ITV2 to broadcast The Stand Up Sketch Show
- ITV2 has ordered a new TV format called The Stand Up Sketch Show
- The six-part series sees comedians performing routines that are then turned into "surreal reconstructions"
- Stars include Seann Walsh, Joel Dommett, Russell Kane, London Hughes and Suzi Ruffell
ITV2 has ordered The Stand Up Sketch Show, a new comedy series that combines stand-up performances and sketches.
The six-part series sees stand-up comedians performing their routines, with the story then morphing into a sketch reconstruction.
The producers explain: "From established stand-up routines by some of the nation's best loved comedians, to brand new material from Britain's most exciting up-and-coming talent. The Stand Up Sketch Show is doing what no comedy has ever done before!
"Each sketch begins with a comedian telling their story on stage in front of a live audience, before shifting into a surreal reconstruction of the material. Using some of the circuit's funniest material, the reconstructions will feature visual jokes, supporting performances, ridiculous props and absolutely killer comedy.
"In each of the sketches the comedian will play the role they were born to play... themselves. Any dialogue in the routines will be lip-synced by the comedians and comedy actors adding to the surreal tone of each scene.
"With 8-10 sketches per episode, each one will vary in length and be fast paced and funny with a tonne of additional gags to make sure the laughs keep coming thick and fast.
"The Stand Up Sketch Show will add a new dimension to routines from established names as well as brand new material from rapidly rising stars on the comedy scene. Some of the comedians taking part in the show include Seann Walsh, Joel Dommett, Russell Kane, London Hughes and Suzi Ruffell (pictured) with many more names to be announced nearer transmission."
ITV's Head of Digital Channels, Paul Mortimer, says: "The Stand Up Sketch Show is a creative and original commission for ITV2 that sits well with our other current offerings. The show is perfectly pitched at our key demographic of young adults."
ITV Comedy Controller Saskia Schuster comments: "The Stand Up Sketch Show will offer comedy lovers a unique visual take on comedian's stand-up routines. We've got a great cast lined up that includes some of the biggest names in comedy, including some of the best up and coming rising talent currently on the circuit."
Matt Campion, Executive Producer for production company Spirit, adds: "I'm thrilled to be working with so many of the UK's top comedy talent to bring their funniest stand-up routines to life via the art form of sketch. It's really exciting to be producing such a new style of comedy format in the genre."