R4 eyes three sketch shows

Radio 4 is looking at three new sketch shows.

Character comedian Ben Willbond, sketch group Cowards and a new outfit called Sketchzilla will all record pilot episodes next month.

A regular on the Edinburgh Fringe – and former Perrier best newcomer as part of the Ben and Arn double act – Willbond, pictured, will front the sketch show Recorded For Training Purposes.

Producer Adam Bromley said: 'The focus of the show is communication - we've got more ways than ever to communicate, but nothing worth saying or hearing. Everyone these days has a blog, a novel or a even a chat show but do any of us even care?

‘In a world where the story of Wayne Rooney's life will apparently fill five books (eat that Churchill - you only managed two) it's time for an antidote to the tidal wave of garbage.'

Writers inclde Nick Revell, James Cary, Bill Dare, Rhodri Crooks and Nat Sones.

Meanwhile, Sketchzilla will feature the talents of  The Museum of Everything’s Dan Tetsell, The Consultants’ Neil Edmond as well as the lesser-known Robin French and Kieron Quirke.

Little has been revealed about the show, other than that it will be based around city life.

Finally, Cowards, who comprise  Tom Basden, Stefan Golaszewski, Tim Key and Lloyd Woolf, will be recording a one-off programme.

The team, who have also enjoyed successful runs at Edinburgh, promise simply to ‘bring bizarre situations to life’ in their pilot.

All three programmes are being made by the BBC's radio entertainment unit for a possible series.

All the pilots, which are not for broadcast, will be recorded at the Drill Hall, central London: Cowards on April 3,  Recorded For Training Purposes on  April 21and Sketchzilla on April 28.

For free tickets, visit the BBC Studio Audiences website or call  020 8576 1227

Published: 23 Mar 2006