC Fest, a full-day event at Soho Theatre on April 18th. The ambitious lineup includes workshops, masterclasses, networking opportunities, and culminating in a “banging” comedy show. “FOC Fest! It is just so cheeky,” Bob laughs, a testament to the project's playful and defiant spirit.
Beyond the stage: a space for growth & reclamation
While the festival undeniably caters to aspiring comedians—offering a standup masterclass specifically for trans and queer individuals—its reach extends far beyond those seeking a career in comedy. As Bob emphasizes, “Using humour to reclaim yourself and laugh at difficult things is a great tool for everyone.” The day’s programming reflects this, featuring a workshop designed to navigate “big feelings” through comedic expression, alongside industry panels with notable figures like Nana Hughes and Julia McKenzie.
A crucial element of FOC Fest is its intentional focus on creating a space primarily for its target audience. “White audience members are encouraged to check their privilege at the door,” Bob states plainly. This isn’t about exclusion, but about centering the experiences and perspectives of femmes of colour, a deliberate choice driven by a desire to build a truly supportive community.
The journey hasn’t been easy. Despite Bob's decade-long presence in the UK comedy scene, FOC It Up operates without any external funding, relying solely on the profits from their existing shows. “We have no financial backing,” Bob admits, highlighting the systemic barriers faced by initiatives like theirs. Securing sponsorships has proven challenging, with companies citing budgetary constraints, a frustrating reality that underscores the ongoing struggle for diverse voices to gain mainstream recognition. But Bob remains undeterred, viewing FOC Fest as a vital showcase of their potential and a stepping stone towards building a lasting platform.
The story of FOC It Up also reflects a broader trend in the comedy world. The death of George Floyd in 2020 brought a surge of performative allyship, leading to increased opportunities for artists of colour. However, Bob notes, that momentum quickly faded. “As quickly as that became important, it lost its importance when all the performative activism had been achieved… it kind of speaks to the fact that people still see our voices as a trend, right?”
Looking ahead, Bob envisions an international expansion for FOC It Up, a cross-pollination of talent from New York, India, Berlin, and beyond. The dream is to create a global network of support for comedians who want to fund their own work, solidifying FOC It Up’s legacy as more than just a comedy club, but as a movement.