...as BBC launches a comedy bursary for Northern women

Car Share star Sian Gibson is developing a new sitcom with the BBC.

 The Entrepreneuress is to be given a staged read-though in front of an audience at the Corporation's annual Salford Sitcom Showcase, which takes place on Thursday  July 27.

 
The day will also launch a new bursary scheme for aspiring Northern female character comedians or writers in the memory of the late Caroline Aherne.

The Caroline Aherne Bursary for Funny Northern Women will award £5,000 to the successful applicant to enable them to fund future development, alongside the guidance of an experienced BBC commissioning editor. Full details on how to apply will be released following the event.

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'We are delighted to introduce this new bursary which will harness their legacy to inspire a new generation of female comedy performers in the North.'

Alice Webb the director BBC North, added: 'From The Royle Family to Dinnerladies we have a rich tradition of developing series centred around funny women who have originated from right here in the North. We remain dedicated to seeking out, developing and supporting great Northern talents who have the ability to speak to the whole nation.'

Comedian Ted Robbins will host this year’s event, which puts the spotlight on new comedy shows  in development. There will also be a screening of Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer's revived Big Night Out and a Q&A with  Philomena Cunk star Diane Morgan.

The Salford Sitcom Showcase, held in MediaCity UK,  has previously helped launched Citizen Khan and Boy Meets Girl. 

Tickets for the evening event are available from  Standing Room Only. In addition, the BBC Writersroom website will offer free ticketed daytime events about the industry, and about opportunities for writing comedy with the BBC
 

Published: 14 Jul 2017