FESTIVAL OF FUNNY: BBC ANNOUNCE COMEDY SEASON

Beginning later in February and running through to mid-March, The Festival Of Funny will see an array of brand new comedy content across the BBC, as well as celebrating comedy classics and taking a look at some of the greatest icons in British comedy.

The Festival Of Funny includes 14 hours of brand new comedy content including four comedy pilots for BBC Radio 2, a comedy pilot for BBC Three and an all new live Stand Up series supporting new and upcoming talent.

Shane Allen, Director, BBC Comedy Commissioning, says: “We’re bringing together the very best of BBC comedy past, present and future in a dedicated festival of funny to do comedy’s job of bringing sunshine and laughter when we need it the most.

"Comedians have been starved of both stages and live audiences; it’s important that we continue to back the stars of today and tomorrow as well as honour the beloved legends and shows that the BBC has always led the way with. Alongside the crucial support provided by Bitesize and Headroom, the Festival of Funny is another vital BBC offering to celebrate the world renowned British sense of humour.”

An exciting new live Stand Up series is coming to BBC Two and will air over five consecutive nights from a Covid-safe London location. The diverse line-up will see established comedians joined by new and emerging talent from all across the country.

Off the back of a hugely difficult year for stand-up, the series will support comedians in getting back to work and also provide a platform for emerging comedy talents who have not been able to follow their usual path of showcasing their work over the last twelve months.

Already confirmed for the new series includes Jason Manford, Jo Brand, Darren Harriott, Dane Baptiste, Joanne McNally, Rachel Fairburn and Chris McCausland.