Sitcom creators to share tips

Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran are to give aspiring comedy writers tips on their craft in a free session next month.

The pair will talk about how they created such successful sitcoms as Birds Of A Feather and The New Statesmen.

Their hits are often modelled on the American system, in which they set up a show and then turn it over to a team of writers.

The pair will also answer questions from those wanting to write the next comedy success.

A spokesman for the Royal Television Society, which is staging the event, said: "This is an evening for fans of the programmes as well as writers and aspiring writers."

The evening takes place at the BBC Pebble Mill studios in Birmingham from 7pm on Thursday February 7.

Places are free but limited so call Gerry King on 07850 469989 or e-mail gerry.king@lineone.net to book.

Published: 18 Jan 2002