Gigs to be recorded next week

More names have been revealed for BBC Two’s new stand-up showcase.

Announced as part of the Corporation’s Festival of Funny last week, Funny Festival Live will be taped from a Covid-safe London location next week.

Joining the line-up are Sara Pascoe,  Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Judi Love, Zoe Lyons, Catherine Bohart and Nabil Abdulrashid.

They will appear alongside the previously announced  Jason Manford, Jo Brand, Darren Harriott, Dane Baptiste, Joanne McNally, Chris McCausland and Rachel Fairburn.

The shows will air over five consecutive nights with each episode featuring a headliner and three three up-and-coming acts promising ‘cutting edge material’.

Lindsay Jex, the series producer for Phil McIntyre Television,  said: 'It has been a dire year for the entertainment industry and stand-up comedians in particular have suffered, so it’s great to be working with the BBC again to be able to get comics back on stage and in front of a live audience.

'We’ve worked hard to create a bio-secure bubble where comics can perform in front of production staff, plus a virtual audience tuning in from home. The line-ups include a diverse mix of household names and new emerging talent which promises to be a real treat for viewers looking for a bit of a laugh.'

The shows will be recorded in front of a virtual audience over Zoom. To apply for a free ticket, visit the BBC website.

Published: 24 Feb 2021