British Comedy Guide
British Comedy Guide

Features Page 54

One Foot In The Grave. Victor Meldrew (Richard Wilson). Copyright: BBC Writing

Writing Funny

  • Friday 3rd March 2023

If you want to be a successful comedy writer, your scripts will have to be funny. There is no two ways about it. So, here is a checklist of "funny" that your script should ideally deliver...

The Secret Reviewer

The Secret Reviewer #48: Good Question

  • Friday 3rd March 2023

Every month our clandestine critic reveals the murky truths behind that infamous trade, and live comedy generally. This month: the best interviews are a tricky high-wire act.

Image shows left to right: Kate Dehnert, Cody Dahler News

Kate Dehnert and Cody Dahler named as BBC Studios 2023 staff writers

  • Thursday 2nd March 2023

Kate Dehnert and Cody Dahler have been selected as the BBC Studios staff writers for 2023.

Morgan photo credit: Ruth Crafer. Image shows left to right: Nick Mohammed, Diane Morgan News

Diane Morgan and Nick Mohammed sign deals with BBC Studios

  • Tuesday 28th February 2023

BBC Studios has announced that it has signed development, co-production and distribution deals with writers and actors Diane Morgan and Nick Mohammed.

Short Com News

Short Com TV Sitcom Writing Competition 2023 opens 9th March

  • Monday 27th February 2023

Entry opens for the 2023 Short Com TV Sitcom Writing Competition on 9th March, with the deadline to submit being 7th July.

Fish Writing

Exploring the 'fish out of water' sitcom

  • Friday 24th February 2023

The 'fish out of water' is a situation comedy construct that has seemingly fallen out of favour in recent years. But just because it isn't in vogue doesn't mean that it's not worth considering. We look at the format here.

David Nobbs News

David Nobbs Memorial Trust 2023 writing competition opens

  • Thursday 23rd February 2023

The David Nobbs Memorial Trust comedy writing competition is open for 2023 entries. The deadline to submit is 31st March.

A laughing child Writing

Finding the funny in your sitcom

  • Wednesday 15th February 2023

A guide to the origin of jokes in narrative comedy writing.

Mark Bell. Credit: Andy Devonshire Production

My Comedy Career: Mark Bell

  • Wednesday 15th February 2023

Theatrical director Mark Bell's latest work, Windfall, is currently running at the Southwark Playhouse. He took time out from rehearsals to spill the secrets from his line of work.

The Fall And Rise Of Reginald Perrin. Image shows left to right: Reginald Perrin (Leonard Rossiter), Jimmy Anderson (Geoffrey Palmer) Writing

Joke structures

  • Friday 10th February 2023

Certain tried and tested jokes structures have evolved over time, and some knowledge of the rudiments of their forms can be helpful to comedy writers. We look at some of the structures in this article.