James and Dave celebrate Episode 42 by discussing Life, the Universe and Everything with comedy legend and original Hitchhiker's Guide co-writer John Lloyd. A funny and touching tour of Douglas Adams's brain - plus 40 years of John's great creation, The News Quiz.
James Cary talks to comedy producer Steve Doherty (Have I Got News For You, Never Mind The Buzzcocks) about sketches, The News Huddlines, getting out of London, trains and The Craft of Comedy Festival in Llandudno.
James and Dave, joined by Abigail Burdess and Kay Stonham, discuss the shows nominated for the Writers' Guild Best Radio Comedy Award - Guilt Trip, The Pin and John Finnemore's Double Acts. Plus more great advice about writing for the new series of Newsjack, and you get to find out what a 'bottle episode' is.
James Cary and Dave Cohen are joined by Abigail Burdess and Kay Stonham to talk about the Writers' Guild of Great Britain Awards, particularly the shows nominated for Best TV Sitcom (People Just Do Nothing, Plebs, Fleabag). They also talk about sitcom trends, story arcs and what even qualifies as a sitcom these days.
Dave and James talk about the pitfalls of story arcs, fixing characters and breaking fourth walls.
In this episode, Dave and James return to the pain and pleasure (and many other p's) of plotting. Plus two 'First Ten Pages'.
In this slightly chaotic and brief edition recorded at the Writers' Guild of Great Britain, Dave Cohen and James Cary are joined by Kay Stonham, Carrie Quinlan, Joel Morris and Abigail Burdess. They talk about money, making your own show and, somehow, unboxing.
Dave and James talk about what makes a sitcom character - and the importance of familiarity, flaws and lack of self-awareness. Plus another brief appearance from the rodents.
Dave and James look at three First Ten Page pages, and answer some listener questions, including what happens when you switch on the TV and realise someone has got to your sitcom idea first. Also featuring guinea pigs.
We all love Dougal, Trigger and Bubble. There is a fine traditional of idiocy in sitcoms. James and Dave talk about the joys and challenges of idiots - and how they can be surprisingly useful.
With the return of Newsjack on Radio 4 Extra, James and Dave explain why every wannabe sitcom writer should be brushing up their topical sketches.
In this shorter episode, James answers an email and recommends other listening that should be of interest to sitcom writers. Back to normal soon. Promise!
James and Dave get geeky and technical with writer/script editor Andrew Ellard as they ask listeners' questions, covering characters, plot lines and sitcoms set-ups. So they cover everything, really. Nice.
James and Dave talk to writer/script editor Andrew Ellard about his Channel 4 Blap, Outsiders, and his work on Chewing Gum.
James and Dave chat to the king of kids' TV writing, Ben Ward, about Horrible Histories, SMTV and how to write the perfect episode of Danger Mouse. Crumbs!
James and David talk about the pros and cons of crowdfunding sitcoms and give notes on the first ten pages of three scripts sent in by some brave listeners.
Do you want some advice? Of course you don't, there's nothing more annoying than someone telling you what's wrong with your work of genius. In this episode Dave and James talk about how to deal with feedback.
In this episode Dave, James and Katie explain why - whether you're a writer, performer, writer-performer or spectator - it's essential you spend some time checking out the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, plus offer some tips on how to survive it.
In our final episode from this year's Llandudno Craft of Comedy festival, Dave Cohen talks Baby Cow, Car Share and more with top producer Gill Isles.
In the second of their interviews from the Llandudno Craft of Comedy Conference, James and Dave talk to Radio 4 Comedy Commissioner Sioned Wiliam - fascinating, fact-packed and a must for radio comedy writers at every level.
Dave and James record an interview with Ian Martin in front of a live audience at the Craft of Comedy Conference in Llandudno. They talk about the writing of The Thick Of It and Veep. As you'd expect, there is some swearing.
In this packed episode, James and Dave dip into the mailbag (for once) and answer questions about writing for specific TV names, and the merits of characters we never see, like Mrs Mainwairing. Plus two Ten Page Challenges (get the scripts via the Facebook page), and a chat about pursuing other projects. Told you it was packed.
James Cary talks to writer and performer Mark Evans about starting out, Bleak Expectations, and the frustrations of TV transfers.
As if you don't have enough work to do creating believable funny characters and great stories, when you start to create a new sitcom you also need to think hard about the world you're inventing. More insights from James and Dave on how to do this: Plus a new 10 page challenge all the way from China.
Bill Dare is a writer, producer, novelist, and Senior Tutor for the National Film and Television School's Comedy Writing course. James and Dave grill Bill about writing sitcom, how to get on in the comedy world, and what advice he has for new writers.
With a new series of Newsjack starting on BBC Radio 4 Extra, James and Dave discuss why you should be writing for it, and how. They're joined by Dead Ringers producer and National Film Television School comedy tutor Bill Dare.
Do your big plans for 2016 include making a YouTube video to showcase your brilliant sitcom script? Listen to the advice of James and Dave before you decide. Plus the latest 10 page challenge, featuring a script by... James Cary.
In this action-packed episode, Dave and James discuss what commissioners say they're looking for in 2016, and what they really are looking for. They're joined by The Times' Comedy Critic Alex Hardy with a round-up of the latest new sitcoms. Plus the 10 page challenge.
A look back at the sitcom highlights of 2015 with special guest Alex Hardy, comedy critic for The Times. And another 10 page challenge.
James and Dave talk about those things that are easily forgotten as you establish your characters and plot your stories: jokes. We also look at the First Ten Pages of a listener's script, Ivy View. And they're joined by comedy critic from The Times, Alex Hardy.
