Sitcom Geeks: Recent Episodes
Comedy.co.uk
A podcast series for those interested in the mechanics of situation comedy. James Cary and Dave Cohen discuss the art of sitcom writing for TV and Radio.
In this episode Dave and James weave together all the strands of the previous 221 to bring the podcast narrative to a pulsating climax... no they don't, this is sitcom where stories never end and people never grow. They talk instead about the best and worst sitcom endings of all time - and offer their final thoughts about how to approach this noble urge to create and complete your fabulous sitcom.
Looking back to when we began, back when people used to say "what's a podcast?". What has changed since 2015, and what's stayed the same? Dave and James look at the lessons learned (and mistakes repeated), featuring special guests our fabulous patrons.
Dave talks to writers Dana Fainaru and Hamish Wright about their brilliant new comedy Significant Other, out now on ITVX. Plus writing for long running shows, building scenes and a refusal to get bogged down in the misery of supporting Leeds United.
Dave and James discuss how to plan your next year of writing with purpose and intention - plus some surprising news about their own plans.
Bravo BCG Pro! Dave and James debrief on the hugely successful Big Comedy Conference, concentrating on the commissioners and producers who offered a rare mix of realism and hope. Plus a nod to the simple pleasures of meeting actual Geekers in real life for the first time.
Dave and James talk to Britain's hottest comedy drama writing star Neil Forsyth about his latest hit show The Gold, the new series of brilliant comic drama Guilt, Samuel Beckett, Eric and Ernie - and his early start at the world's most famous comedy school, Bash Street.
Bleak Expectations was an instant Radio 4 comedy hit and is now headed for the London stage... a mere 16 years later. Creator and writer Mark Evans talks Dave and James through the ups, downs, sideways, hope-crushing disappointments and finally triumphant arrival of the show to the West End.
There are quick wins to be had on your comedy writing career journey. And there'll be plenty of help with these at our upcoming weekend of Comedy Conferences. But as Dave and James explain, if you want a long lasting career you need ideas, purpose and a desire to help others.
Ooh listen - a podcast about why you should be thinking about making a podcast! No really, tonnes of useful advice about kickstarting your comedy career by writing for audio, listening to BBC Sounds and getting to know radio producers.
Writer, performer and founder of Female Pilot Club, Abigail Burdess, talks to Dave and James about the joy of getting your scripts in front of a crowd. Plus all the spooky news about her darkly comic debut novel Mother's Day - and why plotting books is not unlike stitching together your sitcom.
It's a long time since Dave and James took a deep delve into the heart of storytelling. Find out why a flat tyre is not a plot. An inspector calls? Not a plot. What about when James blew eleven quid on an ill-fitting pair of designer trousers? Now we're getting somewhere. Our Geeky pair explain how to make stuff happen in your show.
Dave and James talk to writer, performer, stand-up and Buffering co-creator Steve Bugeja about driving with a murderer in your passenger seat, working with the most famous voice in the country... And what's left for Steve now he's achieved his life's ambition of appearing on his favourite podcast.
Exciting news from the BBC: they're signing up 10 comedy writers, producers and directors to spend a year learning how to turn your ideas into actual programmes. Dave and James offer guidance for how to enter and tips to make your blurb stand out. And bring you up to date with the latest news from the BCG Pro comedy writers' conference. Be there or... no, no excuses, be there.BBC Bursary: https://www.bbc.co.uk/commissioning/comedy/comedy-collective-bursary/Big Comedy Conference: https://www.comedy.co.uk/pro/conference/Build A Script - from "I've got an idea" to "I've written a first draft" in 8 weeks - free copy here: https://www.davecohen.org.uk/14 Problems with your pilot https://jamescary.samcart.com/products/14-problems-pdf-webinarDave and Dan's topical course: https://www.comedy.co.uk/pro/inside_track/return-of-topical-comedy-shows/
What do you want to achieve this year? Still chasing the dream? Is it even the same dream that you think you want? There are still plenty of ways to succeed, as James says "as long as people like laughing and they like watching television".
Christmas and Sitcom. Two words that go together like turkey and stuffing. There are more than 300 Christmas sitcom specials and in this episode Dave and James unwrap their favourites with Pozzitive radio producer David Tyler and the actor Laura Aikman, who has appeared in a few great Christmas episodes herself (including Gavin & Stacey). What makes a great Christmas special? And why do we love them so much?
Ever get one of those days where it's just not happening? Days that turn into weeks... Dave and James confront the bane of the new writer's life, offer ways and means of pushing through it, and dare to suggest that it might not be a thing at all.
Part 2 of our wide-ranging chat with top comedy drama writer Lisa Holdsworth (Call The Midwife, New Tricks, All Creatures Great And Small) with advice to new writers, the joys and perils of show running and the importance of the Writers' Guild, which she currently chairs.
Dave and James talk to the brilliant comedy drama writer Lisa Holdsworth. What is comedy drama? If anyone knows Lisa does, she's written loads of them - New Tricks, Call The Midwife, All Creatures Great And Small. Tonnes of great advice if you're planning to enter the BBC Writersroom call for Comedy Drama Scripts.
Join James for this exclusive interview with Dave Cohen, whose new improved second edition of the indispensable Complete Comedy Writer is published on 21st November. Hear what happens when James throws random sitcom writing questions across the table to his co-host. Our first non-Zoom show for two years.
Fascinating chat with Scott Dikkers, legendary creator of The Onion. His is a great story of how someone with no connections to the comedy world can break in and create their own niche. This episode is packed with helpful insights from his excellent How To Write Funny trilogy of comedy writing books.
Producers, commissioners, script readers - everyone tells you what they want more than anything from a script is to hear "your authentic voice". What do they mean by that? The answer is different for everyone. Dave and James offer tips to help bring you closer to finding yours. Yes that means you! And you. Every single one of you.
Dave and James talk two-minute-movies with the queen of sketchwriting Gemma Arrowsmith, best known for her work with Tracey Ullman and whose new Radio 4 series begins next week. Gemma knows everything about how to write comedy sketches and she wants to share her knowledge with YOU.
James and Dave are joined by a gang of Geekers to celebrate the first 200 episodes. A deep but fun discussion about credits, com dram and commissioners. Where things were when we began in 2015, where they are now and where they're going for comedy writers.
Dave's been in Edinburgh to see the first full on Fringe since 2019. What's changed? What hasn't? And what's all the fuss about Jerry Sadowitz?
The simple answer is "it's what BBC Writersroom are looking for this November." Dave and James return to this tricky question to help you work out your best strategy for entering the competition - with extra helpful advice from top writers who excel at the form.Submissions open Wednesday 9 November and close Wednesday 7 December 2022. Details here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/opportunities/send-a-script/Sign up for Dave's fortnight of free emails (15-26 August) "What Is Comedy Drama?" davec@bindman.net
Dave and James welcome back the kings of DIY moviemaking Danny Stack and Tim Clague. Fresh from their triumphant week at the Cannes Film Festival, the UK Scriptwriters team talk about making your own shows, selling them abroad, and how to make a name for yourself even if you don't know anyone in the business.
Commissioners say they love them, they remain hugely popular, nobody's writing them. Surely the answer is obviously yes yes yes! Dave and James think so but be aware of the high risks - and you'll need to think creatively about pitching the idea.
In Part 2 of the interview, Ashley Pharoah, co-creator of Life On Mars, explains the eight years of development that preceded the hit drama, and how it literally involved bags of money. And entertains us with tales of his other top-rated shows and, ah, Bonekickers.
There most certainly was for Ashley Pharoah, who went on to co-create of Life On Mars, one of the best comic drama series of the last 20 years. In Part 1, he talks about breaking into the industry through writing for soaps and making his own stuff, including Where The Heart Is and Around The World In Eighty Days.
Writing topical jokes for radio is one of the fastest ways to build your credits and get to know producers. With The Skewer winning bucketloads of awards, Scotland's Breaking The News and now a new Radio 4 Extra show DMs Are Open, there's never been a better time to write topical comedy. Learn the secrets of successful gag writing from Dave and James, and regular topical writers Dan Sweryt and Eleanor Hayward.
Dave and James talk about... talking. How do you bring your comic conversations to life? What gets left out? How do you make it funny? And find out which hugely famous TV writer calls dialogue "the least important part of my job".
Creator of the great comedy monster Martin Fishback, Fergus Craig talks about his early love for Mr Bean, the Edinburgh hit double act of Fergus & Colin, and tries to persuade James that Reeves and Mortimer are the business.
Watch the Martin Fishback pilot on iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0014bxd/martin-fishback
"Build A Sitcom" begins Friday 6 May. Email funnyup02@gmail.com
Stand Up, Barry Goldman is now available to download.
Sign up for the Situation Room Newsletter for more info on Kickstart Your Sitcom on 30th May: https://prodigious-trailblazer-4053.ck.page/b2bdfd5a77
Dave and James talk to Hat Trick boss Jimmy Mulville about his decades of phenomenal comedy success, developing new writing talent and why you should never send him a substandard script.
Part 2 of the advice-packed interview from Daniel Peak, one of our most successful sitcom creators. Code 404, Not Going Out - and he's not afraid to talk about the ones that got away. This week, Daniel heroically relives Big Top, an episode or six of what happens when a sitcom fails to please the Lords of TV Criticism.
...announced in this week's bonus episode. Dave and James discuss what made it onto the shortlist, how the quality of scripts has improved in recent years and why the future of narrative sitcom is hopefully assured. (And congratulations to Lloyd Glanville for the winning script Unsustainable). For show notes see https://www.comedy.co.uk/podcasts/sitcom_geeks/episode_188/
Part 1 of our deeply insightful natter with brilliant sitcom writer Danny Peak, regular writer on Not Going Out and creator of one of Sky's most popular comedies, Code 404.
James and Dave have read your Hat Trick Script Competition Scripts and here are the headlines: 1. It really is hard. 2. Thanks so much for sending them in. Oh and a few thoughts about mockumentaries, sociopaths and the language of sitcom scripts.
Currently one of our most successful comedy writers, Georgia Pritchett talks to Dave and James about the long road to success, working virtually in LA and making Armando laugh.
Dave reports back from his first two years of trying to become a novelist, and details the ups and downs of starting a new writing career. Warning: includes ignorance about the industry, misplaced arrogance and emotional attachment to worn out old ideas.
Work deep, build habits. Dave and James return from the break with great ideas to improve your writing productivity and increase fun. Plus a great new topical opportunity for 2022.
Make 2022 The Year Of The Comedy Writer. James and Dave offer a great guide for ensuring that next year is your best for writing yet. Includes hopes and goals, brutal frankness and the number one key to comedy writing success.
Still time to polish that Hat Trick sitcom script to perfection. In this episode we answer your last-minute queries. What's a self-contained episode? How do we introduce characters? How much rewriting should we do? How can we be sure you won't steal your ideas? (SPOILER: we won't)
The Hat Trick Sitcom Script competition window is now open. Brrr! You've got five weeks to bash that script into shape. Everyone talks about the first ten pages but how do you write the end? James and Dave explain why "it's not about the pumpkins."
Good news - TV's top comedy commissioners want the same as we do for our Hat Trick Sitcom Script Competition. Dave and James discuss Broadcast magazine's Commissioners Panel meet in which Channel 4, Sky and UKTV are all asking for broad, multi-generational, family-like sitcoms by new writers, and not a narrative arc in sight. Plus details of when to send us your scripts. And how to make the leap from episode outline to first draft. James's Sitcom Supercharged online course is here https://jamescary.samcart.com/products/sitcom-supercharged Also: if you want to sign up for Dave's free email series Make 2022 The Year Of Your Comedy Career write to funnyup02@gmail.com
You've got two months to write your script for our Hat Trick Sitcom Contest. In this episode Dave and James talk about the pros and cons of setting your sitcom at work, home, in outer space or the land of the fairies. Find out which settings are most likely to work for this particular competition.
Exciting news - today Sitcom Geeks launch our Sitcom Script Competition in association with the mighty Hat Trick and BCG Pro - with £1000 for the winning script. What we're looking for, what we're not looking for, why it's free to enter and what to do next, all discussed in breathless excited detail by James and Dave. Competition website: www.comedy.co.uk/hattrick
Stuart Goldsmith is a great stand-up and host of the superb long-running podcast examining what makes people funny. Great advice for freeing yourself up, going to Edinburgh "every show this year was a work in progress". And a searingly honest examination of his own favourite question "why aren't I more successful?".
Dave and James go deep into smelling the flowers, keeping perspective and learning to love Bill Gates - all of which can help you to become better comedy writers. Also exciting news about the autumn's topical shows The Skewer and Breaking The News.
Top comedy writing teachers Chris Head and Kay Stonham join Dave and James with great tips for how to develop your career. A big shout out for the solo comedy writers in this age of the comedy-performer, understanding there's room for everyone - plus The Joy Of Sketch, and the excellent 'Big hat little hat' theory of comedy writing.
You've created a great character - congratulations! Now all you need to do is create another, and another, and build your stories around them. This episode Dave and James delve deep into creating relationships between characters.
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.
Writer, producer and acclaimed comic novelist Lissa Evans tells us what it was like directing and producing Father Ted - and what makes a funny script.
James and Dave discuss the importance, if you want to get on in comedy, of having A Plan. Plus we announce the winner of Dave's Making A Scene Of It competition.
Dave announces the shortlist for the Making A Scene Of It competition, James reports back from his sitcom webinar about character - plus some surprising conclusions are drawn from the great Tuesdays Are Funny experience.
Top stand-up and BGT winner Lee Ridley aka Lost Voice Guy shares his amazing story of comedy success, the influence of heroes The League Of Gentlemen and Lee Evans, the new series of Ability on Radio 4 and his hilarious book I'm Only In It For The Parking, out in paperback on 11 March.
In today's episode James explores creating new characters using Jessica the fictional celebrity chef. And Dave launches #TuesdaysAreFunny the weekly 8:30pm Twitter Sitcom Geekery Watchalong.
Welcome to a new year of comedy writing, as Dave talks about writing topical comedy (hence the rejection and waste), James tries to enforce good habits for writers (other jolly news) and Dave launches If Only I Had The Time, his short book about trying to write when there's a pandemic going on.
Dave and James reveal their plans for next year, including the launch of The Situation Room, home for James's brilliant new online sitcom writing masterclass. Meanwhile Dave will be finding out again what it's like to be starting out as a new writer as he plans the spring publication of his first novel.
Dave and James look back on the closed down year - what is comedy drama, scene competitions and a little shard of light and love for our fellow comedy scriptwriters.
Recorded infuriatingly three days before the BIG BBC COMEDY ANNOUNCEMENT we had been trailing for the last three episodes - but still lots to report here about BBC changes.
Big changes at BBC Writersroom - they want your comedy drama scripts NOW. Plus part 2 of our fascinating chat with Victoria Wood biographer Jasper Rees. He reveals all about her hopes and successes, extraordinary confidence, and relationships with Julie Walters and the gang who stayed with her through years of fabulous shows.
Part one of our revealing interview with Jasper Rees, author of the brilliant Let's Do It Victoria Wood biography. 'Everyone thought they knew her but they were wrong, it was she who knew them.' The story of dinnerladies, and Victoria's advice to aspiring sitcom writers.
Ahead of the deadline for Dave's scene writing competition the Geeks discuss how you can learn from the greats: specifically Richard Curtis, Ben Elton and Blackadder The Third. Plus a surprisingly upbeat prognosis about the future of comedy writing (spoiler alert: plenty of positives but it's still bloody hard to breakthrough).
Dave and James discuss Dave's new BCG Pro scene-writing competition and what we might learn from Blackadder, plus news about news - topical comedy's moment. And bonus sitcom writing advice from James's 'Writing That Sitcom' book.
Dave and James celebrate the big 150 chatting to the great writing pair who brought you Drop The Dead Donkey, Outnumbered, Kate & Koji and tonnes more. Great stories of rejection (how many pilots turned down by the BBC since Outnumbered?), acceptance (yes sometimes that happens too), and some novel advice from Andy about how to sit.
Self-Publishing guru Joanna Penn explains why the future of comedy lies in doing it yourself. Why we must write what we love, embrace AI and produce our own audio. A must listen if you're keen to make a career of comedy writing.
Dave and James with news of an exciting new competition, plus keeping your plots clear and what to do when your main character isn't funny (clue is in the title).
Dave and James talk to the stand-up star and top writer about her brilliant radio monologues Little Lifetimes, the Edinburgh Festival that wasn't, her fondly-recalled Channel 4 sitcom with Henry Normal and Frank Skinner - and exactly how close she came to becoming the new host of Bake Off.
Part 2 of our fascinating interview with the creator, writer and star of Channel 4's hit series Home about how the show came about and how they found their star. Plus BAFTA Rocliffe script tips, Comedy Crowd comes clean and life without Edinburgh.
The writer and star of Channel 4's hit TV series Home talks to James and Dave about the journey, via the distinctly-named Dutch Elm Conservatoire sketch group, a dramatic role in White Teeth and... financial journalism?
James and Dave update on sitcom news (including jingle), then a fascinating insight into how The Office came about from producer Anil Gupta, and more tales of TV mayhem from Anil and Richard Pinto, the writer-producer team that gave you Goodness Gracious Me, Citizen Khan and more.
A great interview with the writer-producer team behind Goodness Gracious Me, Citizen Khan, The Kumars and more - and we haven't even got to The Office yet.
Dave and James catch up with the latest comedy news - is there a future for Channel 4, why writing a new sitcom is like coming out of lockdown, and how we need to approach writing race in comedy.
Dave and James talk to inspirational DIY moviemakers Danny Stack and Tim Clague about seizing the initiative and producing your own media - plus some delightfully optimistic predictions for how coming out of lockdown may be most helpful for writers who are starting out.
Last minute tips for ensuring you send your best work to the BBC Galton & Simpson bursary competition, news of more contests and fabulous prizes (Prizes!), and learn from the best as Dave and James dissect Pixar's comedy rules 12-22.
Dave and James talk to multi-talented writer-producer-director-editor Justin Sbresni (The Worst Week Of My Life, The Robinsons) about the new lockdown sitcom Housebound and plenty more besides, including hot tips on the best new comic actors and great advice on creating visual comedy.
Pixar are the most successful movie makers of the last 50 years. This week Dave and James examine the first 11 of their 22 rules of storytelling, judging how they might apply to the current series of Friday Night Dinner.
Dave and James chat with Australian writer Peter C Hayward, writer of Night Crew, the winner of our first BCG Pro/Sitcom Geeks Sitcom Script Challenge. Featuring giant toasters, Finnemore fandom, and a bee plot. You can read the first 10 pages of Night Crew via Dropbox: https://bit.ly/NightCrewScript
Dave and James talk to John O'Farrell and Brenda Gilhooly at the Chortle Book Festival about all things writing, including coming up with the right idea at the right time.
With the BBC comedy writing window all set to open on 16th March, Dave and James find out from Writersroom Comedy overseers Simon Nelson and Amanda Farley how to dazzle them with your comedy entries. They're joined by one of last year's winners and current Felix Dexter Bursary writer, Athena Kugblenu.
James and Dave answer your sitcom script-based questions about turning your idea into a sitcom, making sure your idea hasn't been done (it has), what makes a studio sitcom script, resolving plots, series arcs, budgets and how much writers actually get paid. Plus exciting news about the upcoming BCG comedy writers' conference.
Dave and James dig deep into the 15 scripts on the longlist of the BCG Pro Sitcom Geeks Script Challenge and explain what works, and how you can all move your scripts forward.
James and Dave talk more about the scripts from the BCG Pro competition, with some more thoughts on getting the story going, how story is character (saving you a fortune in Robert McKeen seminars) and when talking under your breath is funny, and when it isn't.
While you were eating and sleeping your way through the holidays Dave and James were reading your script entries to the BCG Pro Sitcom Geeks Script Challenge - all 65 of them. Ahead of announcing the final shortlist they discuss what they've learned. Essential listening if you want to enter this year's BBC Writersroom Script Competition.
'My act is like putting a cartoon in someone's head.' Dave and James enjoy a fascinating session in the company of one of the country's top comedians, ahead of his biggest live tour in years.
Four comedy writers walk into a bar. Ahead of the comedy writers' Christmas Party, Dave chats with NFTS comedy graduate Sara Gibbs, improv superstar Pippa Evans and writing legend Paul Bassett Davies about women in writing rooms, the changing definitions of sitcom, Stephen King and Dolly Parton. Summing up: Yes it's still tough, but the opportunities are still there.
This episode Dave and James ask what's the difference between character and characters, story and stories, stand-up and acting? (Spoiler - it's not 8 quid). Also not to be missed - James's theory that all sitcoms are like biscuits. Nice.
Dave and James revisit the dos and don'ts of plotting, adding sparkle to your stories, with added jeopardy for comedy drama fans.
Here's plenty of valuable last-minute tips from James and Dave before you send your script out to a producer or competition. And don't worry if you miss the Sitcom Geeks Script Competition deadline - the next BBC Writersroom deadline is closer than you think.
With the November 17 deadline approaching for the Sitcom Script Challenge, Dave and James talk about extracting maximum mileage from your characters. Spoiler alert: they don't have to be likeable.
It's half of our name but we don't talk often enough about the situation. Dave and James talk to producer David Tyler (Cabin Pressure, Dinnerladies, Milton Jones and loads more) about what makes a good sit, plus James's chapter on this from Writing That Sitcom.
Dave and James look at the recent Emmy successes for British shows Fleabag and Succession, and talk about what makes a successful career, and why overnight success can be years in the making.
James talks to Cole Moreton, multi-tasking multi-talented writer/author/journalist about books, the Krays, and writing tips from Jeffrey Archer. Dave chimes in helpfully with a list of rock stars called Colin.
Back to school as Dave and James update the complete guide for writing the best sitcom script. Plus news of an exciting new competition for all aspiring sitcom writers.
James wrote a script, Dave read eight novels thanks to not having WiFi and now they're ready to guide you through the start of a new term and a new season of comedy writing.
"The show is the cheap and easy bit, the accommodation is the nightmare" - Dave and James discuss the true cost of Edinburgh; plus selling yourself, revisiting what type of writer you are, and in praise of Gary Delaney the Human Joke Machine.
With the Edinburgh Fringe about to start, could this be the festival where the rest of you discover Anna Nicholson, whose Woman Of The Year show won best comedy at the recent Adelaide Festival. James talks to Anna about the leap required from festival regular to solo performer. Includes a love letter to the great live topical show NewsRevue, 40 years old this summer.
Whether you have a day, an hour, or five minutes waiting for the bus to spare, Dave and James offer lots of practical advice on how best to use your time. Plus news of a great comedy script contest this autumn, and shows with Good in the title. Easily your most efficient use of 46 minutes and 10 seconds.
This week James and Dave discuss improvisation, how to make dialogue sound like what real people talk like, like, and women in comedy writing rooms.
Ever thought: "I've had a great idea for a sitcom"? Then wondered what to do next? Dave and James are creating an entire sitcom before your ears - and in this episode they explain how they plan to journey from "I've had a great idea" to "Welcome to Episode One."
Live from the Leicester Comedy Festival, Dave and James discuss writing and performing and the trials, tribulations bitching and loneliness of the long distance stand-up with Dan Evans, Joe Bor, MJ Simpson and Sarah Johnson.
Dave and James catch up, slightly breathless, on the feast of narrative comedy from across the entire range of TV channels since March. There's more twists to the ongoing comedy drama plot, post Writersroom script advice, and the answer to that question you're always asking - how do I get an agent?
Dave and James sit down for a nice long chat with BBC Executive Producer Gareth Edwards who's managed to steer the ship on Upstart Crow, Still Open All Hours and Spaced. Yes. Spaced. I know, right? Lots of good advice here, including two rules about notes.
Dave and James talk about how you can buff up your script so it's ready to send off to someone important. They also talk a bit about residuals and royalties - and Dave uses this to try to convince James about the benefits of the EU. James unsurprisingly isn't buying it.
A fabulous hour spent in the company of the undisputed kings of narrative TV comedy, Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais - Likely Lads, German building sites, American TV and the shows they wished they had written.
The Likely Lads is available on DVD and Blu-ray from networkonair.com
James and Dave talk about what we learn from all the new comedy that's tumbling out of our tellies, the BBC Writersroom window, writing books, self-publishing and London Book Fair. Rufus Jones is also declared an Ian Botham of Comedy and Derry Girls a Costume Comedy.
You may have missed this item in the news, but apparently something called Brexit is about to happen. James is detained entertainingly with the team behind the unlikely Northern Ireland Brexit TV hit Soft Border Patrol - producer Marie McDonald, writer Marc McElroy and performer Alan Irwin.
Bonus episode, in which Dave and James catch up with the latest comedy news. Will we have to wait for Coronation Street to finish before ITV commission any more comedy? Is it curtains for comedy writer conferences? And are you all set for this year's BBC Writersroom window for comedy scripts? Plus, how to approach radio sitcom, writing one-liners, and lots more.
Top British novelist and audience sitcom connoisseur Jonathan Coe talks to James and Dave at Chortle Book Festival about 1970s sitcom books, Yes Minister, working with Clement and Le Frenais, and, when we can get him off the subject of sitcom, his brilliant new novel Middle England.
Dave and James talk to writer and producer Paul Mayhew-Archer, about his massive four-decade career making audience sitcoms: shows he co-wrote that went well, like The Vicar Of Dibley, shows he helped onto the screen that didn't go so well, like Chalk and 'Orrible. Paul also shares a wealth of advice and experience as well as a lovely story about a man trying his hand at comedy and then drama.
Today's special guest is none other than James Cary. Well he has a great new book out called The Sacred Art of Joking and it offers a fresh perspective on the evergreen topic of causing offence in comedy. Find out what makes people get angry at comedy, why Jesus was funny and listen to the rare sound of James and Dave disagreeing with each other.
Dave and James talk to Moose Allain, otherwise known as the most consistently funny man on Twitter @MooseAllain about jokes, cartoons and Twitter (of course).
Part Two of James's interview with Will Ing, Dan Gaster and Paul Powell, the comedy writing team behind Insert Name Here, with great insights on how to make and write a panel show.
Dave and James look back on 2018 and talk to kids' TV writer Joe Williams, Mark Evans (Bleak Expectations, Mitchell and Webb) and Writers' Guild online comedy nominee Hannah George about what they've learned this year, and what they hope to take into 2019.
Dave and James bring up the ton with a live and lively chat from the Museum of Comedy with the brilliant Marcus Brigstocke and top writer Sarah Morgan, about their Radio 4 sitcom The Wilsons Save The World. Plus details on BCG Pro, British Comedy Guide's new service for those who create comedy.
Dave talks to stand-up, podcaster, kids' comedy pioneer Tiernan Douieb about juggling stand-up, podcasting and kids' comedy (but not juggling), and the dangers of spreading yourself too thin.
Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without Eric and Ernie. In this episode James talks to Neil Forsyth, writer of the brilliant Eric, Ernie And Me (as well as the great Bob Servant).
Dave has got a book out! About comedy writing! Who better to interview him about it than James? Plus questions answered about theme tunes, building your world, audience v non audience, and where Chris left his keys.
In this episode Al, Dave and James get all excited about one of the greatest sitcoms of all time - Fawlty Towers.
Part one of an entertaining journey with comedy legend Al Murray around the joy of making audiences laugh out loud at proper funny jokes - The Windsors, Spitting Image, Time Gentlemen Please and... Game Of Thrones?
James talks to Dan Gaster, Will Ing and Paul Powell about the astonishingly long gestation period of their Dave sitcom, Zapped.
James chats to Julie Bower about watching Red Dwarf as a kid, quoting jokes in the school playground, the awfulness of conference calls, and creating the CBBC sitcom So Awkward. And we announce the recording of the 100th episode at The Museum of Comedy on 5th December.
Return of the Mash. It's back! Surprise TV hit of the year, The Mash Report, returns for a new series. Dave and James talk to Tim Telling, the man who brought internet newspaper The Daily Mash to life.
Dave and James continue their chat with comedy writing legend Steven Moffat about time travelling on a budget, the triumph of Coupling and The Mystery Of Whether Or Not Sherlock Is A Comedy Or A Drama.
Part one of a fascinating interview with the great Steven Moffat - one of our most successful writers whose work includes Sherlock, Coupling and a certain Doctor who he discusses with Dave and James.
Dave and James talk about kickstarting - and continuing - your career by making comedy yourself, in all its forms. What are the options?
Dave and James talk to the brilliant character actor from both Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy and Blackadder, Geoffrey McGivern. He has many years of experience, reading and performing the scripts that writers sweat over and has gathered many many anecdotes along the way.
Dave and James back from the summer with lots to report including the return of Newsjack, the great audience sitcom revival part 897 and several attempts to answer the impossible question: What is comedy drama?
Dave and James have a strangely therapeutic conversation with Saskia Schuster, Controller of Comedy at ITV; about how sitcoms get on to ITV and the agony of turning shows down. Apparently, it's painful for the commissioners too!
James talks down the line to top US comedy writer and novelist Jonathan Ames about the hilarious HBO series Bored To Death, being championed by David Letterman and... Are You Being Served?? Yep.
'My job isn't to tell the writer how to be better, my job is to help them figure out what they want to write.' Plenty of excellent advice for ALL writers from top script consultant Hayley McKenzie of Script Angel.
An interview with comedy writer, Lucien Young (Siblings, Murder in Successville, Alice in Brexitland) about all things comedic, including the spec Frasier Script he wrote aged 11. Back his Shakespearean Sonnets book here: unbound.com/books/sonnets/
Dave and James chat to comedy writer, and performer, Laurence Howarth. He talks about writing the controversial Tracey Ullman Corbyn sketches, a sitcom about arms dealers, and how Dead Ringers feels very different from how it used to when politics was boring and you could still just about trust a bank.
Dave Cohen flies the flag for studio sitcoms at the Craft of Comedy 2018 in Llandudno. He also invents a new word that might make you feel ill. Introduced by Steve Doherty.
A fascinating hour spent in the company of the multi-talented writer-performer-producer and all round good guy who was one of the main creators behind Mr Don And Mr George, The Creatives and the legendary Stoneybridge Town Council.
Dave and James discuss the magic of Tony Hancock and Steptoe And Son with Paul Merton, who talks about his great friendship with the brilliant creators of both those shows, writers Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
Dave and James talk to Paul Merton - one of Britain's comedy superstars - about silent movies, class, and his phenomenal 30 years at the top of the profession.
We're back with more John Finnemore talking about his Souvenir Programme, Mummo in Cabin Pressure and basking sharks. Recorded at the Bill Murray in Angel, Islington.
James and Dave talk to John Finnemore about Double Acts, Cabin Pressure and the Souvenir Programme at a live event and Patreon subscriber meet-up at the Bill Murray in Angel Islington.
Just over a week to go before the BBC Writersroom Comedy window closes - still time (just) to craft your own comedy gold, with the help of James and Dave's last minute checklist.
Steve Doherty talks to James and Dave about Llandudno Craft Of Comedy Festival in June - an amazing line-up, competitions to win and loads of good reasons why you'd be a fool to miss it.
Attention new writers! The BBC Comedy Script Window opens on 19 March 2018. Here's tonnes of useful writing tips from the people who'll be reading your scripts - Simon Nelson and Amanda Farley of BBC Writersroom.
James and Dave talk to Toby Davies about how one sketch can get you a movie. Seriously. Toby talks us through the multiple drafts needed to get Up All Night and Gun Shy to the big screen.
Toby Davies, the prolific comedy writer for kids' TV and now with a movie to his name, talks sketch writing, working with the biggest names in comedy and modestly reveals his legendary contribution to the oeuvre - That Mitchell And Webb Cash Register sketch.
James and Dave talk to brilliant Newsjack host Angela Barnes about how she approaches writing - and what you can do to improve your chances of getting jokes and sketches on the show. Also, James promises to listen to every episode of the new series.
How do you get material on to the BBC's main show for new writers? Dave and James talk to producer Adnan Ahmed and writers Laura Major and Mike Shephard about how to ensure your sketches have maximum impact. And find out what Eddie Izzard's beret thief looked like. Next week: Newsjack host Angela Barnes.
Bonus episode! James and Dave with updated writing tips for 2018, plus answers to your questions about working with a partner and how many episodes is the right number.
Dave and James are joined by writers Shai Hussain, Abigail Burdess and Neil Forsyth (writer of the brilliant Eric, Ernie And Me on BBC Four over Christmas) to discuss the winners of this year's Writers' Guild Comedy Awards. Also: is it still right to call Phil Wang young?
The Joy Of Seinfeld. Dave, James and Graham Linehan all love this classic American sitcom, and in this episode they share that love with you.
The king of audience sitcom talks Ted tunes, radiator tests, the Birth of Bono and plenty more, including EXCLUSIVELY about the new version of The IT Crowd for the US, and how he's hoping it will be third time lucky.
What do you think YOU are? James and Dave talk to Pauline McGowan, Virginia Gale and Kate Benson from research company The Nursery about the Nine Types of Comedy they found in their research (which involved making people watch Mrs. Brown's Boys) - and how most of us aren't as clever as we think we are.
James and Dave are joined by ace radio writer and performer Carrie Quinlan to talk about writing for radio, the no-holds barred secrets about what it's like to work with John Finnemore, and more cricket than you might expect from a podcast about comedy.
'When you build a house you don't start with the roof'. Dave and James talk about how to structure your sitcom, make your characters clearer and - you'll like this - how to add funnier jokes. Don't say we don't spoil you.
As the Writers' Guild launch a new award for best online show, James and Dave update their views about breaking in to comedy via the internet. Plus a short tribute to Sean Hughes.
Jack Dee's co-writer Pete Sinclair joins us to talk about Bad Move, Lead Balloon, writing gags and a fascinating discussion about why audience sitcom is so hard to make.
Dave and James with more notes on notes: If you think getting notes is bad, try giving them. Plus another 10 page challenge.
If you enjoy this podcast, why not become a Patreon? Details here: https://www.patreon.com/SitcomGeeks
A special early edition of the show to give you time to catch up with Ben Elton's sitcom lecture on iPlayer, which Dave and James discuss at length. Plus Newsjack updates, comedy writer Susan Nickson seeks advice, exciting news about Patreon - and proof that Sitcom Geeks is good for you.
Was this the greatest audience sitcom ever? James and Dave are joined by Ever Decreasing Circles expert Jason Hazeley to discuss the genius of Esmonde & Larbey. They're best known for The Good Life but this lesser known show is arguably their greatest work.
Dave and James talk to the co-writer of those Ladybird books, writer for Charlie Brooker, Philomena Cunk and Russ Abbot - Jason Hazeley. Oh, and he's the occasional keyboard player for Portishead. Course he is. He explains how he got started and has a theory that comedy is just music.
James, Dave and special guest Abigail Burdess discuss the Edinburgh Fringe, how to do it and how to survive it. Warning: this recording also features a Belgian mime artist.
Dave and James' first foray into Facebook Live answering your sitcom-related questions is now a podcast, plus some thoughts on the recently announced BBC pilots. To watch it and see their pallid writerly faces, check out the Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/Sitcom-Geeks-103111846703601/
More tales from the comedy coalface with legend Barry Cryer including the first gay sitcom that never was, amazing double act Cleese & Dawson, and the first joke Barry sold to telly (it's a cracker).
Yes you read that right, James and Dave talk to comedy legend Barry Cryer about his work with Graham Chapman, and how David Frost shaped light entertainment.
Fascinating discussion with Lovesick writer Tom Edge, who chats with Dave and James about finding the best producers for your work (can be done), working for free (shouldn't be done) and coping with failure and rejection (yes, happens to everyone).
A special event organised by the Writers' Guild to discuss the future of sitcom, with legendary sitcom writers Marks and Gran and BBC Radio Comedy Executive Julia McKenzie. Hosted by our very own sitcom geek James Cary.
Dave and James prevent Tom Edge from getting any useful work done by turning up to his house and asking him questions about how he created and wrote Scrotal Recall/Lovesick and bunch of other things besides.
Writer/comedian/broadcaster Paul Kerensa (Miranda, Not Going Out and yes, Top Gear) talks to James about writing, performing, podcasting... and luck.
Part two of James's fascinating interview with Eric Chappell: More great insights into Only When I Laugh, Home To Roost and more - and the answer to the question 'will there ever be a Rising Damp re-make?'
The Great Rigsby, Pt 1. James in lively and fascinating conversation with the great Eric Chappell, creator of Rising Damp, Only When I Laugh, Duty Free and many more great ITV sitcom hits.
Dave and James talk about sketches, as well as books and podcasts on writing. And another First Ten Pages is put under the spotlight.
James and Dave return with two more ten page challenges, and tackle your questions - including story arcs, meeting producers, and the exact mathematical answer to 'how many plots per episode?'.
Dave and James conclude their discussion with comedy legend John Lloyd talking about Blackadder and, yes, another massive show that John Lloyd had a hand in, To The Manor Born.
James and Dave celebrate Episode 42 by discussing Life, the Universe and Everything with comedy legend and original Hitchhiker's Guide co-writer John Lloyd. A funny and touching tour of Douglas Adams's brain - plus 40 years of John's great creation, The News Quiz.
James Cary talks to comedy producer Steve Doherty (Have I Got News For You, Never Mind The Buzzcocks) about sketches, The News Huddlines, getting out of London, trains and The Craft of Comedy Festival in Llandudno.
James and Dave, joined by Abigail Burdess and Kay Stonham, discuss the shows nominated for the Writers' Guild Best Radio Comedy Award - Guilt Trip, The Pin and John Finnemore's Double Acts. Plus more great advice about writing for the new series of Newsjack, and you get to find out what a 'bottle episode' is.
James Cary and Dave Cohen are joined by Abigail Burdess and Kay Stonham to talk about the Writers' Guild of Great Britain Awards, particularly the shows nominated for Best TV Sitcom (People Just Do Nothing, Plebs, Fleabag). They also talk about sitcom trends, story arcs and what even qualifies as a sitcom these days.
Dave and James talk about the pitfalls of story arcs, fixing characters and breaking fourth walls.
In this episode, Dave and James return to the pain and pleasure (and many other p's) of plotting. Plus two 'First Ten Pages'.
In this slightly chaotic and brief edition recorded at the Writers' Guild of Great Britain, Dave Cohen and James Cary are joined by Kay Stonham, Carrie Quinlan, Joel Morris and Abigail Burdess. They talk about money, making your own show and, somehow, unboxing.
Dave and James talk about what makes a sitcom character - and the importance of familiarity, flaws and lack of self-awareness. Plus another brief appearance from the rodents.
Dave and James look at three First Ten Page pages, and answer some listener questions, including what happens when you switch on the TV and realise someone has got to your sitcom idea first. Also featuring guinea pigs.
We all love Dougal, Trigger and Bubble. There is a fine traditional of idiocy in sitcoms. James and Dave talk about the joys and challenges of idiots - and how they can be surprisingly useful.
With the return of Newsjack on Radio 4 Extra, James and Dave explain why every wannabe sitcom writer should be brushing up their topical sketches.
In this shorter episode, James answers an email and recommends other listening that should be of interest to sitcom writers. Back to normal soon. Promise!
James and Dave get geeky and technical with writer/script editor Andrew Ellard as they ask listeners' questions, covering characters, plot lines and sitcoms set-ups. So they cover everything, really. Nice.
James and Dave talk to writer/script editor Andrew Ellard about his Channel 4 Blap, Outsiders, and his work on Chewing Gum.
James and Dave chat to the king of kids' TV writing, Ben Ward, about Horrible Histories, SMTV and how to write the perfect episode of Danger Mouse. Crumbs!
James and David talk about the pros and cons of crowdfunding sitcoms and give notes on the first ten pages of three scripts sent in by some brave listeners.
Do you want some advice? Of course you don't, there's nothing more annoying than someone telling you what's wrong with your work of genius. In this episode Dave and James talk about how to deal with feedback.
In this episode Dave, James and Katie explain why - whether you're a writer, performer, writer-performer or spectator - it's essential you spend some time checking out the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, plus offer some tips on how to survive it.
In our final episode from this year's Llandudno Craft of Comedy festival, Dave Cohen talks Baby Cow, Car Share and more with top producer Gill Isles.
In the second of their interviews from the Llandudno Craft of Comedy Conference, James and Dave talk to Radio 4 Comedy Commissioner Sioned Wiliam - fascinating, fact-packed and a must for radio comedy writers at every level.
Dave and James record an interview with Ian Martin in front of a live audience at the Craft of Comedy Conference in Llandudno. They talk about the writing of The Thick Of It and Veep. As you'd expect, there is some swearing.
In this packed episode, James and Dave dip into the mailbag (for once) and answer questions about writing for specific TV names, and the merits of characters we never see, like Mrs Mainwairing. Plus two Ten Page Challenges (get the scripts via the Facebook page), and a chat about pursuing other projects. Told you it was packed.
James Cary talks to writer and performer Mark Evans about starting out, Bleak Expectations, and the frustrations of TV transfers.
As if you don't have enough work to do creating believable funny characters and great stories, when you start to create a new sitcom you also need to think hard about the world you're inventing. More insights from James and Dave on how to do this: Plus a new 10 page challenge all the way from China.
Bill Dare is a writer, producer, novelist, and Senior Tutor for the National Film and Television School's Comedy Writing course. James and Dave grill Bill about writing sitcom, how to get on in the comedy world, and what advice he has for new writers.
With a new series of Newsjack starting on BBC Radio 4 Extra, James and Dave discuss why you should be writing for it, and how. They're joined by Dead Ringers producer and National Film Television School comedy tutor Bill Dare.
Do your big plans for 2016 include making a YouTube video to showcase your brilliant sitcom script? Listen to the advice of James and Dave before you decide. Plus the latest 10 page challenge, featuring a script by... James Cary.
In this action-packed episode, Dave and James discuss what commissioners say they're looking for in 2016, and what they really are looking for. They're joined by The Times' Comedy Critic Alex Hardy with a round-up of the latest new sitcoms. Plus the 10 page challenge.
A look back at the sitcom highlights of 2015 with special guest Alex Hardy, comedy critic for The Times. And another 10 page challenge.
James and Dave talk about those things that are easily forgotten as you establish your characters and plot your stories: jokes. We also look at the First Ten Pages of a listener's script, Ivy View. And they're joined by comedy critic from The Times, Alex Hardy.
This episode James and Dave are joined by producer extraordinaire David Tyler (Victoria Wood, John Finnemore's Cabin Pressure, Milton Jones, Steve Coogan, Marcus Brigstocke, Jeremy Hardy and dozens more) to discuss the joys of writing for radio.
With the rise of the writer-performer sitcom, Dave and James look at what this means for the humble sitcom writer. (SPOILERS: There are pros. And there are cons.) Also: The launch of a new feature based on your First Ten Pages. Are you going to send us your first Ten Pages? Hear what happened to Dave when he did.
This week: secondary characters who populate your sitcom. Dave (the posh snob) Cohen and James (the cockney spiv) Cary discuss how to make sure your archetypes don't turn into stereotypes. Also, James is writing a sitcom on the internet. What could possibly go wrong...?
We've had larger-than-life monsters and odd couples, in this episode James and Dave explore the ensemble sitcom, where many characters vie for our attention. Expect the name 'David Croft' to appear on several occasions. And 'Cheers'. Also: why you should be trying to write audience sitcoms.
Hey! You! Look! Producers and script readers need to be grabbed by your script from the opening page. In this episode, James and Dave discuss the essential ingredients required in your first ten pages.
What's the story? Now you have characters you need lots to happen to them. Things that allow them to dig themselves so deep into holes it'll take the rest of the episode to dig them out again. James and Dave explain how to generate plots - and Katie looks back on this year's Edinburgh Fringe.
In the second of a two-part special, James talks to Kevin Cecil and Andy Riley (Gnomeo & Juliet, Little Britain and more) about Hyperdrive, Black Books, The Great Outdoors and Veep.
In the first of a two-part special, James talks to Kevin Cecil and Andy Riley (Black Books, Veep, Gnomeo & Juliet, Little Britain and many more) about how they got started, with tonnes of helpful advice for sitcom writers.
This episode Dave and James offer advice about choosing the best story to write up for your pilot episode. And using the benefit of hindsight they send you off to the brilliant pilots that became the greatest sitcoms ever. In their opinion, of course.
This week James and Dave discuss mismatched couples and why, despite everything, they stick together. Whether they're part of a family, partners, work colleagues, or simply unable to separate, these relationships are a great source of comedy for your show.
James and Dave discuss sitcom characters, how they need to be 'Larger than Life' and how you can normally push them much further than you think. They also discuss characters who are monsters (Basil Fawlty, David Brent, Victor Meldrew) and opportunists (Del Boy, Fletcher, Blackadder).
Dave Cohen and James Cary talk about the difference between what your sitcom appears to be about (ie. situation) and what it's actually about (something more profound, ideally).