Sitcom Geeks

Writer John Vorhaus has been teaching us how to do comedy for decades - his 1994 Comic Toolbox is one of the oldest and best guides for sitcom writers and this episode is PACKED with profound knowledge and glittering jewels of advice.

You can find a million books, blogs and vids about how to make that first draft sparkle - but hardly a word about the next step. This episode James and Dave fill the chasm and offer tips on how to turn your possibly-not-yet-perfect work into something special.

James and Dave explain what's needed in the final steps before you write the first draft of your script. Plus comedy news - the backlash against the government's Channel 4 sell-off and Life Of Brian - The Musical.

Last year David Tyler of Pozzitive Productions asked for your radio sitcom scripts. 600 competition entries later he joins Dave and James, armed with masses of encouraging help and advice - and hopefully some positive news for the winners.

If you thought the Bible was a proper serious tome, prepare to have your viewpoint challenged by James's new book The Gospel According To A Sitcom Writer. Also in this episode, Dave explains why there has never been a better time to think about writing for Children's TV.

Dave talks about his debut novel Stand Up, Barry Goldman ("funny and fascinating, a lovely tale" Jo Brand) out on 8 June, and he and James discuss sitcom story arcs - who needs 'em?

Sketches are BACK! Charlie Dinkin and Ben Sutton talk about comedy quickies and Daddy's Super Yacht TV, a production company focused on making online and TV sketches. They're joined by Becca Bain and Alex Garrick-Wright, winners of Dave's Making A Scene Of It competition. Tons of inspiring information and advice about how to be short, sharp and silly.

Sitcom Geeks/BCG Pro Script Challenge winner Peter C Hayward took our advice, went out there and made a pilot of his radio sitcom. Yes, it can be done! He tells Dave and James how he created the show during lockdown, and how with the help of Kickstarter he's planning to make the whole series. Ever wondered what happened to the co-creator of Phoebe's Smelly Cats? Peter has the answer. Listen to Night Crew here: https://www.nightcrewpodcast.com/

As viewing habits change, we have to find new ways to hook our viewers. Dave and James talk about big entrances, life changing starts, tough choices and when you should have sex on a bus. Plus why it's vital you should 'go' to Edinburgh this summer.

What will the comedy writing landscape look like as we come out of covid? James and Dave are surprisingly upbeat about the future for comedy writing despite the demise of BBC Four and the question marks hanging over the future of stand-up.