British Comedy Guide

Sitcom Mission

28 Days Later... Day 8: Dawn Ellis

Saturday 8th February 2014

Radio 4

1. Sitcom is all about the characters - that's what will drive it and bring the laughs. A long list of jokes isn't going to cut it.

2. Show, don't tell - the laughter should come from the events happening. Don't just narrate.

3. Conflict is always very funny.

4. Cruel/mean characters have to have some redeeming qualities - the listener has to be able to like them.

Finally, when you're reading back, cover over the character names. Can you still tell who's talking? If that's a yes you're on your way.

Dawn Ellis is a Radio 4 producer. She oversees shows including Ed Reardon's Week.


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