'First satirical launch in 23 years'

A new national satirical magazine is to be launched at the Edinburgh Festival.

Writers behind The Poke claim this is the first new national humour magazine in 23 years - although another comedy title is also being launched at the festival.

And they are aiming it at "the gap in the market between boardroom (Private Eye) and bedsit (Viz)".

The topical title - formatted like a tabloid newspaper - will be edited by Jasper Gibson, formerly head of the cult style magazine Limb By Limb.

He claims Britain's comedy reputation has stagnated because TV producers put little value on writers, and says The Poke will redress the balance by providing an outlet for the best talent.

He said; "The British invented comedy. Once it was Monty Python, Blackadder and Ab Fab. Now its South Park, Friends and Frasier. Why? Because we've forgotten to focus on what's important - writing talent.

"British TV executives would rather get four weak panel shows out of their budget than aspire to creating the next Simpsons. They spend millions buying in American sitcoms and wonder why they have to repeat Dad's Army and Are You Being Served?"

As well as the magazine, The Poke will also be available online. A radio show and spoof text message news service for mobile phones will be launched this autumn.

The Poke's inaugural edition coincides with the launch of Crackin', also timed to appear at the Edinburgh Festival.

Crackin' features original comedy work, but also reports on the comedy scene with features, reviews and listing of the live scene, TV, radio, books, theatre and videos. A preview issue was distributed with the Evening Standard earlier this month, and is reviewed here.

Published: 28 Jul 2002