Jesting About to return

North East comedy legend Bob Mortimer spearheaded the Jesting About campaign in 2011.

Jesting About, the BBC’s comedy talent search, is to return in 2015, Giggle Beats can reveal.

BBC Newcastle is scouring the North East to find the best up-and-coming comedy talent, and plans to work with experienced performers and novices alike for the new campaign.

Stand-up, spoken word, sketch and musical comedy are especially welcomed.

The result of the talent trawl will be six 30-minute programmes, to be broadcast on BBC Newcastle in May and June this year. The show “aims to reflect the best comedy talent from the Tweed to the Wear.”

Jesting About began in 2012 and has partnered up with many of the region’s top comedy minds.

From the established – Bob Mortimer, Ross Noble, Gavin Webster, Mark Benton, Angela Lonsdale, John Scott and Laura Norton – to the then newcomers, many of whom have gone on to work across the comedy industry as writers and performers.

Jesting About success stories include: 

Victoria Cook – after taking part in Jesting About 2 scored herself a part in the BAFTA nominated Definitely Not Newsround for CBBC, has presented for both BBC Newcastle and BBC One Inside Out.

Ben Crompton – already a well-established actor (Pramface, Ideal, Game of Thrones, Kill List), Ben honed his comedy skills with Jesting About and is now a well-regarded comedian on the circuit.

Nitin Kundra – after Jesting About appeared as Indian Keith on ITV2 series Celebrity Juice and in the six part ITV comedy drama The Edge of Heaven.

Holly Burn – apart from her surreal comedy, Holly has appeared in Bad Bridesmaid (ITV2).

If you would like to be considered to take part, email Steve Drayton on [email protected]. Tell him a little about yourself, along with an audio or video clip if you have one. Successful participants will be asked to take part in a live recording at The Stand Comedy Club in Newcastle on the 12/13 April 2015.

Terms and conditions for entry are:

• BBC Newcastle are making six programmes that will be broadcast around 6pm.
• Material must be suitable for an audience who will be listening at that time.
• Material must be self-authored, performed without the aid of a script.
• Due to the restrictions of radio however, BBC Newcastle is unable to accommodate improvisation, comedy mime and/or dance.
• BBC Newcastle is unable to consider unsolicited material concerning other programme ideas, this scheme is solely for stand-up comedy.
• BBC Newcastle cannot guarantee that your performance will be broadcast.
• The BBC will retain the rights to use any recorded material in perpetuity on radio, TV and online.
• BBC Newcastle is unable to provide performers with individual recordings of their performances.
• You must be 18 or over.
• No payments will be made for the performances or subsequent use.