Developing ideas for C4 and S4C

Six comedy writer-performers have been selected for Comedy Lab Cymru, a development scheme run jointly by S4C, Channel 4 and production company Little Wander.

Now in its third year, the programme is aimed at emerging Welsh and Wales-based talent. 

The selected artists will develop comedy pieces to be shown to commissioners from both channels at the Aberystwyth Comedy Festival in 2026 and the Machynlleth Comedy Festival in 2027, with a view to turning the work into television projects.

Three of the six will work predominantly in Welsh, with their work showcased to S4C, while the remaining three will work mainly in English for Channel 4. All participants have the option to work in both languages during the scheme.

The programme offers paid development time, one-to-one mentorship, and industry masterclasses.

Past participants have spoken warmly about the scheme. Mel Owen, who took part in 2025, said it gave her 'structured mentorship' and 'the floor to ask questions I've felt too silly to raise in the past.' 

Fellow 2025 participant Cerys Bradley said the experience had been invaluable, adding: 'I'm really glad I've made those connections, which I hope will last beyond the programme.’

The 2026 participants are, for the English side: 

Sanjyokta 'Yukta' Deshmukh is a Welsh-Asian Writer and comedian hailing from Pembrokeshire. She completed a Masters researching TV comedies at The University of Cambridge, and has since worked for BAFTA, the BBC, and others. She said: ‘ Channel 4 Comedy have brought me so much joy and inspiration over the years. I hope to bring a lot of laughter and sarcasm to the table (although this quote is very sincere).

 Cameron Loxdale. a comedy writer and script editor from Swansea who has written for many shows across TV and radio including two series of Kat Sadler's Screen Time on BBC Radio 4. He is the script editor for Such Brave Girls and BBC Radio Wales panel show What Just Happened?. He’ said: ‘Delighted to let the scientists in the Comedy Lab do whatever experiments they want on my mind and body. Together we will find a cure for comedy.

Bilingual comedian and writer, Katie Gill has been tour support for   Kiri Pritchard-McLean and Rachel Fairburn in 2024. She was shortlisted for BBC New Comedy Awards 2025, and also writes on  What Just Happened? for BBC Radio Wales. Gill features in series two of BBC Radio Wales’ show, The Learners, and had her TV debut on Welsh show, Noson Lawen in 2025. ‘Genuinely can’t wait to get started, and then palpitate my way to a showcase in 2027,’ she said. ‘And I get a wonderful mentor to be my hype guy. I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of this.’

And for the Welsh language side :

Josh Pennar is a bilingual comedian and writer from Cardiff. He jokes that he started running out of stand-up material until he became a father in the summer of 2025. He now plans to share the naïve views of a sleep-deprived dad on new-parenthood in his first stand-up hour and a series of short-form scripts. He said: ‘I'm really looking forward to developing my writing and performing skills before showcasing them at the two loveliest comedy festivals in the world, Aberystwyth and Machynlleth.’

Aled Gomer is an ‘acclaimed traditional gay of Welsh descent, with an abundance of teeth’. He said: ‘I can’t wait to share my wickedly naughty stories with ya’ll.’

Steffan Evans from Eglwyswrw, Pembrokeshire, is a stand-up who talks about moving from being an outsider in a small village top being an outsider in a big city. He has been tour support for Elis James and Leroy Brito.

Published: 21 Apr 2026