Comedy web 'channel' goes online

The site offers scores of clips, many of which have been commissioned specially for the channel.

It is the brainchild of respected comedy producer John Lloyd – who was responsible for Blackadder, Not the Nine O'clock News, Spitting Image and QI – and Warner Music Entertainment.

It features clips from big names such as Bill Cosby, Bill Hicks, Al Murray, Sarah Silverman, Eddie Izzard and Dylan Moran plus more contemporary circuit acts from The World Stands Up TV series.

Comedybox differs from most of the other internet portals offering comedy by paying for the material, and offering the resources to film in properly, rather than relying on free user-generated content.

Acts contributing to the site include The Pros From Dover, Ricky Grover, animator Terry Mynott and Katherine Jakeways, who co-presents a QI News round-up of obscure facts.

It was launched at a party in West London last night, featuring musical performances from Bill Bailey’s pub band Beergut 100 and the gorilla from the Dairy Milk adverts, among others.

A spokesman said: ‘Comedybox is designed to be the place on the internet where you can get a decent laugh any time of the day. It will feature original sketch comedy, animations, stand-up, and everything else from the greatest comedy minds in the world today.’

>> comedybox.tv

Published: 21 Sep 2007