British Comedy Guide

Radio

Radio is the biggest commissioner of comedy in the UK. You should be writing comedy with BBC Radio 4 in mind!

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

Back to basics: preparing a script

  • Thursday 14th December 2023

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

Cabin Pressure. Image shows from L to R: Arthur (John Finnemore), Douglas (Roger Allam), Carolyn (Stephanie Cole), Martin (Benedict Cumberbatch). Copyright: Pozzitive Productions

3 things to remember when writing radio comedy

  • Tuesday 28th November 2023

It's often said that radio is a "writer's medium". Here are 3 things to consider when giving it a go.

Image shows left to right: Dan Sweryt, Eleanor Hayward

Video: How to pick up radio writing credits

  • Wednesday 27th September 2023

The video of a webinar in which writing for radio comedy shows such as Breaking The News and The Skewer is discussed in-depth.

Radio

Audio comedy tips

  • Monday 31st July 2023

We analyse some pointers issued by the BBC in relation to a new initiative trying to develop new radio comedies to transfer to mainstream TV hits.

Big Comedy Conference 2023. Image shows left to right: Dave Cohen, David Flynn, Jon Holmes, Rajiv Karia

Big Comedy Conference video: Open Door Shows

  • Friday 23rd June 2023

The video recording of the Big Comedy Conference session in which Breaking The News series producer David Flynn, The Skewer creator Jon Holmes and DMs Are Open producer Rajiv Karia discuss how to submit material to their formats.

Mixing desk

More tips for writing radio comedy

  • Tuesday 8th November 2022

Radio can be a great place for new comedy writers to learn their craft and start building professional credits. Here's some more tips to help you make the most of the medium.

Radio

Writing radio comedy

  • Sunday 30th October 2022

Radio can be a great place for comedy writers to start. There are plenty of slots available and, compared to TV, radio commissioners are much more likely to take a punt on new writers.

Gemma Arrowsmith's Sketched Out. Gemma Arrowsmith

Gemma Arrowsmith: My top tips on writing for the radio

  • Friday 23rd September 2022

Gemma Arrowsmith has been writing and script editing radio for quite a while now. Here are some thoughts and observations from her...

Julia McKenzie

BCG Pro Sessions video: Julia McKenzie

  • Sunday 28th March 2021

A video recording of our BCG Pro Sessions Q&A with Julia McKenzie, the Creative Director for BBC Studios Audio. She explains the commissioning process for new ideas, ways writers can develop, and more.

Bill Dare

BCG Pro Sessions video: Bill Dare

  • Sunday 14th February 2021

Top writer and producer Bill Dare joined us for our first ever BCG Pro Sessions interview. If you missed it, you can catch up via this recording.