Radio 4's 2014 comedy plans revealed
A commissioning document sent to producers has revealed a large bulk of the commissions that BBC Radio 4 has made to form its 2014 comedy schedule.
For some of the shows listed, the commissioning was already known, however the list does include news of a number of high profile recommissions, plus reveals plans for new shows featuring stars such as Lenny Henry and Dave Gorman.
Below is a summary of the programming mentioned in the document:
The Best Laid Plans: A new sitcom for the 11:30am slot written by Mark Daydy. "In 1885, God nodded off. In 2012, he awoke to discover that his faithful servant, the angel Smallbone, had helpfully set in motion God's plans for the 20th century."
Britain Vs The Rest Of The World: A new panel show that pits two British comedians against a team of comics from overseas to find out which side is superior.
Clayton Grange: Another series of Paul Barnhill and Neil Warhurst's sitcom set in a top-secret institute in Surrey.
The Cold Swedish Winter: A new comedy written by and starring Danny Robbins. The show follows a once successful stand-up comic from London, who now lives in the tiny, cold village of Youml in northern Sweden.
The Future Of Radio: A new comedy written by Jerome Vincent and Stephen Dinsdale. "The activities of the boffins at the Institute of Radio Evolution who are working hard to ensure that radio remains a cutting edge medium in the 21st century and beyond."
Gloomsbury (pictured): A second series of the show parodying the Bloomsbury group, whose arty and adulterous adventures dominated the cultural scene in the early 20th century.
Guests Are Like Fish: Comedy by Shelagh Stephenson. "Anna and Jim quit the city and buy a nice little cottage in deepest Devon. Come down and visit - stay as long as you like - and they do. They come with broken hearts, troubled offspring, inappropriate lovers and a limitless capacity for alcohol - looking for the salve which Jim and Anna did offer them - before they discovered that guests are like fish."
The Guns Of Adam Riches: Radio 4 has offered comedian Adam Riches the opportunity to record a second series of his character-led show.
Hal: A new sitcom written by and starring stand-up comedian Hal Cruttenden. The blurb asks, "What do you do as a House Husband when your children don't need you any more?"
In Transit: A comedy starring Adrian Edmondson, Phill Jupitus, Neil Innes and Rowland Rivron, who in real life perform together as The Idiot Bastard Band.
It Is Rocket Science: A third series of the scientifically-accurate but quirkily-personal history of the science of space written by and starring Helen Keen.
John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme: Another series of the award-winning sketch show written by and starring John Finnemore. He is also writing a final episode to wrap-up his smash hit sitcom Cabin Pressure (pictured).
John Shuttleworth And Friends: The return of Graham Fellows as John Shuttleworth. This new show will feature songs, both from the character and his friends.
Kevin Eldon Will See You Now: A second series of the sketch show starring Kevin Eldon.
Lenny Henry: Rogue's Gallery: A new series written by and starring Lenny Henry. The show is described as delivering "a confessional, warm, and surprising series of characters".
Life: An Idiot's Guide: Stephen K Amos hosts a third series of the themed stand-up showcase in which top comedians guide the audience through the joys and perils of everyday life.
Melody Parade: A programme by Chris Green described as "the world's first sing-a-long sitcom". Melody Parade is modern Britain brought to life in musical form, as its characters - all shopkeepers in a parade of pointless shops - live their lives to music.
Mission Improbable: More "adventure comedy for girls", written by and starring the sketch group The Boom Jennies.
Party: Another series of Tom Basden's sitcom about four students who are trying to get into political power (pictured). The comedy is also currently being piloted for TV.
Peacock And Gamble: Emergency Broadcast: Comedy starring double-act Ray Peacock and Ed Gamble. Radio 4 says: "This show subverts broadcasting to near breaking point."
Polyoaks: Another series of Dr Phil Hammond's GP-based sitcom that comments on an NHS that is in a state of flux.
The Skeptic Tank: Nick Doody hosts this panel show looking at dodgy statistic, urban myths, piece of nonsensical parental advice and old wives' tales.
The Show What You Wrote: Another series of the sketch show that members of the public are encouraged to submit content to. The script submission window is open now.
Trodd En Bratt Say 'Well Done You' New sketch show starring Lucy Trodd and Ruth Bratt. The producers say: "Take jaded (sorry, 'experienced') 'comedy circuit' veteran Ruth Bratt, team her up with 'serious circuit' enthusiast Lucy Trodd and you create the sketch show, Well Done You."
Two Episodes Of Mash: A further series of the low-key sketch show written by and starring Diane Morgan and Joe Wilkinson (pictured).
Unwritten Rules: A panel show in which three guests present their rules of modern life to a comedian host, who decides whether to accept or reject them from 'The Rulebook'. A non-broadcast pilot episode recorded in 2013 was hosted by Holly Walsh.
When The Dog Dies: A fourth series of the sitcom starring Ronnie Corbett as a granddad happily growing old with his dog Henry.
The above shows will be transmitted across 2014.
Although not mentioned in the document, BCG understands that the following comedy formats have also been recommissioned: Bridget Christie Minds The Gap, Giles Wemmbley Hogg Goes Off, Incredible Women, Kerry's List, My First Planet, Sketchorama, Small Scenes, Susan Calman Is Convicted, The Horne Section and Tim FitzHigham: The Gambler.
Radio 4 also continues to commission further series of its long-running established hits, including Just A Minute (pictured), The News Quiz, The Now Show, I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue, The Unbelievable Truth and The Museum Of Curiosity.
Audio comedy scheduled to start this month include a new series of Miles Jupp sitcom In And Out Of The Kitchen; the Sue Perkins panel show Dilemma; Making The Best Of It starring the Comedians Theatre Company; Thanks A Lot, Milton Jones!; Paul Whitehouse's new comedy project, Nurse; another series of HR; new format History Retweeted; and the stand-up show Jason Cook's School Of Hard Knocks.
Edit: A previous version of this story mentioned Radio 4 had commissioned a new show from Dave Gorman, however it is now unclear whether this will go ahead.