Sketch group claims record rise

Sketch group The Consultants are claiming the record for the fastest rise from obscurity to national radio.

The three-man troupe won the Perrier best newcomer award at Edinburgh last year.

It was during the Fringe that they were spotted by BBC scouts, and, in just under six months they have gone from performing in a damp 40-seater cellar to their own Radio 4 series.

The trio ­ Justin Edwards, Neil Edmond and James Rawlings - have also signed a development deal with BBC Television.

They met at Manchester University - which also boasts Rik Mayall, Ben Elton and Meera Syal among its graduates - and have been performing together for about 18 months.

Their four-part radio series, which finished recorded last week, begins on Thursday February 13 at 11pm.

Published: 2 Feb 2003