'Up-and-coming' acts showcased

Kevin Bridges is to host a new Channel 4 stand-up show highlighting ‘up-and-coming’ comedy talent.

Jon Richardson, Zoe Lyons, Paul Chowdhry, Josh Widdicombe, Roisin Conaty, Seann Walsh, Marlon Davis and Carl Donnelly have all been lined up for the first Comedy Showcase.

The show – which is a live showcase, not for transmission – is being produced by Open Mike Productions, the sister company to agents Off The Kerb that also produces Live At The Apollo, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow and Channel 4’s Stand Up For The Week.

The first will be staged at the Comedy Store in London next month, with further events in June and September.

Madeleine Knight, entertainment commissioning editor at Channel 4 said,: 'The showcases will be a one-stop way of ensuring we’re seeing all the best talent and Open Mike/Off The Kerb Productions are the best people to help us do that. Our intention would be to invite our suppliers and commissioners from the channel to attend.'

'Championing new talent is at the heart of Channel 4’s remit, and this is all about ensuring that we as entertainment commissioners are giving the best up and coming new performers a platform in which is showcase their talent.'

Published: 14 Dec 2010