Sketchorama Explained

Show Name:Sketchorama
Format:Comedy
Runtime:25 minutes
Country:United Kingdom
Language:English
Home Station:BBC Radio 4
Starring:Humphrey Ker (Series 1)
Thom Tuck (Series 2 - 3)
Isy Suttie (Series 4)
Creator:Gus Beattie
Producer:Gus Beattie
The Comedy Unit
First Aired:June 2012
Last Aired:August 2015
Num Series:4
Num Episodes:16
Audio Format:Stereophonic sound
Website:At BBC Radio 4

Sketchorama was a radio show created by The Comedy Unit for BBC Radio 4. It featured a rotating cast of comedic sketch groups who performed in front of a live audience. The groups were introduced by a host comedian on each series: Humphrey Ker, Thom Tuck or Isy Suttie. The shows final series was in August 2015.[1]

Episodes

Specials

Production

Producer Gus Beattie began the show after noticing there weren’t many shows showcasing sketch talent.[6] Beattie chose which sketch groups performed on the show and found many of the groups at the Edinburgh Festival and online. The chosen groups gather at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art to perform before a live audience.

Reception

The British Comedy Guide described it as "a format for Radio 4 which offers the same popular showcase dynamic as stand-up shows, but purely for comedy sketch groups. Sketchorama aimed to bring hidden gems and established live acts to the airwaves offering a truly distinctive and ambitious show."[7]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Sketchorama Series 4, Episode 4 . British Comedy Guide . British Comedy Guide . 14 July 2023 . bcgS4E4.
  2. Web site: Sketchorama Series 1 . BBC Radio 4 . British Broadcasting Corporation . 14 July 2023 . series1.
  3. Web site: Sketchorama Series 2 . BBC Radio 4 . British Broadcasting Corporation . 14 July 2023 . series2.
  4. Web site: Sketchorama Series 3 . BBC Radio 4 . British Broadcasting Corporation . 14 July 2023 . series3.
  5. Web site: Sketchorama Series 4 . BBC Radio 4 . British Broadcasting Corporation . 14 July 2023 . series4.
  6. Web site: Sketch groups for Radio 4's Sketchorama Series 3 revealed - News. Comedy.co.uk. 29 April 2014.
  7. Web site: Sketchorama - Radio 4 Sketch Show. Comedy.co.uk. 29 November 2021.