Salford Sitcom Showcase 

2016

Live showcases for BBC Comedy

The Late Late Morecambe and Wise Show

Imagine having The Morecambe and Wise Show back for an evening. For the last five years, Ian Ashpitel and Jonty Stephens have been delighting audiences with their stage versions of Morecambe and Wise. With two West End runs, a national tour and an Olivier nomination under their belts, they have come a long way from the tiny cabaret act they performed for their friends. Both performers have had long careers as character actors on screen and in theatre, and are familiar faces, if not names, to television audiences. Their slightly uncanny resemblance to Morecambe & Wise is just one of life’s stranger coincidences, given that they have been friends for decades. Written by Simon Nye, Rufus Jones and Dominic Holland, with additional material provided by Ian Ashpital and Jonty Stephens themselves. Produced by Adam Tandy, and executive produced by Alan Marke and Jim Reid.

The Russ Abbot Sketch Show

Russ came back with a 2016 reinvention of his sketch show and a brand new band of exciting live performers. The show was full of big memorable characters, some old friends and a roistering sense of energy and fun that only Mr Abbot can deliver. Starring Miranda Hennessy, Luke Kempner, Geoff McGivern, Javone Prince and Arabella Weir. Sketches written by Paul Minett, Brian Leveson, Bill Dare, Chris Reddy, Nico Tatarowicz, Billie Cooper, John Hamilton, Simon Jablonski and Charlotte Pearson. Directed by Tom Parry, and executive produced by Alan Marke and Jim Reid.