British Comedy Guide

Shannon Matthews Sketch

Heres a sketch that I wasnt to sure if it worked or not for two reasons. One was I dont know if its funny and secondly I was not really comfortable with the topic of the sketch, Just another go at a topical sketch, please be honest and tell me what you think. Also, is this really a topic that I should be trying to get a sketch out of? Thanks!

FEMALE REPORTER IS INTERVIEWING SHANNON MATTHEWS MUM

Reporter
First of all I'd like to congratulate you and your family on the news that Shannon has been found. Absolutely great news.

Mum
Yeah, thanks (SMILES)

Reporter
Have you seen Shannon yet?

Mum
Yes, first thing this morning, best moment of my life.

Reporter
What was she saying?

Mum
Well. I walked into the room, ran towards her and gave her a big hug, she then asked me, which came to a suprise may I add, is Dancing on Ice finished yet?

Reporter
And what did you say? (LAUGHS)

Mum
I just said, no love it's still on.

Reporter
(LAUGHS) And what was her reply?

Mum
She just said, if thats the case Mum, Im going back under the bed!

It's very good, and a nice innocent punch from a horrid situation. So much so, it's actually quite a surprising punch.

That said, if you were sending it to Treason. I'd break it down to 2 or 3 lines. I say that, because in that farm I could really see them doing it.

Could this be a new form of comedy. Shockingly nice punchlines?

I liked this. Though I have a few problems with the way it's written. Take out the second "first of all" also the "what was she saying?" sounds like slang. Perhaps change it to "What was her reaction?". Also the punch line could be shorter. Something like "Bugger that! I'm off back under the bed!"

Otherwise I thought it was funny.

I thought it was very good too.
Nice one. Back on form!

Thanks guys, I'm glad i'm starting to write decent sketches again because in the last two weeks i've been writing awful stuff. It was starting to worry me lol

As it seems to be turning out that she wasn't horribly abused or anything, I'd say people will definitely accept sketches about her.

(Of course, I wouldn't say you shouldn't write them even if she had been.)

This IMO reads better:

FEMALE REPORTER IS INTERVIEWING SHANNON MATTHEWS MUM

Reporter
First of all I'd like to congratulate you and your family on the news that Shannon has been found. Absolutely great news.

Mum
Yeah, thanks (SMILES)

Reporter
So have you seen Shannon yet?

Mum
Yes, first thing this morning, best moment of my life.

Reporter
What was her reaction like?

Mum
Well. I walked into the room, ran towards her and gave her a big hug, she then asked me had Dancing on Ice finished yet?

Reporter
(LAUGHS) And what did you say?

Mum
I just said, no love it's still on.

Reporter
And what was her reply?

Mum
Bugger that Im going back under the bed!

Thanks for the feedback Wayne mate, I'll take you advice into consideration. Thanks, Much appreciated.

Yeah good sketch, it's a good "Punch" on the situation as Sooty puts it.

There is a similar joke going around about Newcastle Utd and Shannon Matthews. Hear this on the interent and down the pub.

Shannon:
Have Newcastle won yet?

Policeman:
F**k no. You've only been gone for a month.

The sketch was OK but I think its needs some extra joke or twist to make it a good sketch.

Now of course that Shannon's Mum has been charged- more ideas for material against the Mum:
POLICEMAN: Interview with Karen Matthews, date 9th April 2008. Solicitor present. First question Karen, how did you get five different blokes to shag you???

Got that as a text message today- not my material, but thought would end the thread off nicely.

Well, jokes may circulate on the internet, but in terms of professional performance, unless things are loosening up, I don't think you'll get anyone to put on anything about the case until the trial is done and dusted. You're only supposed to be able to broadcast publicly the name, age, address of the defendants and charges. Although sometimes judges take the mick suddenly slapping on a ban on naming children and parents even if there has been widespread publicity before charges are brought.

Quote: sootyj @ March 16 2008, 5:21 PM BST

It's very good, and a nice innocent punch from a horrid situation. So much so, it's actually quite a surprising punch.

Ditto that.

It does work but it's basically an old Simpsons gag. A coma patient wakes up and asks if Sonny and Cher are still making records. When he's told yes he says "Goodnight!" and voluntarily goes back into his coma.

Quote: Goldnutmeg @ April 9 2008, 10:59 PM BST

Well, jokes may circulate on the internet, but in terms of professional performance, unless things are loosening up, I don't think you'll get anyone to put on anything about the case until the trial is done and dusted. You're only supposed to be able to broadcast publicly the name, age, address of the defendants and charges. Although sometimes judges take the mick suddenly slapping on a ban on naming children and parents even if there has been widespread publicity before charges are brought.

Yeah, well things are definitely "loosening up". The internet is basically blowing a hole through the laws on contempt and the courts can't deal with it.

In this instance I've today had an email from the Treason Show where they're asking for material on this very topic.

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