British Comedy Guide
British Comedy Guide

Features Page 61

Kevin Day Writing

Stand-up and HIGNFY writer Kevin Day, on turning comedy into your day job

  • Thursday 4th March 2021

Kevin Day on HIGNFY's gag rate, the modern ways to make an impact, and how just talking the talk can make a big difference.

Books Writing

Authors' unions launch investigation into contribution publishers

  • Wednesday 3rd March 2021

The Society of Authors and Writers' Guild of Great Britain are launching an investigation into book publishers that charge authors for publishing their work.

Reluctant Persuaders. Image shows from L to R: Amanda (Josie Lawrence), Joe (Mathew Baynton), Hardacre (Nigel Havers), Teddy (Rasmus Hardiker). Copyright: ABsoLuTeLy Productions Writing

Re-writing Reluctant Persuaders without a studio audience

  • Tuesday 2nd March 2021

Edward Rowett, the creator of Radio 4's Reluctant Persuaders, explains how he re-wrote Series 4 to work without a studio audience. The techniques are quite different, so there's some very interesting insight in his article.

Gary Sinyor Production

Gary Sinyor on creating Hapless

  • Monday 1st March 2021

Writer and director Gary Sinyor talks us through how he created the sitcom Hapless, which is now appearing on streaming platform My5. He explains how he got the self-funded project up-and-running and, in the process, captured the interest of TV networks.

The Secret Reviewer Performance

The Secret Reviewer #24: Relocation, Relocation

  • Monday 1st March 2021

Every month our clandestine critic reveals the murky truths behind that infamous trade, and live comedy generally. This month: Should we all just move to Scotland?

Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps. Image shows from L to R: Louise (Kathryn Drysdale), Jonny Keogh (Ralf Little), Janet (Sheridan Smith), Gary 'Gaz' Wilkinson (Will Mellor), Donna Henshaw (Natalie Casey). Copyright: BBC Writing

Looking back at Two Pints

  • Sunday 28th February 2021

Loved by its audience and loathed by critics, this week marked the 20th anniversary of sitcom Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps. Comedy writer Tim Dawson, who got his first break on the show, reveals what he learned and reflects on the programme's achievements.

Rubber on a pencil. Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay Writing

Cutting Down Sketches

  • Sunday 28th February 2021

In this article we focus on one of the biggest mistakes new sketch-writers make: writing sketches that are too long. Here's some handy tips for how to make your sketches leaner on the page.

Mat Ewins Performance

What makes a good live show a great one?

  • Thursday 25th February 2021

We take a look at some of the devices that comedians use to elevate their stand-up shows. From including technology, to involving a human interest story, there's various things acts do to get audiences and awards judges interested.

Newsjack Unplugged. Copyright: BBC Writing

Writing impressions sketches for Newsjack

  • Monday 22nd February 2021

One consistent element of Newsjack is the 'impressions sketches'. We take a look at how to hone this type of sketch to specifically tick the boxes that Newsjack producers are looking for.

Soup Recipe Writing

SOUP RECIPE: A cookbook for topical sketch ideas

  • Friday 19th February 2021

Comedy writer Peter Beare shares the mnemonic-based system he has devised for creating unique topical comedy sketches. It works particularly well for planning material for Newsjack.