Episode 72 - Toby Davies (Part 2)
James and Dave talk to Toby Davies about how one sketch can get you a movie. Seriously. Toby talks us through the multiple drafts needed to get Up All Night and Gun Shy to the big screen.
Mar 08, 2018•33 min
Sitcom Geeks
A podcast series for those interested in the mechanics of situation comedy. James Cary and Dave Cohen discuss the art of sitcom writing for TV and Radio.
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Episodes
Episode 71 - Toby Davies (Part 1)
Toby Davies, the prolific comedy writer for kids' TV and now with a movie to his name, talks sketch writing, working with the biggest names in comedy and modestly reveals his legendary contribution to the oeuvre - That Mitchell And Webb Cash Register sketch.
Feb 22, 2018•38 min
Episode 70 - Inside Newsjack (Part 2)
James and Dave talk to brilliant Newsjack host Angela Barnes about how she approaches writing - and what you can do to improve your chances of getting jokes and sketches on the show. Also, James promises to listen to every episode of the new series.
Feb 08, 2018•43 min
Episode 69 - Inside Newsjack (Part 1)
How do you get material on to the BBC's main show for new writers? Dave and James talk to producer Adnan Ahmed and writers Laura Major and Mike Shephard about how to ensure your sketches have maximum impact. And find out what Eddie Izzard's beret thief looked like. Next week: Newsjack host Angela Barnes.
Feb 01, 2018•52 min
Episode 68 - How Many Is Too Many?
Bonus episode! James and Dave with updated writing tips for 2018, plus answers to your questions about working with a partner and how many episodes is the right number.
Jan 25, 2018•37 min
Episode 67 - Writers' Guild Comedy Awards
Dave and James are joined by writers Shai Hussain, Abigail Burdess and Neil Forsyth (writer of the brilliant Eric, Ernie And Me on BBC Four over Christmas) to discuss the winners of this year's Writers' Guild Comedy Awards. Also: is it still right to call Phil Wang young?
Jan 18, 2018•35 min
Episode 66 - Graham Linehan (Part 2)
The Joy Of Seinfeld. Dave, James and Graham Linehan all love this classic American sitcom, and in this episode they share that love with you.
Jan 04, 2018•35 min
Episode 65 - Graham Linehan (Part 1)
The king of audience sitcom talks Ted tunes, radiator tests, the Birth of Bono and plenty more, including EXCLUSIVELY about the new version of The IT Crowd for the US, and how he's hoping it will be third time lucky.
Dec 21, 2017•49 min
Episode 64 - The Nine Types Of Funny
What do you think YOU are? James and Dave talk to Pauline McGowan, Virginia Gale and Kate Benson from research company The Nursery about the Nine Types of Comedy they found in their research (which involved making people watch Mrs. Brown's Boys) - and how most of us aren't as clever as we think we are.
Dec 07, 2017•45 min
Episode 63 - What Sort Of Writer Are You?
James and Dave are joined by ace radio writer and performer Carrie Quinlan to talk about writing for radio, the no-holds barred secrets about what it's like to work with John Finnemore, and more cricket than you might expect from a podcast about comedy.
Nov 23, 2017•44 min
Episode 62 - Back To Basics
'When you build a house you don't start with the roof'. Dave and James talk about how to structure your sitcom, make your characters clearer and - you'll like this - how to add funnier jokes. Don't say we don't spoil you.
Nov 09, 2017•35 min
Episode 61 - Breaking In
As the Writers' Guild launch a new award for best online show, James and Dave update their views about breaking in to comedy via the internet. Plus a short tribute to Sean Hughes.
Oct 26, 2017•41 min
Episode 60 - Pete Sinclair
Jack Dee's co-writer Pete Sinclair joins us to talk about Bad Move, Lead Balloon, writing gags and a fascinating discussion about why audience sitcom is so hard to make.
Oct 12, 2017•59 min
Episode 59 - Notes on Notes
Dave and James with more notes on notes: If you think getting notes is bad, try giving them. Plus another 10 page challenge. If you enjoy this podcast, why not become a Patreon? Details here: https://www.patreon.com/SitcomGeeks
Sep 28, 2017•27 min
Episode 58 - Ben Elton, Newsjack, Patreon and more
A special early edition of the show to give you time to catch up with Ben Elton's sitcom lecture on iPlayer, which Dave and James discuss at length. Plus Newsjack updates, comedy writer Susan Nickson seeks advice, exciting news about Patreon - and proof that Sitcom Geeks is good for you.
Sep 18, 2017•46 min
Episode 57 - In Praise Of Ever Decreasing Circles
Was this the greatest audience sitcom ever? James and Dave are joined by Ever Decreasing Circles expert Jason Hazeley to discuss the genius of Esmonde & Larbey. They're best known for The Good Life but this lesser known show is arguably their greatest work.
Sep 07, 2017•43 min
Episode 56 - Jason Hazeley
Dave and James talk to the co-writer of those Ladybird books, writer for Charlie Brooker, Philomena Cunk and Russ Abbot - Jason Hazeley. Oh, and he's the occasional keyboard player for Portishead. Course he is. He explains how he got started and has a theory that comedy is just music.
Aug 24, 2017•45 min
Episode 55 - Fringe Special
James, Dave and special guest Abigail Burdess discuss the Edinburgh Fringe, how to do it and how to survive it. Warning: this recording also features a Belgian mime artist.
Aug 12, 2017•28 min
Episode 54 - Ask Us Anything
Dave and James' first foray into Facebook Live answering your sitcom-related questions is now a podcast, plus some thoughts on the recently announced BBC pilots. To watch it and see their pallid writerly faces, check out the Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/Sitcom-Geeks-103111846703601/
Aug 03, 2017•50 min
Episode 53 - Barry Cryer (Part 2)
More tales from the comedy coalface with legend Barry Cryer including the first gay sitcom that never was, amazing double act Cleese & Dawson, and the first joke Barry sold to telly (it's a cracker).
Jul 20, 2017•39 min
Episode 52 - Barry Cryer (Part 1)
Yes you read that right, James and Dave talk to comedy legend Barry Cryer about his work with Graham Chapman, and how David Frost shaped light entertainment.
Jul 06, 2017•30 min
Episode 51 - Working With Producers
Fascinating discussion with Lovesick writer Tom Edge, who chats with Dave and James about finding the best producers for your work (can be done), working for free (shouldn't be done) and coping with failure and rejection (yes, happens to everyone).
Jun 22, 2017•47 min
Episode 50 - Writers' Guild of Great Britain: Situation Critical?
A special event organised by the Writers' Guild to discuss the future of sitcom, with legendary sitcom writers Marks and Gran and BBC Radio Comedy Executive Julia McKenzie. Hosted by our very own sitcom geek James Cary.
Jun 08, 2017•48 min
Episode 49 - Tom Edge
Dave and James prevent Tom Edge from getting any useful work done by turning up to his house and asking him questions about how he created and wrote Scrotal Recall/Lovesick and bunch of other things besides.
May 25, 2017•40 min
Episode 48 - Paul Kerensa
Writer/comedian/broadcaster Paul Kerensa (Miranda, Not Going Out and yes, Top Gear) talks to James about writing, performing, podcasting... and luck.
May 11, 2017•32 min
Episode 47 - Eric Chappell (Part 2)
Part two of James's fascinating interview with Eric Chappell: More great insights into Only When I Laugh, Home To Roost and more - and the answer to the question 'will there ever be a Rising Damp re-make?'
Apr 27, 2017•50 min
Episode 46 - Eric Chappell (Part 1)
The Great Rigsby, Pt 1. James in lively and fascinating conversation with the great Eric Chappell, creator of Rising Damp, Only When I Laugh, Duty Free and many more great ITV sitcom hits.
Apr 13, 2017•43 min
Episode 45 - Sketches
Dave and James talk about sketches, as well as books and podcasts on writing. And another First Ten Pages is put under the spotlight.
Mar 16, 2017•36 min
Episode 44 - Challenges and Questions
James and Dave return with two more ten page challenges, and tackle your questions - including story arcs, meeting producers, and the exact mathematical answer to 'how many plots per episode?'.
Mar 16, 2017•43 min
Episode 43 - John Lloyd (Part 2)
Dave and James conclude their discussion with comedy legend John Lloyd talking about Blackadder and, yes, another massive show that John Lloyd had a hand in, To The Manor Born.
Mar 02, 2017•53 min
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