Maier's R4 play exposes bitchy comics

Radio 4 is to broadcast six new comedy-dramas written by stand-up Mark Maier.

But the comic admits could upset some of his colleagues - as one of the half-hour shows is set backstage at a comedy club.

Maier says the characters are derived from fellow performers, and that the dialogue reflects the sometimes back-biting atmosphere in dressing rooms, with comedians bitching about their colleagues while they are on stage.

He said: "All six shows in the series, called Trapped, will place people in claustrophobic situations

Maier, who co-wrote ths show with his brother Daniel, said: " Comics will certainly relate to the environment and I suppose I might upset a few people.

"The characters represent certain types of comic: the old geezer, the young up-and-coming comic, etc"

Trapped will go out on Radio 4 at 11pm on Thursdays from September 4.

Published: 25 Jul 2003