Sketch act showcase

The Comedy Unit have been commissioned by BBC Radio 4 to produce a live sketch act showcase called Sketchorama. The 4 x 30 commission for Radio 4’s coveted 6.30pm comedy slot will feature established and up and coming sketch groups performing in front of a live studio audience.

For stand ups there has always been a plentiful supply of showcase platforms, from Radio 4’s 4 Stands Up to Radio 2’s Out Too Lunch. These stand up showcases have now hit the TV mainstream with hugely popular shows such as Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow and Live at the Apollo on BBC1, and more recently Stand Up For the Week on Channel 4. 

 Under the title Sketchorama this brand new format for Radio 4 will offer the same popular showcase dynamic but purely for comedy sketch groups. There are so many incredibly talented and inventive sketch groups on the British Comedy scene covering character, improv, broken and musical comedy but with no dedicated broadcast platform. Sketch show troupes are always well represented at the Edinburgh Fringe with over 100 acts performing this year but apart from the live circuit there’s never been a show purely for the sketch act genre.  Sketchorama aims to bring hidden gems and established live acts to the airwaves offering a truly distinctive and ambitious show for Radio 4. (Each week three acts will be showcased, the show will also feature a host. Host tbc)

TX dates:  Tuesday 26th June, & 3rd, 10th & 17th July @ 6.30pm.

Contact: Gus Beattie, producer. 

E-mail:  gus.beattie@comedyunit.co.uk

Twitter: @gusman