British Comedy Guide
British Comedy Guide

Features Page 16

Saturday Live. Ben Elton. Credit: London Weekend Television Performance

Tips for new stand-ups, part one

  • Monday 18th December 2023

Here, we offer practical stagecraft advice for comedians.

The Comedy Doctor. Credit: BCG Writing

The Comedy Doctor: Script Options

  • Friday 15th December 2023

In the first instalment of a new regular column answering your questions, the Comedy Doctor addresses the thorny issue of options.

Episode 1 Read-Through Script. Copyright: Happy Tramp Productions Writing

Back to basics: preparing a script

  • Thursday 14th December 2023

How do you prepare a script? The answer is surprisingly simple.

Chalk. Copyright: Pola Jones Writing

A big hole

  • Wednesday 13th December 2023

Sometimes one misjudgment can torpedo your entire project. How do you avoid this?

Pictured on the set of Hapless Series 2. Gary Sinyor

A call to arms: comedy on television

  • Monday 11th December 2023

Acclaimed film-maker Gary Sinyor - who recently self-produced two series of his own sitcom, Hapless - issues a call-to-arms for the improvement of comedy on British television, after Ofcom's latest criticism of BBC output.

Freddy Syborn Writing

Freddy Syborn on Bad Education

  • Monday 11th December 2023

Ahead of the return of Bad Education, we speak to co-creator, co-writer and director Freddy Syborn.

The Royle Family. Image shows from L to R: Barbara Royle (Sue Johnston), Jim Royle (Ricky Tomlinson) Writing

The importance of pace

  • Friday 8th December 2023

Writers and producers often talk about "pace". But what precisely does that mean?

W1A. Image shows from L to R: Siobhan Sharpe (Jessica Hynes), David Wilkes (Rufus Jones). Copyright: BBC Writing

What do commissioners want?

  • Thursday 7th December 2023

We discuss commissioners. What do they want?

Naughties. Olivia (Olivia D'Lima) Production

How I made my (nearly) zero-budget web series, Naughties

  • Wednesday 6th December 2023

Olivia D'Lima, who created the web series Naughties, talks us through what she learnt in the process of making her show. There's lots of great insights and tips in here for anyone preparing to film a project themselves.

The Secret Reviewer

The Secret Reviewer #57: On the Record

  • Tuesday 5th December 2023

Every month our clandestine critic reveals the murky truths behind that infamous trade, and live comedy generally. This month: Should you go public with grudges against other acts?