What to do in a writers' room

Unlike in America, writers' rooms are not a universal element of the production process in British comedy - but they do exist. Some sitcoms have utilised the method, and it is a necessary part of both panel show production, and the writing of satire and sketch shows (on television and radio).

Many writers will get their first break contributing to Radio 4 stalwarts like The Now Show or The News Quiz. It is not unrealistic that a budding writer may be invited into a writers' room environment (though, even if you're being paid as a contributor rather than observer, be...