Spirit Studios, the Channel 4-backed independent production company has announced a partnership with live entertainment company Entertainers to bring its award-winning hit TV format The Stand Up Sketch Show to the West End stage. 

The adaptation for its run at London’s Lyric Theatre promises to capture the blend of stand-up comedy and sketch performances that have made the series a hit with audiences around the world but will also feature a new improvisational element.

The Stand Up Sketch Show features the best comedians on the circuit performing their finest stand-up comedy routines in sketch form in front of a live audience, before shifting into outrageous reconstructions of their material. Previous series have starred Russell Kane (pictured), Joel Dommett, Judi Love, Tom Allen and Babatunde Aleshe whilst also supporting new and diverse comedy talent. Casting for the show is currently underway. 

It has run for six series so far on ITV2 and ITVX and has had international success winning Best International Comedy Format in the International Format Awards in 2020. The format has also been licensed to Sweden, Israel and the Middle East to date. BBC Studios distributes the show internationally.

"We're thrilled to bring ‘The Stand Up Sketch Show’ to the West End, giving audiences a chance to experience the same dynamic blend of stand-up and sketch comedy that has resonated so strongly on TV, but now with the added excitement of live, improvisational elements" said Matt Campion, Creative Director / CoFounder of Spirit Studios and Executive Producer of The Stand Up Sketch Show

“This is an exciting time for Entertainers. We are very proud to be working with such a fantastic company in Spirit Studios & looking forward to working together as we expand our offering as one of the leading theatre producers in the country” said James Taylor, Director of Entertainers.  

The West End production of The Stand Up Sketch Show is scheduled to open in November 2024. Tickets will go on sale later this year, with casting and production details to be announced in the coming months.