YOU are invited to get involved in three days full of improvisation and comedy at the Pop-Up Comedy Sidesplitters House this weekend.

Hosted by Metal, the arts charity will throw open the doors of its base in Chalkwell Hall, Chalkwell Park, to anyone who wants to get involved, whether braving the chance to take part in a workshop or simply enjoying the shows.

The project follows on from the successful Pop-Up Essex Writers' House, which ended last week.

On Friday April 6, from 6pm to 9pm there will be a solo exhibition - titled Goryb*stard - by Southend-based artist Louie Symons. Symons developed the show during an in an international residency with Lomography, a globally-active organisation dedicated to analogue, experimental and creative photography.

There will also be the opportunity to view a collection of illustrations, sculpture and photography, plus pick up prints, t-shirts and more during the evening from the Pop-Up Goryb*stard Shop. The event is free to all.

Following on from this Saturday April 7 from 2pm until 5pm, will see an afternoon of improvisation with acclaimed actress and director, Sarah Mayhew (Old Trunk, Scared Scriptless, Quirkish Delight). During the afternoon you will learn the basics of short form improv, where the focus will be on spontaneity and having the freedom to play. She says, "don’t worry about already ‘being funny’ – this is about finding the funny in you".

This workshop will explore the fun which comes with freeing up the mind and making stuff up.

All levels of experience are welcome, from age 16 plus.

Book via metalculture.com or call 01702 470700 to reserve a place, for £10

Then on Saturday evening at 7.30pm, Pints - the hilarious stand-up comedy show from Michael Wheeler and Pope Lonergan - arrives for one night only at Chalkwell Hall.

It features comedians Holly Burn, Alison Thea-Skot, Evelyn Mok, Pete Nash and Ewan Barr’s Tombola. Book in advance via metalculture.com or pay on the door for £5.

On Sunday April 8, from 2pm – 4pm, The Care Home Tour will be stopping at the House. It's an acclaimed and uplifting visual comedy show from Pope Lonergan and Ben Target, which has garnered national media coverage down to the fact the show was inspired by evidence that indicates humour can alleviate dementia-related distress. The show was performed in care homes across Essex in front of the elderly and people living with dementia. The show is aimed at OAPS and their families and is free, with a suggested donation of £5.

Book in advance for free via metalculture.com.

Also across the weekend at Chalkwell Hall will be other drop-in and open day opportunities tailored with a nod to the Sidesplitters project, including a Netpark (the digital art park) open day, a drop-in introduction to Play Southend which is a project set around a fun app game designed by artists Helen Stratford and Idit Nathan, which you can play on your way home from Chalkwell Park, and a Geocache Jokes Treasure Hunt free drop-in family workshop for all ages.

Visit metalculture.com/event/open-weekend-sidesplitters for more details.