Following the success of the BBC Comedy Festival in Liverpool in May, BBC Comedy and the Liverpool Film Office have partnered to launch the BBC Comedy Liverpool Script Development project. Part of the wider BBC Comedy Script Partnership Project, the initiative is dedicated to finding and developing the next generation of comedy talent from the region.
The project will support writers and writer-performers with bold, character-led sitcom ideas that reflect Liverpool’s distinctive humour, communities and sense of place.
Funded by BBC Comedy in partnership with Liverpool Film Office via the LCR Production Fund, the project is designed to support emerging writers with the potential to create the sitcoms of the future, while strengthening the region’s thriving comedy sector and building on the momentum generated by this year’s BBC Comedy Festival.
Applications are now open, with writers invited to submit original, accessible, 30-minute comedy concepts that showcase a strong and distinctive comic voice. Five projects will be selected for development, with at least one receiving additional tailored support. Depending on the project's needs, this could include the commissioning of a second script, a table read, or the production of a taster tape or short film.
The submission deadline is Monday 9th November. Five projects will be commissioned for development by the end of October 2026, with successful teams expected to deliver final script drafts by the end of March 2027.
Emma Lawson, Interim Director of BBC Comedy, said: "Liverpool has long been home to some of the UK's most distinctive comedy voices. Following the success of this year's BBC Comedy Festival, we're delighted to be working with Liverpool Film Office to find funny, original stories that reflect the city and region, with the potential to become the next iconic BBC sitcom."
Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Cllr Harry Doyle, said: "Liverpool's wit and humour are famous around the world, but behind every great comedy is a great writer.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for aspiring writers to develop their ideas with the support of BBC Comedy and bring authentic Liverpool stories to the screen.
"We've got incredible creative talent across our city and I can't wait to see the ideas that emerge from this scheme!”
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The BBC Comedy Liverpool Script Development project forms part of the wider BBC Comedy Script Partnership Project, a development initiative designed to identify and support scripted comedy talent in targeted regions across the UK.
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Launch and submissions open: Wednesday 16th September. Submissions close: Monday 9th November. Chosen Project delivery: End of March 2027.
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Writers must be originally from, or currently based in, the Liverpool City Region.
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Projects must be submitted through a UK-based production company. While companies may be based anywhere in the UK, priority will be given to those based in the Liverpool City Region or with a significant presence in the North West.
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Production companies should have a proven track record in television comedy or be working in partnership with a company that does.
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Applications should include:
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A project pitch (approximately two pages)
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A writer biography
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A sample script or examples of previous work
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A production company overview, including details of the editorial support that will be provided
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Applications should be sent to [email protected]
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All submissions and contact information will be shared with Liverpool Film Office as part of the assessment process.
