One-off referendum revue from the Fringe

BBC Two's flagship current affairs programme is to consider the epoch-defining Scottish referendum – with a comedy revue.

Newsnight is looking for stand-up, songs and dance that addresses the future of the United Kingdom for a show to be broadcast from the Edinburgh Fringe.

The programme will come live from the festival on August 21.

And what is art if there isn't a 'winner' – so all the acts will perform in front of a panel of judges for someone to be crowned the best of the night.

Producers are asking would-be participants to upload 60-second clips of their routines on the subject of Scotland's independence by July 6 here.

The Newsnight Referendum Revue is the latest attempt to inject entertainment into the late-night show since Ian Katz took over as editor last summer. Previously Kirsty Wark has performed a dance routine to Michael Jackson's Thriller and Emily Matiss interviewed Sesame Street's Cookie Monster.

Katz said last month: 'Kirsty dancing to Thriller was one of those memorable moments, the kind of thing that makes the audience say, "I must stay with this programme to see what happens." Any suggestion of dumbing down is painfully preposterous. Newsnight is more serious than at any time in its recent past.'

Published: 10 May 2014