27/08/2010

BBC Promises Comedy Autumn

TV viewers in Northern Ireland can look forward to a diverse range of fresh programmes on BBC NI with new comedy programming leading the coming season.

First revealed on 4NI and 4RFV, Ailsa Orr, Head of Programmes, BBC Northern Ireland, has now confirmed the programming: "Wednesday nights are the new home of comedy and culture on BBC One Northern Ireland, kicking off with Our William, presented by Lurgan entertainer, William Caulfield.

"Tim McGarry's Irish History Lesson offers an alternative and entertaining romp through the history books, and we have a brand-new sketch series, LOL, featuring local comedy writing and acting talent, (pictured here on location) as well as Sketchy With Diarmuid Corr, a new comedy series starring talented Co Tyrone-born actor and comedian, Diarmuid Corr," she said.

Comedian William Caulfield will be seen in his new four-part series Our William, made by ALX Production.

Each week the popular Lurgan-born entertainer shares his unique Northern Irish perspective on a different everyday grind in front of a studio audience, with relationships, money, travel and health all on the receiving end of his rib-tickling, home-grown repartee.

The comedy continues with Sketchy With Diarmuid Corr, a modern mix of bright new stand-up comedy performance and sharp character sketches, co-written and starring the Tyrone-born actor and comedian.

The series, produced for BBC Northern Ireland by Green Inc, was recorded in front of an audience at The Craic Theatre, Coalisland.

It features Diarmuid performing brand new stand-up material covering a wide and varied range of themes. On each programme, Diarmuid's stand-up comedy sits alongside comedy sketches, as he brings to life a range of original character creations - recognisable, risqué, surprising and in situations reflective of modern life in Northern Ireland and beyond.

BBC Northern Ireland is also bringing together some of the country's freshest comedy talent in a three-part sketch show – LOL.

The series aims to bring a new feel to the age old problem - how to make local people laugh.

Written, performed, produced and filmed in Northern Ireland, the series uses a unique blend of traditional sketch show comedy, mixed with archive and parody.

Meanwhile, invasion, war, famine, repression and conflict - Irish history has always been a rich source of comedy. And Tim McGarry's Irish History Lesson will definitely have local audiences laughing.

Featuring Tim's solo show recorded live at the Old Courthouse, Antrim as well as superb animation from Flickerpix, the creators of On The Air, this is one history lesson that even people who don't like history will want to watch.

See: LOL Marches Into BBC Belfast

(BMcC/GK)

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