Dave commissions Dara O Briain's Go 8 Bit
- Dara O Briain will host Go 8 Bit, a TV comedy entertainment show based on computer games
- The format is based on the hit live show format devised by comedy double act NcNeil & Pamphilon
- Dara O Briain's Go 8 Bit will be shown on channel Dave in the Autumn
Channel Dave has ordered Dara O Briain's Go 8 Bit, a computer games based entertainment series.
The six-part series is based on a hit live show format devised by comedy double act NcNeil & Pamphilon. The duo have been hosting Go 8 Bit live for a number of years, with the show a particular hit at the Edinburgh Fringe.
In the TV series, Dara O Briain takes over as host, with NcNeil & Pamphilon acting as team captains. O Briain - who has previously hosted School Of Hard Sums for Dave - is well known as a computer game and technology fan, having previously undertaken roles such as hosting Bafta's video game awards. He is also currently filming the new series of Robot Wars.
The channel explains: "Dara O Briain's Go 8 Bit is based on the smash hit live Edinburgh show Go 8 Bit and hosted by comedian and gaming enthusiast Dara O Briain. Each week the show will see two celebrity guests compete to be crowned '8 Bit Champion'.
"The team captains are Steve McNeil, a self-confessed gaming geek, and Sam Pamphilon, a cynical amateur, who both devised and hosted the original Edinburgh show. Each week they will guide their celebrity guest teammate through five rounds of increasingly competitive, hilarious gaming contests. Whether it be an arcade classic like Pac-Man, the latest blockbuster Grand Theft Auto or Fallout title, the most cutting-edge computer technology - or even larger-than-life game-inspired physical challenges, Dara and the show's resident gaming expert Ellie Gibson will be on hand to adjudicate, commentate, and generally wind up the contestants. The series will be recorded in front of a live studio audience who will decide the winner of each round."
Guests confirmed for the series include Bob Mortimer, Russell Howard and Susan Calman.
Speaking about the show, Dara O Briain says: "Put a video game controller in the hands of a nun and she'll turn into a trash-talking bloodthirsty monster. Give a controller to a comedian and they'll do that too, but be funny. In video games veritas, my friends. This show is a raucous, back-biting, properly competitive celebration of the world's favourite pastime. Let's Go 8 Bit!"
UKTV commissioner Iain Coyle comments: "As someone who barely knows his Wii U from his ZX Spectrum, I was a huge fan of the live show. Add Dara to that mix and I think you've got yourself the potential to join gaming and comedy audiences in a completely unique way."
Channel boss Steve North adds: "Go 8 Bit is a very funny stage show with a cult following. We love working with the comedy community to bring successful stage shows to the Dave audience, as we did with Alex Horne's Taskmaster. Having Dara on board makes it a perfect fit for Dave."
The TV version is being developed and produced by DLT Entertainment. This will be the production company's first commission since expanding from producing sitcoms into to non-narrative entertainment. Executive Producer Donald Taffner Jr. says: "Dara O Briain's Go 8 Bit is unlike anything else on TV. It is a completely new type of gaming show with its mix of gaming experts, comedians, guest stars and nostalgia to create an unmissable entertainment series. The show will combine our love for retro games with the latest technology and audience interaction that all viewers - young, old, male, female, and most importantly gamers and non gamers - will love. We are looking forward to working with UKTV and Dave to bring this exciting new concept to life."
Dara O Briain's Go 8 Bit will air on Dave this Autumn. The episodes will be recorded at Fountain Studios this April. To apply to be in the audience visit SRO Audiences
Below is the trailer for the live Go 8 Bit shows: