Radio 4 show for comic Tom Mayhew

Radio 4 has ordered a four-part series from comedian Tom Mayhew.

The series will be based on his 2019 Edinburgh show I, Tom Mayhew, about his experiences of signing-on, being working class, and struggling to find work after the 2010 recession. 

‘Having spent much of my teenage years listening to the station, it is a dream come true to have my own show on Radio 4,’ says Mayhew, who has found himself back on Universal Credit due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

‘I doubt many people have gone directly from signing on to having a BBC radio series, but what can I say? The DWP [Department of Work and Pensions] have really stepped up their game this year!’

Mayhew previously made it the semi-finals of the BBC New Comedy Awards in 2018, and has written for The News Quiz and NewsJack.

The series will be produced by BBC Studios. 

Executive producer Victoria Lloyd said: ‘I think Tom’s show has become even more important.

‘There’s a lot of stigma attached to people on benefits, but recent times has shown us that almost everyone is a few bad weeks away from being in dire need of assistance.

‘Tom show navigates these dark themes with humour and heart, and we’re delighted to bring the show to Radio 4."

The show is scheduled for broadcast in spring 2021.

Published: 9 Sep 2020