British Comedy Guide

Stand up Comedy Documentary

I have an idea for a documentary/comedy show involving a number of stand up comedians doing a gig in each others style e.g Russell Brand doing a set in the style of Alan Carr. The show follows the comedians learning how to impersonate each other, maybe live together for a while. The final show being the gigs.

I have sent this to a number of production companes but am getting the 'we do not accept unsolicited ideas' response. Anyone like the idea or know where I can send it?

Sounds like a cool idea. It would probably be an easier sell if you already had a comic or two on board. Have you tried that route?

I liked Comedians of Comedy which had standups on the road.
Why not find some comedians, film a rough pilot and then shop around with a tape?

I think it sounds a crap idea. The idea of most comedians is that it's their individual style that works.

That's the point of the show. It's not like they have to change their style for good!

Quote: Chappers @ August 18 2009, 5:13 PM BST

I think it sounds a crap idea.

Don't hold back, Chappers.

It's an interesting idea that could be really cool or spectacularly-awful. I'm not sure it'd work as a full series - I could see it being fun in something like a comedy panel show.

I'm tempted to agree with Chappers, but maybe in not such a harsh manner.

I think you will struggle to get comedians involved. I'm assuming the idea is to get top comedians in. I can't seem to see Lee Evans wanting to do a gig in a Russell Brand style for example. As chappers says their style is their own, it's what "made" them. I can't see them wanting to do something different.

Although I may be wrong. It has been known.

it wouldn't work, you'd never get the comedians together, they are all too busy with their own careers/gigs

You could get one fairly unknown comedian to do different gigs in different styles perhaps?

Quote: Steve Sunshine @ August 18 2009, 8:34 PM BST

You could get one fairly unknown comedian to do different gigs in different styles perhaps?

I think that's been done.

Quote: Steve Sunshine @ August 18 2009, 8:34 PM BST

You could get one fairly unknown comedian to do different gigs in different styles perhaps?

Think that would be too close to an impressionist show

Quote: Kevin Murphy @ August 18 2009, 8:37 PM BST

I think that's been done.

was it on TV? what was it called?

Anyhow as was previously said, I don't think any established acts would be interested, but it's a fun idea. Almost like a 'karaoke for comics'

I'd quite like to get dresed up in Eddie Murphy's red leather suit and do some of his material from 'Raw'!

Quote: AngieBaby @ August 18 2009, 10:15 PM BST

was it on TV? what was it called?

There was a show, which I didn't watch but saw advertised, with a standup doing gigs in front of a different specialised audience each week. Like lawn bowlers or fishmongers or whatever.

...Tough Gig

Jack Dee and Alan Carr did this for a minute or so on this week's Chatty Man. It didn't really work.

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