Comedian Tom Binns turns camper van into mobile stage

Comedian Tom Binns on The Bus Stop Arena stage - built on the top of his VW camper van

It's no joke.

Sheffield born comic Tom Binns has invented what he believes is the world's first and so far only Pop Up Mobile Drive In Comedy Venue.

He's had a stage built onto the roof of his VW Camper van.

Tom, who has renamed his motor The Bus Stop Arena, came up with the idea to get work after live venues closed in lockdown.

Now he's back at work on his mobile stage, entertaining comedy fans who watch from their cars They can also bring chairs and sit by their motors, keeping a safe and legal social distance.

The audience listens to his act via an app on their smart phones, so he says he doesn't need permission for an outside PA.

For dates, booking inquiries and more visit his website at tombinns.com/comedydrive-in.

Staged to host comedy shows - Tom Binns converted VW camper van

After his first successful comedy drive-in show in Gloucester, he is taking bookings to perform in parks, fields and other outdoor drive-in venues.

He's partnered with BizSpace, who have a network of over 100 large office complexes around the UK, occupied by 5,000 companies and tens of thousands of people.

Known as The Psychic Comedian, he is making his way around their car parks at the weekend.

His VW Camper van was transformed in Sheffield by Bus Stop VW, who designed and turned it into a mobile stage.

Tom, now living in Chesterfield, said: "As far as I'm aware I've invented the world's first purpose-built and so far only Pop Up Mobile Drive In Comedy Venue.

"There was a fabulous atmosphere for the first show I did. It was like a cross between a festival and a drive-in.

"Ticket prices are per car but we tell people they can bring chairs and refreshments. It's a straight through 75 minute show, to avoid the need for comfort breaks.

"Cars are parked to create a safe space outdoors but a festival atmosphere. Three people have a clear line of sight from a car if it's raining.

"It's a super safe pop up drive-in comedy club. No power needed, we bring that and it's silent, like a silent disco, so no neighbours to worry about, or licensing problem and there's no FM transmitter license to apply for either.

"We normally do 90 min fringe style shows, repeated if necessary, to avoid problems with toilets and the extra licensing needed for food and drink.

* For venue dates, booking inquiries and more about Tom Binns visit his web site at tombinns.com/comedydrive-in.