BBC North and BBC Comedy Commissioning recently announced plans for the Salford Sitcom Showcase 2015, this May. The Salford Sitcom Showcase is in its fourth year and is already a key part of the commissioning landscape for comedy in the North.
The studio audience will watch a screened pilot followed by a live performance. This year will feature the debut screening of Phil Ellis’ Funz and Gamez and we are delighted to announce that one of our favourite female performers Janice Connolly will take to the stage in character as Mrs Barbara Nice.
After the debut screening of Fishbowl written by Andrew Mettam there will be live performances from more of our comedy favourites. 2010 Funny Women Variety Award winner Gemma Whelan will be on stage as her character creation Chastity Butterworth and she will be joined by Lucy Beaumont, and Daisy Cooper among others.
Shane Allen, Controller of Comedy, says: “This is a crucial breeding ground for bringing through the very best in new writing and performing comedy talent. It’s invaluable to have the live audience tell us what appeals and what they’d like to see more of. The northern comedy legacy remains vital to the BBC as evidenced by … Peter Kay’s Car Share.”
Helen Spencer, Creative Director BBC Salford Sitcom Showcase 2015, adds: “We are really looking forward to showcasing some of the best talent from across the North. The showcase is a pivotal point of the BBC’s year round work to support and nurture talent from across the UK. It continues to build a reputation as THE place to have work seen by BBC Comedy Commissioners and Channel Controllers.
“It provides a fantastic platform for writers and performers to flex their funny bones in front of BBC commissioners and controllers who will join us, along with local audiences, to have a really good laugh!”
Last year’s Salford Sitcom Showcase saw Boy Meets Girl get commissioned for BBC Two. Previous success stories also include Citizen Khan and Hebburn.
We can’t wait to see what emerges from this year’s sitcom showcase!
