Radio 5 host to try stand-up

Radio presenter Richard Bacon is to try his hand at stand-up – after only 24 hours preparation.

The Radio 5 Live host will take his first shot at comedy in front of 400 late-night punters in the Udderbelly at the Edinburgh Fringe later this month.

And to make it potentially even more terrifying, the material he will use in his ten-minute set will be suggested by listeners to his show.

On August 26, top comedians including Brendon Burns, Lucy Porter, Richard Herring, Barry Cryer, Justin Moorhouse and Stephen K Amos will join him on air to give tips on performance.

The following night, he will deliver his routine during Reginald D Hunter’s Fringe show, which will be broadcast live. Comedy critics and an agent will be on hand to review his performance.

Bacon said: ‘This is my ninth year at the Edinburgh festival. I love the event and it’s about time I found out once and for all if I am indeed funny.’

Published: 13 Aug 2009