BBC Scotland look for Chewin' The Fat replacement
Feb 7 2009
Chris Musson
dailyrecord.co.uk
A CARTOON about the worst B&B in outer space could become the new Chewin' The Fat. Computer-animated One Star is one of three comedy pilots being tried out by BBC Scotland over the next month. They are also giving internet hit Limmy a shot at TV stardom with his dark humour and cutting rants. And two writers who worked on Chewin' The Fat have written the sketch show Burnistoun, featuring a cast of weird characters from a fictional town.
The 30-minute shows will go out on BBC2 Scotland and be available on the BBC's iPlayer. A BBC Scotland spokesman said: "We are looking forward to showcasing three new comedy shows over the next few weeks. Decisions on whether a one-off comedy show goes on to become a series depend on a number of factors including audience reaction and whether a new series would fit well into the scheduling mix."
Limmy's Show will be the first to be aired. It's on at 10pm on Wednesday, February 18. Limmy - real name Brian Limmond, 34 - is best known for his World Of Glasgow podcasts, featuring a series of comic characters, and his website www.Limmy.com He said: "It's a brilliant opportunity, especially for me who hasn't got years of experience doing stand-up or other telly and radio shows."
One Star - billed as "Fawlty Towers in space" - is laced with sick humour. It is set in the year 2050 and features a Borders farmer opening a B&B in a forgotten corner of space called the Universal Highlands. Harry Bell, from producers Tern TV, said: "We're hoping to attract a fresh, younger audience with One Star. It's great the BBC are giving us a chance"
Burnistoun is penned by writer-performers Robert Florence and Iain Connell. Like Limmy's Show, it is made by The Comedy Unit, who also made Still Game and Rab C Nesbitt. Rab Christie, of The Comedy Unit, said: "This season is a great opportunity for viewers to get a look at some really funny shows."
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I'll post these episodes if they're any good...
