With S4C and producers Little Wander

A new artist development scheme is being launched to nurture new Welsh or Welsh-based comedy talent

Selected writers and performers will be paired with mentors to work on comedy pieces to be showcased to Channel 4 and S4C commissioners at the Machynlleth and Aberystwyth Comedy Festivals in 2024.

The programme, run by the broadcasters and production company Little Wander, will provide artists with paid development time, professional mentorship, industry masterclasses and opportunities to broaden their knowledge and experience of the comedy industry.

The artists will be able to develop any work broadly within the narrative comedy genre - creating new material and characters which could form the basis for full narrative TV series with the two broadcasters. S4C will also consider applications from those who wish to develop other forms of comedy performance.

Six participants will be selected for the programme, with at least half working in the Welsh language. The broadcasters expected that the selected artists will be at various stages in their careers.

Charlie Perkins, Channel 4's head of comedy, said: 'Channel 4 Comedy reflects the UK back at itself in a contemporary way so supporting the live comedy industry is key to the success of that.

'Having been to the Machynlleth and Aberystwyth Comedy Festivals across the last 12 years I’ve seen incredible Welsh comedy talent nurtured, supported, and thriving - more so now than ever. We’re grateful to S4C for their creative partnership and can’t wait to see what the mighty Little Wander develop.'

Guto Rhun from Welsh language broadcaster S4C added that the programme 'will ensure that we can back new talent, nurture their ideas and give them the chance to shine on a prominent platform within the industry.'

And Little Wander's Henry Widdicombe added: 'We're thrilled to be working with two major broadcasters to further shine a light on the burgeoning comedy talent coming out of Wales right now. This is such a great opportunity for Welsh and Wales-based talent and we can't wait to work with the successful applicants."

Applications can be from individuals, duos or groups (applications from companies will not be considered). . More details about how to apply are here.

Published: 9 Dec 2023