Radio 4 pilots wildlife panel show

Radio 4 is piloting a new comedy pilot show all about the natural world.

Wildlife expert Chris Packham is hosting a run-through of Nevermind The Woodcocks in London later this month, in the hope of being picked up for a series.

The BBC describe it as ‘a mischievous comedy panel show that proves what a completely entertaining place the natural world really is. A place where fact is always funnier than fiction.’

The panel for the tet episode includes comedian-turned-birdwatcher Bill Oddie ands tand-ups Dave Gorman and Susan Calman, a Radio 4 favourite.

Producer Simon Nicholls – whose credits include Gorman’s Genius and Chris Addison’s Lab Rats – said: ‘This show is my absolute passion project. Comedy and wildlife is such a fertile combination and my aim is to make a show that delivers natural history facts in a way that makes people laugh and increases interest in the subject.

‘Radio 4 love the idea and I've had very positive interest from TV also.’

Packham has previously shown a sense of humour by inserting David Bowie lyrics or Oscar-winning film titles into his commentaries for Springwatch and Autumnwatch. He has also appeared on panel shows including Would I Lie To You, Never Mind The Buzzcocks and Have I Got News For You.

See our free tickets page to be in the studio audience for the recording.

Published: 5 Dec 2012