British Comedy Guide
British Comedy Guide

Features Page 42

A knight in armour in a forest Writing

Protecting yourself as a comedy writer

  • Wednesday 8th March 2023

As a comedy writer you are often little more than the flutter of a butterfly's wing away from huge success or going back to the drawing board. There are, however, plenty of things you can do to ensure the process isn't any more difficult or stressful than it needs to be.

One Foot In The Grave. Victor Meldrew (Richard Wilson). Copyright: BBC Writing

Writing Funny

  • Friday 3rd March 2023

If you want to be a successful comedy writer, your scripts will have to be funny. There is no two ways about it. So, here is a checklist of "funny" that your script should ideally deliver...

The Secret Reviewer

The Secret Reviewer #48: Good Question

  • Friday 3rd March 2023

Every month our clandestine critic reveals the murky truths behind that infamous trade, and live comedy generally. This month: the best interviews are a tricky high-wire act.

Fish Writing

Exploring the 'fish out of water' sitcom

  • Friday 24th February 2023

The 'fish out of water' is a situation comedy construct that has seemingly fallen out of favour in recent years. But just because it isn't in vogue doesn't mean that it's not worth considering. We look at the format here.

A laughing child Writing

Finding the funny in your sitcom

  • Wednesday 15th February 2023

A guide to the origin of jokes in narrative comedy writing.

Mark Bell. Credit: Andy Devonshire Production

My Comedy Career: Mark Bell

  • Wednesday 15th February 2023

Theatrical director Mark Bell's latest work, Windfall, is currently running at the Southwark Playhouse. He took time out from rehearsals to spill the secrets from his line of work.

The Fall And Rise Of Reginald Perrin. Image shows left to right: Reginald Perrin (Leonard Rossiter), Jimmy Anderson (Geoffrey Palmer) Writing

Joke structures

  • Friday 10th February 2023

Certain tried and tested jokes structures have evolved over time, and some knowledge of the rudiments of their forms can be helpful to comedy writers. We look at some of the structures in this article.

Abstract rainbow pattern Writing

What do I want to write?

  • Thursday 9th February 2023

April's Big Comedy Conference will be hosting a number of panels around the craft of writing sitcom and comedy drama. Dave Cohen offers some pointers to help you decide the kind of script you'll want to develop.

Simon Nye Writing

BCG Pro Sessions video: Simon Nye

  • Wednesday 8th February 2023

Top comedy writer Simon Nye talks frankly and in-depth about the craft of scripting shows in this hour-long video.

Adrian Gray

My Comedy Career: Adrian Gray

  • Tuesday 7th February 2023

Adrian Gray has been attracting millions of views online, particularly for his Forgotten History format. In this interview we find out more about how he got to this point, and his thoughts on the precarious nature of internet publishing.