Night School sitcom takes Five's prize

Channel Five has announced the winner of its search for the best new homegrown sitcom writer.

Aspiring playwright Hugo Simms beat more than 450 entries to win the contest, launched in January with the Paramount Comedy Channel.

A pilot of his sitcom, called Night School is in development and if it is a success, then a full series could be made to help boost Five’s comedy output.

His script is described as a darkly surreal comedy about a cuckolded husband who teaches investigative journalism at an adult education college.

It was initially developed as a play but Simms decided to rework it for the competition.

He said: ‘I’ve been entering similar talent development projects for years but have always been the bridesmaid, never the bride. This is now a great opportunity to take my career to the next level.’

Graham Smith, Five’s commissioning editor for comedy, said: ‘Night School is quirky and atmospheric, combining deadpan dialogue with some beautifully crafted moments of visual comedy. The scheme has proved that there is a wealth of undiscovered talent out there.’

Seven of the writers who submitted scripts were shortlisted to receive advice from established comedy names, including Father Ted co-creator Arthur Matthews andBaby Cow's Henry Normal.

Simms, 40, has previously developed a number of plays at the White Bear fringe theatre in Kennington, South London, including Mad Fucking Cow and The Singing Nun; and Mr Newman's Fear of Trees.

Published: 27 Jul 2005