Union Jack station launches a showcase for stuck-at-home comedians

Union Jack Radio has launched a new show to showcase the work of comedians left out of work from the widespread cancellations of gigs.

#StandUpToCorona will feature a mix of classic comedy clips from the likes of Blackadder and Fawlty Towers  as well as stand-up from up-and-coming comedians across the country.

It will air three times a week – on Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights from 7pm – with confirmed guests so far including Jarred Christmas, and Mark Dolan, pictured.

Geoff Rowe, the Leicester Comedy Festival director who is also head of comedy at the digital radio station, said: ‘We want to shine a light on emerging talent in this trying time. Think of it as a mixed bill show featuring stand up - sketches - classic comedy - impressions - and more.’

The station has put out a call for comedians or their agents who want to get involved – and say they received a ‘phenomenal’ response to an initial request.

Programme manager Giles Gear told Chortle: ‘We really want to support the live comedy scene and it seems like the live comedy scene has responded incredibly positively. We all together want to make live a bit more  bearable for the next few weeks.’

Union Jack is looking for around ten minutes of material to broadcast, but say ‘while payment isn’t possible for every comic, the MC will heavily promote each act and make the audience very aware of where to find more. Depending on the format, some remuneration may be possible’ Email comedy@unionjack.co.uk.

Listen to Union Jack radio here.

Published: 18 Mar 2020