Some of the acts have been revealed for the forthcoming six-part series, BBC Presents: Stand Up For Live Comedy. Shows will come from venues around the UK including London, Belfast, Glasgow and Bristol. The show will be released on BBC Three, with a repeat on BBC One the following week.
Each show features a comedian local to the area as host, together with up to three other comics. The series will showcase the talents of hosts Jamali Maddix (Live at the Apollo), Fern Brady (Live from the BBC), Paddy Raff (The Paddy Raff Show) and Jayde Adams (Crazy Delicious).
The first show was recorded in South East London on 1st September at Vinegar Yard, hosted by Jamali Maddix. The line-up was completed by Helen Bauer, Michael Odewale and Eleanor Tiernan.
Show two was recorded at CARGO by Vertigo in Belfast. Hosted by Belfast’s own Paddy Raff, current Funny Woman finalist Mary O’Connell, ‘All Killa No Filla’ podcast star Rachel Fairburn (pictured top) and local comic Shane Todd performed.
The third show was recorded at Bristol’s Lakota Gardens. Bristolian Jayde Adams was host, with support from Best New Comedian at The Fringe 2017 winner Tom Lucy, Leicester Square Comedian Of the Year 2017 winner Mo Omar and host of the Dave channels ‘Conversations Against Living Miserable’ podcast Lauren Pattison (pictured bottom).
Fern Brady hosts the Glasgow edition. Other comedians on the Glasgow bill include Kimi Loughton, the Frog & Bucket’s ‘Beat The Frog’ World Series 2019 panel prize winner Toussaint Douglass and Andy Field.
The fifth show, filmed at Nortons of Digbeth in Birmingham is hosted by Midlands stand-up Darren Harriott, with support from Bella Hull, Kemah Bob and Chris Washington.
There is one final show still to be announced,
The six-part series is co-produced by Phil McIntyre Television and BBC Studios who will distribute the series globally. It has been commissioned by Shane Allen, Controller of BBC Comedy, and Fiona Campbell, Controller of BBC Three, and continues the BBC’s commitment to nurturing new talent and showcasing the best diverse regional comedy in the UK.
Shane Allen, Controller of BBC Comedy, says: “It’s been the roughest time for live comedy on record and finally we can be the first broadcaster to bring audiences and comedians together in the same place again as nothing beats the magic of shared laughter. The UK comedy circuit is the best in the world and it’s vital that we continue to support emerging comedy talent and help launch those stars of tomorrow. Our national shared sense of humour is a crucial way to deal with adversity and remind everyone there is solidarity and much needed cheer coming to your screens soon.”
Fiona Campbell, Controller of BBC Three, says: “BBC Three has been involved in the careers of so many comedians that cut their teeth on the live circuit. It’s the lifeblood of the industry and we’re really pleased that we can play our part bringing live comedy and laughter back to the audience.”
The BBC Presents: Stand Up For Live Comedy production team are following the latest government guidelines on Covid-19 to ensure that the series is made safely and responsibility. Further details about the series will be announced in due course.
