Late Night Mash host fronts new topical Radio 4 pilot

Rachel Parris is to return to spoof news – four months after Late Night Mash was axed.

The comedian is piloting a show for Radio 4 called The Newsmakers, in which she comments on the week’s top stories, then talks to those at the centre of them, from journalists and MPs to ‘yacht-attacking orcas’.

All her guests are fictional and will be played by comedians including Rosie Holt – who has made a name for herself online playing a fake Tory MP – Michael Spicer, known for The Room Next Door satires.

Also taking part in the pilot episode, which will be recorded in London later this month, are Bilal Zafar, Emily Lloyd Saini and Sam Pamphilon.

Parris hosted the last series of Late Night Mash for Dave in the autumn, having previously been a regular contributor when it was hosted by Nish Kumar. The show started life on BBC Two in 2017 under the title The Mash Report.

She is also a  Radio 4 act, with regular appearances on the likes of  I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue, Just A Minute and The Now Show.

The Newsmakers pilot  will be recorded on July 27 at The Cockpit Theatre with free tickets available via SRO Audiences.

Published: 3 Jul 2023