Mo Gilligan's stand-up showcase recorded at The O2

Channel 4 is to air the live stand-up comedy showcase Mo Gilligan + Friends: The Black British Takeover which was filmed at The O2 in London last December.

The showcase featured comics Eddie Kadi, Ola Labib, Slim, Thanyia Moore and Babatúndé Aléshé plus music from The Compozers as well as Gilligan himslef.

He said: ‘I’m so proud of the black British comedy circuit that I started on. The scene and its exceptional talent have nurtured and supported me since the very start of my career.

‘I am thrilled to share our culture and bring together some of the best comedy talent on offer in this country right now.’

Executive producer Pollyanna McGirr,  from Gilligan’s agents UTC Management, added: ‘Mo’s passion for the scene which gave him his first big break is truly remarkable and we’re so proud to partner with Channel 4 to showcase this momentous moment for UK comedy.’

The gig will air as an hour-long special along with backstage footage and conversations with the comedians, as well as some of their stand-up sets.

Today’s news comes ahead of the Black British Takeover’s return to The O2 on December  8, with Kadi and Richard Blackwood on the bill. Tickets are available here.

Channel 4 has also announced that it will air a special Christmas episode of The Lateish Show with Mo Gilligan this year.

Phil Harris, head of entertainment and events at Channel 4 said: ‘We are delighted to be the home of Mo’s brilliant showcase of comedic talent and look forward to a festive burst of Lateish show energy with his Christmas special.’

Executive producer Ben Wicks added: ‘When we first started working with Mo five years ago, he mentioned he’d love his own Christmas special – and now he has one, he’s gone further than anyone in the last 2022 years to ensure it’s the biggest and best Christmas party ever held.

‘Expect comedy, all manner of raucousness, and some off-the-scale revelations from one hell of an array of guests.’

Gilligan previously sang the praises of the black British comedy scene and the comedian on it in his previous Channel 4 documentary Black British and Funny.

The Black British Takeover

Made by: Momo G and Lucky 17
Directed by: Chris Howe
Executive producers: Mo Gilligan, Rhe-an Archibald, Pollyanna McGirr and David Geli
Line Producer: Emma Carter.

The Lateish Show with Mo Gillligan  festive episode

Made by: Expectation and Momo G
Commissioned by: Steven Handley and Phil Harris
Executive producers: Ben Wicks and Rhe-an Archibald for Expectation and Pollyanna McGirr and David Geli for Momo G

Published: 29 Sep 2022