Mark Watson to host live Radio 4 comedy show pilot
Mark Watson has revealed that he is to host a live stand-up show pilot on Radio 4 based along similar lines to his previous radio series, Mark Watson Makes The World Substantially Better.
The original format, which saw Watson performing stand-up material on a given virtuous theme, broadcast for two series on Radio 4 between 2007 and 2008.
The comedian says the new show will be similar to Mark Watson Makes The World Substantially Better but "will probably not be called quite that, because it's going to be different in a few key ways. But it will essentially be that." The main difference is that it will be broadcast live - something Radio 4 hasn't attempted with comedy for a while.
The programme will be broadcast on Monday 28th February at 11pm. Much like his previous radio series, the comedian will be joined by Tom Basden who will provide musical accompaniment, and Tim Key, who will pitch in with some comic poems.
Writing on his blog, Mark Watson confirmed it will be live: "No editing. Live interaction between us and listeners. No cheating by turning up the laughs in post-production. Ad-libbed bits go on the air whether funny or rubbish. No controls on potentially fatal swearing/Richard Keys-esque disasters. Really, really risky. Haha. If it goes well, we might end up doing a series live in the same manner. If not, maybe a series in the old, pre-recorded way. If really bad, I might find another job."
Radio 4 has also signed up Mark Watson and Tim Key's We Need Answers co-presenter for a different comedy pilot. Alex Horne will record a pilot episode of The Horne Section later in the month, which - like his theatre show of the same name - will feature his own five piece brass band.