BBC Two is developing a TV version of Joke Thieves, the hit live comedy show in which stand-up comedians must perform each others' routines.

Developed by stand-up Will Mars, Joke Thieves first came to prominence at last year's Edinburgh Fringe and is currently playing to packed out rooms at this year's Festival.

The format sees two comedians paired with each other: in the first half of each show they must perform their own material, and in the second they must recreate the act of the other.

The shows are big hit with audiences, who not only get to enjoy stand-up sets in the first half of the show, but watch the comedians trying to subvert each others' material in the second half. Some acts deliberately play games in their set to try to trip up those that follow them - for example in one of the live shows a comedian put on over 20 different accents knowing the act who would have to repeat her set couldn't do accents.

The format has been in development for around a year with Glasgow-based production company The Comedy Unit, with several run-throughs having taken place during club nights. British Comedy Guide now understands a full studio pilot has been ordered by BBC Two, with a view to developing a full series.

Hal Cruttenden, known for his middle-class manner, who also has his own upcoming Radio 4 sitcom, Hal, will host the programme.

Speaking to British Comedy Guide last night, creator Will Mars said he was extremely excited about the development of the show and that he has high hopes for the future of Joke Thieves as a broadcast format.

The pilot's producers say: "Top comedians perform their own material - and then each other's!

"Mischievous host Hal Cruttenden - from Mock The Week and Live At The Apollo - will pair four of the finest stand-up comedians, who will each perform a live set, before having to watch that same set performed by the comic they were paired with. None of them know who they're going to be matched with, and they haven't seen each other's sets before!

"How will a one-liner act cope with copying the set of surreal comic? Will a deadpan comedian end up leaping about the stage like their hyperactive partner? What will happen if a blokey bloke is paired with a feisty lady?

"Acts will include BBC Three's most famous chav Lee Nelson and a host of top comedians from TV and the live circuit."

The pilot episode will be recorded during two sessions on the afternoon and evening of Tuesday 12th August 2014 at Pacific Quay Studios, Glasgow.

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