Call goes out for new writers

Under the scheme, a handful of promising writers attend a workshop, receive mentoring from established writers then spend time working on an existing BBC comedy.

Over the past year ten students – Catherine Shepherd; Leah Chillery; twin writing duo Rob and Neil Gibbons; Morgan Lloyd Malcolm, Verity Rose Woolnough, Katie Lyons from Trippplicate; Andrew Viner and stand-up John Warburton – have been working on various BBC projects.

These include a BBC Three sitcom Ebony's Yard, which is currently in development, the BBC Two comedy Psychoville from League of Gentlemen writers Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton, and Bear Behaving Badly for CBBC.

The writers have also been developing their own material and last night, their six scripts were performed in front of an audience of comedy producers, directors, writers and agents.

Micheal Jacob, who runs the scheme, said: ‘It has been really exciting to see these very talented writers develop over the year, and to showcase some excellent work in progress. When we launched the scheme I said I hoped to be the Arsene Wenger of comedy – they have made me feel like I am. I’m sure next year will be just as rewarding.’

Among those backing the scheme are Armando Iannucci, Two Pints Of Lager writer Susan Nickson, and Peep Show creators Sam Bain and Jesse Armstrong.

Writers of half-hour narrative comedy or comedy sketches should apply to CollegeofComedy@bbc.co.uk by noon on April 24.

Applicants will have had their work broadcast, commissioned for development or performed professionally.

As a condition of the scheme, original work by the writers must be submitted to the BBC under a ‘first-look’ deal, which will run for 12 months from the scheme's end in April 2010.

Published: 26 Mar 2009