BBC2 pilots new satire show

BBC2 is to pilot a new quick-fire satire quiz featuring stars of the stand-up circuit.

Those taking part in Stand Up For Yourself will have to crack gags about the news of the week, but in the atmosphere of a comedy club - and without the rigid structure of a panel game.

The comics will also be filmed backstage, preparing for the gig and discussing their topical material.

A one-off programme is being filmed at London's Comedy Store on January 15, featuring Andy Parsons, Marcus Brigstocke (pictured) Shappi Khorsandi, Paul Thorne and Junior Simpson. Many of them already take part in the venue's existing weekly topical show, Cutting Edge.

No host has yet been announced, but is said to be "a well-known journalist of the John Sargeant / Rod Liddle".

Free tickets for the show, which is being billed as "making Have I Got News For You look like a Lib Dem coffee morning", are available from the BBC ticket unit.

Published: 30 Dec 2003