Comics try to export their acts

Four British-based comics have returned to their spiritual homes to see if their act translates to foreign audiences.

Curtis Walker, Kulvinder Ghir, Jocelyn Gee and Lewis Schaffer all took part in the experiment for a new Radio 4 show Comedy's Coming Home.

For the first episode in the series, Walker - star of The Real McCoy - returns to his roots in Jamaica.

He said: "I've always been close to my roots because my father always spoke of Jamaica very fondly.

"My Jamaicanism is in my stand-up I can' shake it, and it's something I don't want to shake, if I'm honest.

"But this is going to be my first experience of Jamaican humour, and I'm hoping that I can tap into it in some way, that I don't die on my arse - that's my biggest fear.

Walker is given just three days to learn the ropes, with the help of local comedians such as Oliver Samuels. He also meets up with his parents, who returned to Jamaica after 32 years in south London.

In future episodes, Goodness Gracious Me star Ghir travels to India and Gee goes to Nigeria.

Schaffer could have the easiest trip, flying back to New York after only a couple of years away and has yet to make the same impact on the UK comedy circuit as he did in the Big Apple.

The first episode will be broadcast on Radio 4 at 11am on Friday March 8.

Published: 17 Feb 2002