British Comedy Guide
British Comedy Guide

Writing (general)

This is our section housing general advice about comedy writing.

Woman listening

The importance of listening

  • Friday 8th November 2024

Particularly early in your career, you should try to listen to advice.

One Foot In The Grave. Image shows left to right: Victor Meldrew (Richard Wilson), Margaret Meldrew (Annette Crosbie)

"Coincidence? I think not!"

  • Tuesday 5th November 2024

Coincidence kills comedy. No, really, it does.

Derry Girls. Image shows left to right: Michelle Mallon (Jamie-Lee O'Donnell), Erin Quinn (Saoirse-Monica Jackson). Credit: Hat Trick Productions

Writing characterful dialogue

  • Friday 1st November 2024

It's very important that the dialogue in your sitcom script is characterful.

Thumbs down

The absolute basics

  • Tuesday 29th October 2024

Micheál Jacob looks at the absolute basics of narrative comedy writing.

Fleabag. Image shows left to right: Harry (Hugh Skinner), Fleabag (Phoebe Waller-Bridge)

For goodness' sake, write what you want

  • Monday 28th October 2024

It's really important that you write what you want.

Frustrated man

The bastard script

  • Thursday 17th October 2024

In his latest column, Micheál Jacob discusses the "bastard script" - every show has one!

The Vicar Of Dibley. Geraldine Grainger (Dawn French). Copyright: Tiger Aspect Productions

Dud on arrival

  • Monday 7th October 2024

How to make sure your sitcom script has the best chance of success.

Only Fools And Horses. Image shows left to right: Grandad (Lennard Pearce), Del (David Jason), Rodney (Nicholas Lyndhurst). Credit: BBC

The other rule of three

  • Wednesday 2nd October 2024

How many projects should you have on the go at any one time?

This Is Going To Hurt

Your comedy script: Why now?

  • Friday 27th September 2024

Your script should provide an answer to the question, "Why now?".

Hopscotch grid counting up to 10

The first 10 pages

  • Monday 23rd September 2024

Here are some questions to ask yourself about the first 10 pages of your script.