Final six scripts chosen for Salford Sitcom Showcase

BBC North and BBC Comedy Commissioning are pleased to announce that from over 80 scripts submitted to the Salford Sitcom Showcase, six scripts have been chosen and will be staged at the showcase at MediaCityUK in October.

Independent comedy suppliers and BBC In-House were invited to submit scripts for consideration and the chosen six - aimed at BBC One, BBC Two and BBC Three audiences - will have theatrical presentations which will take place over three evening performances from 12 to 14 October 2011. 

The six scripts come from talent across the UK and offer a variety of comedy voices. 

Cheryl Taylor, Controller of Comedy Commissioning, says: "This autumn heralds an impressive line-up of studio sitcom development from the BBC. The Salford Showcase will have half a dozen new offerings with established authors like Georgia Pritchett rubbing shoulders with newcomers Jason Cook and Pippa Evans. The brand new studios at MediaCityUK will be a great venue for this initiative and BBC North and Comedy Commissioning look forward to welcoming audiences from all over the regions to see these one off performances. 

"We have also committed funds for four TX studio sitcom pilots for BBC One over the next 12 months and are looking forward to growing more successful mainstream comedy to sit alongside Outnumbered, In With The Flynns and Mrs Brown's Boys."

Peter Salmon, Director, BBC North, says: "We are dead chuffed that the North West - one of the funniest places on earth - is hosting this big comedy initiative. BBC sitcoms are among the most important programmes the licence fee supports. So this event should be fun and invaluable."

The six scripts to go forward for the Salford performances are: 

BBC One

Citizen Khan
Writers – Adil Ray, Anil Gupta & Richard Pinto
Executive Producer – Paul Schlesinger
BBC Comedy

Mr Khan is the Asian community leader character created by Adil Ray and previously seen on sketch show Bellamy's People – here he stars in his very own family based sitcom.

Sandwiched
Writer – Tony Sarchet
Executive Producer – Jimmy Mulville
Hat Trick Productions

When mum and dad's Spanish retirement plans collapse around them they are forced to move in with their son and daughter in law in this masterful comedy about family relationships under extreme pressure.

BBC Two 

Be Our Guest
Writer – Pippa Evans
Executive Producer – Paul Schlesinger
BBC Comedy 

Writer/performer Pippa Evans presents and stars in this colourful hotel-based ensemble comedy. 

Single White Male
Writers – Dan Gaster & Rob Colley
Executive Producer – Mark Freeland
BBC Comedy

Scabrous and wickedly funny account of a gay man living at home with his permanently single mum. 

BBC Three

 

Hebburn
Writer – Jason Cook
Executive Producers – Matt Tiller & Henry Normal
Channel K/ Baby Cow North

Award-winning stand up Jason Cook turns his hand to sitcom in this warm and affectionate tale of North East family life. 

Up! (w/t)
Writer – Georgia Pritchett
Executive Producer – Catherine Bailey
Catherine Bailey Limited 

Student comedy about sex, love and friendship in a riotous flatshare. 

(Source : BBC Press Release)