New series for circuit acts

Radio 4 is to showcase live sketch comedy groups in a new four-part series.

Sketchaholic! aims to be a sketch equivalent of stand-up showcases such as Live At The Apollo, with each episode featuring three established troupes and a compere.

The show is to be made by Glasgow-based production house The Comedy Unit, who said; “There are so many incredibly talented and inventive sketch groups on the British comedy scene covering character, improv, broken and musical comedy but with no dedicated broadcast platform.

‘Sketch show troupes are always well represented at the Edinburgh Fringe with more than 100 acts performing this year but apart from the live circuit there’s never been a show purely for the sketch act genre.’

Neither the host nor the acts involved in the programme have yet been announced. The Comedy Unit say they have identified acts they’d like to be involved but producer Gus Beattie is keen to hear from professional sketch acts and agents. (email)

The show will go out in the traditional 6.30pm slot on Radio 4.

Published: 25 Aug 2011