David Farnor | On 28, Mar 2020

NextUp, the digital platform dedicated to stand-up comedy, has launched its own virtual comedy club to keep people chuckling during the coronavirus pandemic.

NextUp Now is a new live channel that boasts a range of formats and shows, from its flagship Comedian’s Commentary – interviews with comedians alongside segments of their shows, to The Show Must Go On – shows as if there were a live audience – and Breakfast Surreal – sharing the most important meal of the day with a professional funny person.

NextUp Now can be streamed live from Facebook, YouTube and Twitch where you can eat breakfast with comedians and watch shows they’d otherwise be previewing for Edinburgh. The platform is also launching some very special ‘Pandemic-Specific’ formats such as Anna Mann’s Dinner Party and acts featured in the first few weeks include Tom Ward, Anna Mann and Luisa Omielan as well as circuit favourites Pope’s Addiction Clinic and Ted Hill’s Quiz Night.

The channel is part of its #HeckleTheVirus campaign, aimed at supporting the comedy industry during the Coronavirus outbreak. (You can donate to that at the campaign’s JustGiving page here.)

Sarah Henley, NextUp co-founder says: “We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for our #hecklethevirus campaign since we launched last week. At the time of going to press we have raised over £80,000 to help support comedians who have lost income as a result of Coronavirus. We’re so excited to launch NextUp Now, which is our very own virtual comedy club. The impact of the pandemic is devastating on an industry which relies so much on live events, so we hope this virtual alternative to the live scene will provide work and income for comics, and some much needed laughs for everyone stuck at home during lockdown.’

Tune in at Nextupcomedy.com/nextupnow

Here’s the full weekly schedule:

Breakfast Surreal – Monday and Thursday, 9am

A morning show where a comedian takes responsibility for gearing the nation up for their day ahead. Whether it’s an inspirational short story, a morning group game or a classic violent threat – it’s guaranteed to get people motivated.

Comedians Commentary – Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 7pm

Remember when DVDs had a Director’s Commentary that offered anecdotes and insights into the film? Well, this is like that but for comedy specials. Every night a different comedian is interviewed while watching segments of their live show.

The Show Must Go On – Saturday, 7pm

Who needs a venue and audience anyway?! Perform your comedy show from the comfort of your home for fans to enjoy and interact with.

Open Stream – Tuesday and Sunday, 9pm

No rules, no formats, just a 45 minute window for any comedian to flex their creative muscles. Interact with fans on the chat, play games, recite poetry, exchange insulation tips – the floor is yours.

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