Jesting About With The BBC

Bob Mortimer

Upon visiting the Live Theatre on Newcastle’s quayside for the launch of the BBC’s Jesting About scheme on Monday afternoon, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect.

Project leader Mario Dubois  began the launch by explaining that the BBC are on the hunt for new comedy writers, directors and performers to express their ideas and hopefully, through the Jesting About scheme, help and backing can be provided to make them reality. Entries can include a simple homemade clip to be included on their website, scripts, or even just rough ideas for a sitcom, and a promise was made by Dubois that everything would be looked at, considered, and everyone would receive a response to their pitch – even if it was just a no.

Comedy legend Bob Mortimer was one of a few comedians in attendance at the Jesting About launch, and expressed what he perceives to be the next big sitcom scenario, arguing that there is a gap in the market for a historical or sci-fi sitcom following the triumphs of Red Dwarf and Blackadder. Radio Newcastle’s Alfie Joey, a star on the BBC’s Ideal show, was also keen on finding new sketch show material that could of use for his Radio Newcastle slot. Joey offered his help to students who approached him with fresh, innovative ideas, and enthusiastically backs the BBC’s new scheme.

The launch this afternoon at the Live Theatre proved to be a huge success, and hopefully Jesting About will provide young writers with a suitable outlet to further explore and express their own ideas. If you’re a budding writer, director or comic actor then I’d advise you to head to the BBC comedy website (www.bbc.co.uk/comedy), and search for the Jesting About section, which will go live today. If executed correctly, Jesting About could prove to be a great thing for North East comedy.