TV review by Steve Bennett

ITV’s aversion showing stand-up in its natural state has led to some awkward telly moments, from the car crash reality show Taking The Mic (remember that?) to the needlessly convoluted format of ITV2’s current Stand-Up Sketch Show.

But with Out There the broadcaster might have struck gold. The idea that the telly types brought to the table was to film comics not in clubs and in theatres, but on location in parks, cinemas or swimming pools.

Speed is of the essence, with few scenes lasting more than 30 seconds, giving Out There the highest gag rate on TV; so even if something doesn’t tickle your funny bone – and the show is, to use a dreaded phrase, hit-and-miss – it’s gone before you know it.

A few comics get slightly longer segments, such as Zoe Lyons confessing to a love to boxed wine or Tom Allen ranting in a deserted school. But naturally, the one-line merchants fare best: Glenn Moore, Mark Simmons and Darren Walsh steal much of the show with the triple act they’ve been shuffled into, while a Milton Jones gag is always a thing of delight. 

These comics often feature on those ‘best of the Fringe’ lists that appear annually – and Out There is a televisual equivalent of that. Strip away anything that might be considered too artistic – unusual viewpoints, compelling narratives, intriguing nuance – and just go for the gags. Even the settings are very literal. Kerry Godliman talking about a medical poster? Of course, that’s filmed in a waiting room.

But truth is, it works. Another parallel might be with the 1970s programme The Comedians, which gave the likes of Bernard Manning and Stan Boardman their breaks. That brand might now be tainted, but the show gave mainstream exposure for a whole generation of live comics.

Likewise this format, from Mock the Week co-creator Dan Patterson, gives a platform for some comics who aren’t on the usual panel show rosters – including the likes of  Huge Davies, Rosie Jones and Chris McCausland – sitting alongside a few more familiar names.

This was a one-off pilot for now, going out in a late Saturday night slot. But given most comics would have at least a few minutes that would work in this stripped-down context, there’s a big well to draw on  for a format that delivers maximum laughs to the viewer.

• Out There is now available to view on the ITV hub here.

Review date: 25 Feb 2019
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett