Ron Funches pilots TV version of live stand-up format

The live stand-up format Joke Thieves – in which comics try to perform each others' routines – is being piloted for a possible US TV series.

American comic Ron Funches, pictured, whose credits include Transparent, Black-ish and the animated series Harley Quinn, is to host a run-through in London later this month.

The format was devised by British comic Will Mars, first for Downstairs at the King's Head in 2013 then at the Edinburgh Fringe. Here is our review of an early incarnation

In the first half of each show, comics perform some of their usual set, but then must try to recreate the material they just heard from their opponent, even if it is far from their usual style,

A pilot was made for a possible BBC Two show in 2014, with Hal Cruttenden hosting, but it was not picked up.

Both UK and US comedians will be taking part in the pilot, which will be taped at the Riverside Studios in West London on Tuesday August 24 in front of a live audience. Free tickets are available here. 

The British Comedy Guide reports that the pilot is for Comedy Central.

The live show will be back at The Counting House for this year’s Edinburgh Fringe, with its run starting on Saturday,

Published: 5 Aug 2021