Press Releases & Press Packs

08.08.03

ABOUT THE BBC TALENT

BBC Comedy goes up north

BBC Comedy is expanding out of its London base and building on its long history of developing Northern talent by launching a Comedy Development Unit based at BBC Manchester.

The unit, set up and overseen by Kenton Allen, BBC Editor of Comedy, will have a specific brief to find and develop the next generation of comedy stars from the North of England.

Kenton says: "Over the last ten years the North West has produced a huge number of iconic comedy writers and performers - Peter Kaye, Johnny Vegas, Steve Coogan, Caroline Aherne, John Thompson, Craig Cash, Victoria Wood, Henry Normal - the list is endless.

"It's crucial that the BBC is actively seeking out the stars of the future and providing the next generation with the opportunities they deserve.

"The BBC is the only broadcaster with the commitment and expertise in comedy to make the most of what the North has to offer.

"This grass roots approach is the ideal way to find a rich and diverse mix of new performers."

BBC Manchester Comedy Producer Jon Mountague will head up the development team which will also comprise a talent scout funded by BBC Talent who will work closely with artists and agents to identify up-and-coming stars.

BBC Manchester Comedy will formally launch later this year with an evening entitled How To Write A Sitcom where leading writers and performers will be on hand to pass on their experiences followed by an audience Q&A and the chance to meet the BBC team.

Kenton Allen became Editor of Comedy at the BBC in February 2003 and reports into Sophie Clarke-Jervoise, BBC Head of Comedy.

From 1995 - 1999 he was based in Manchester during which time he developed and produced a range of hit comedies including The Mrs Merton Show and the BAFTA award winning The Royle Family for BBC ONE.

Freeview offers the BBC's eight television channels, interactive services from BBCi, as well as 11 BBC radio networks.

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