A tight 5: June 19, 2013

A COMPANY that streams live music gigs over the internet is making its first moves into comedy at the weekend – allowing stand-up fans to watch a live show from their own homes. AirFi will be broadcasting the UK Kings of Comedy tour – with Kojo, Slim, Eddie Kadi and Richard Blackwood (pictured) – direct from London’s Hackney Empire. A spokesman said: ‘The show itself is sold out, but our platform allows for people to still see it for only £2 over the internet.’

FREDDIE STARR has been re-bailed until August 28 by officers investigating the Jimmy Savile abuse scandal. The 70-year-old had been due to attend a police station today, but in the event was not required. His lawyer, Dean Dunham, said: ‘We are hopeful that the police inquiries are drawing close to a conclusion, at which time Mr Starr will be able to confirm that he has publicly cleared his good name and reputation.’

PETER SERAFINOWICZ and his Look Around You co-creator Robert Popper have made an animated short for Channel 4. Anatole's Island – about a little marmot and his adventures – was written by comedian Phil O'Shea and made with Snowman producers Lupus Films. Popper said it was ‘a charming, child-like and very silly piece of animation – and we all want to make lots more.’ It is being aired at 11.35pm tonight in C4‘s Random Acts strand.

AUSTRALIAN stand-up Judith Lucy is to make a series about the role of women in her homeland and whether they are better off than they were 50 years ago. The six-part series, Judith Lucy is All Woman, is being made for the ABC down under.

MAKERS of the first improvised ad break claim it was seen by a million viewers on Monday. Comedy improv troupe Mischief Theatre only learned on-air that Kabuto Noodles was the product they would have to promote in the three-minute slot on Comedy Central, hosted by stand-up Rob Carter. However, writing in the Guardian, ad industry expert David Stone said: ‘Although the performance itself was a success, the broadcast didn't have as great an impact as those behind it must have hoped. The Twitter hashtags associated with the event were largely ignored... and this must rank as disappointing.’ Here is the fruit of their labour:

Published: 19 Jun 2013