Mat Ewins and John Kearns  are launching an improvised podcast in which they attempt solve some of the world’s biggest mysteries.

Stores in the series, Microscope, involve an obscure theme park that appears to be haunted, a farmer kidnapped by penguins and a gym that’s been infiltrated by wizards

Ewins – who interviews Kearns in the guise of a different character each week – said: ‘I’m very excited to be part of the most important advances in broadcasting since the invention of shouting.

‘Having dedicated my time to producing meticulously planned and edited videos it seems entirely appropriate to move into a free-form audio-only environment.’ 

Kearns added: ‘Having campaigned tirelessly for truth and justice throughout my career, this podcast is a life’s work. Sadly, I couldn’t make any of the recordings owing to numerous burst pipes over the winter months, but I am glad that these riddles and bullshitting charlatans have been put to the sword by Chief Inquisitor Mat Ewins. 

‘During the difficult and laborious process of listening back to these interviews (something I recommend you do), it‘s crystal clear that the guests are making things up as they go along and have no regard for victims or indeed plot. 

‘I hope the legacy of this podcast is that it shows no mystery, however strange, can go unresolved and yet, just occasionally, there can be a hell of a lot of smoke without fire.’ 

Microscope, which is recorded in front of a live audience, launches on Friday next week on Apple Podcasts, Acast and Spotify. 

Microscope is produced by Plosive Productions, the team behind the Chortle Award-nominated podcast Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster, among others.