David Farnor | On 22, Jul 2020

BBC Three will Stand Up For Live Comedy this summer, with a new series aiming to kickstart live stand-up comedy across the UK.

The comedy industry has been facing significant challenges during the coronavirus pandemic, with venues closed due to safety restrictions. In their place, a whole online community has sprung up across an array of platforms, from Zoom gigs to stand-up streaming service NextUp. NextUp is currently hosting its own comedy festival, with a new, live act streaming every night during July, while the Edinburgh Film Festival will also be going online for a virtual variety showcase in August. NextUp has also launched a #HECKLETHEVIRUS campaign, with a live virtual comedy channel on Twist that allows comics to keep earning revenue, plus a JustGiving fundraiser.

Now, the BBC is joining the fight to support grassroots comedy talent. BBC Presents: Stand Up For Live Comedy will start filming this summer in six different cities across the UK, featuring a diverse array of rising comedy talents.

The six-part series is co-produced by Phil McIntyre Television and BBC Studios who will distribute the series globally. It has been commissioned by Shane Allen, Controller of BBC Comedy, and Fiona Campbell, Controller of BBC Three, and continues the BBC’s commitment to nurturing new talent and showcasing the best diverse regional comedy in the UK.

Fiona Campbell, Controller of BBC Three, says: “BBC Three has been involved in the careers of so many comedians that cut their teeth on the live circuit. It’s the lifeblood of the industry and we’re really pleased that we can play our part bringing live comedy and laughter back to the audience.”

The production team are following the latest government guidelines on Covid-19 to ensure that the series is made safely and responsibility. Further details about the series will be announced in due course.

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