BBC to air sketch show for kids

Sketchy is a 13-part series for CBBC that aims to emulate the success of show such as Little Britain among eight to 12-year-olds.

The show, to air later this year, will be written and performed by a team that includes James Bachman, Anna Crilly, Justin Edwards, Mel Giedroyc and Marek Larwood.

Marcus Brigstocke, who children will already know for his role as King Stupid, will also be taking part in th programme, which is being made by Graham Norton's production company, So Television.

Both Little Britain and The Catherine Tate Show have proved popular with pre-teens, despite being broadcast in post-watershed slots. That children were likely to be watching Tate’s expletive-ridden Christmas special is one reason it has been the subject of so many complaints to TV watchdogs.

Meanwhile, So Television has landed in hot water with acting unions after advertising for ‘uncredited and unpaid extras’ to help film sketches.

An online appeal tempted would-be actors with the hope of landing some TV experience – but did not even offer travel expenses for the two filming dates in January and February.

Equity and Bectu accused So Television of acting unlawfully in not offering payment.

Graham Stuart, who co-owns the production company, told actors newspaper The Stage that the advert had been a mistake, adding: ‘This was not the right way to proceed. It is very important for us that we do things according to the book… It should never have happened in the first place.’

Published: 8 Jan 2008