Inside Track features

Performance

Finding your comic persona

Friday 14th January 2022

When it comes to performing stand-up, there is much to be said for finding your comic persona. Here we share some top-drawer tips to help you find your persona.

A Bit Of Fry & Laurie. Image shows from L to R: Hugh Laurie, Stephen Fry

Writing

Seven great ways of ending comedy sketches

Tuesday 11th January 2022

Chris Head addresses that most challenging part of sketch writing - ending them!

The Secret Reviewer #34: Should I Stay or Should I Go?

Thursday 6th January 2022

Every month our clandestine critic reveals the murky truths behind that infamous trade, and live comedy generally. This month: Should we still be going to - and putting on - shows?

Image shows from L to R: Tasha Dhanraj, Rajiv Karia

BBC Studios Staff Writer role: Tasha Dhanraj and Rajiv Karia interview

Tuesday 21st December 2021

With BBC Studios now advertising their 2022 comedy writing staff role opportunities, we talk to the scheme's current writers - Tasha Dhanraj and Rajiv Karia - to get more insight into what the job entails, and some tips on how to submit a good application.

What should your website do for you?

Thursday 9th December 2021

In the age of social media, it's easy to forget the importance of a good website and, when you have one, to keep it up-to-date and looking spiffy. Here's some suggestions on what your website should do for you.

Mental health: how not to be crushed by creative career despair

Friday 3rd December 2021

As you already know on some level, the life of the comedian, comedy writer or producer/director necessarily comes with fabulous highs and lows. Here's some advice on how to deal with the lows.

Performance

The Stand-Up Tune-Up, No.6: Maisie Adam on ripping up the comedy roadmap

Friday 3rd December 2021

With her first tour starting next year, Maisie Adam tells us how she made such rapid strides - by ignoring conventional comedy wisdom.

The Secret Reviewer #33: The Life Sentence

Thursday 2nd December 2021

Every month our clandestine critic reveals the murky truths behind that infamous trade, and live comedy generally. This month: Is live gigging still the biggest deal?

Hancock's Half Hour. Image shows from L to R: Anthony Aloysius St John Hancock (Tony Hancock), Donor (Frank Thornton), Nurse (June Whitfield)

Writing

Fine-tuning a gag and why it matters

Sunday 28th November 2021

Fine-tuning a joke is important because it can mean the difference between its success or failure, whether it "lands" and makes people laugh or not. It is also the difference between being a lazy hack and a real craftsperson of comedy. Here's some thoughts and tips on the topic...

Writing

Why is writing a pilot sitcom script SO INCREDIBLY HARD?

Monday 22nd November 2021

James Cary explains how you can find your way into the process of writing that script.

Inside Track Features