Jack Docherty sitcom Stop/Start to be piloted on TV
Jack Docherty's latest sitcom is to be piloted for TV.
The Scottish comedy star will film a trial episode of Stop/Start next month. The premise is based on his hit Radio 4 sitcom Start/Stop.
The title is being switched around as the show moves between mediums to help allow the two versions to be easily distinguished from each other.
Start/Stop has run on Radio 4 for two series, with the network currently looking to record more. The show has proved popular with listeners, and the most recent series - which was broadcast in November and December - was an extended-length 8 episode commission.
The format observes the intertwined adventures of three couples, all of whom are having problems with their marriages. The characters are the well-to-do Alice and David; middle class Cathy and Barney; and working class Fiona and Evan.
Alice is much younger than the rich David and now regretting having recently got hitched to him, whilst the spark has gone from Cathy and Barney's long-term marriage. Meanwhile Evan and Fiona have a very fiery relationship. To complicate matters further, Alice and Barney are trying to work out if they can have an affair together.
Notably, the sitcom's action is regularly paused to allow the characters to talk privately to the audience at home. They share their true thoughts and feelings - things they wouldn't dare admit or say out loud.
The BBC explain: "Stop/Start is a sitcom about three marriages in various states of disrepair, written by and starring Jack Docherty. It's warm, smart, funny and the characters are able to stop the action, explain themselves to the audience and start it all up again."
The programme is written solely by Docherty, who also plays Barney. Having risen to fame in Channel 4 series such as Absolutely, Mr Don & Mr George and The Jack Docherty Show, the comic writer and actor's most recent on-screen credits are for Scotland In A Day, Badults and Scot Squad.
The TV pilot of Stop/Start will form one of the episodes of this year's batch of Comedy Playhouse pilots, the recently revived BBC brand for testing new TV comedy formats.
The latest Radio 4 series of Start/Stop featured Kerry Godliman, Fiona Allen, Sally Bretton, Charlie Higson and John Thomson alongside the creator, however it is currently un-clear how many of the cast will move to the TV version with him.
The pilot will be recorded in front of an audience at BBC Glasgow on 12th March. It is an in-house production, with Badults director Ben Kellett helming the show. To apply to be in the studio, see our free tickets page
Stop/Start will be shown on BBC One later in the year.
Below is an audio clip from the radio show, featuring Docherty and Godliman as Barney and Cathy. It gives an idea of how the characters talk directly to the audience: