Twenty comedy pilots enter, most get cancelled. British humor's brutal proving ground.
Season 3 • Episode 7
LatestIn 1908, banker and would-be inventor Felix and his idle, aristocratic friend Murdo, unsuccessful suitor for Felix's sister Winnie, read that the Olympic Games are to take place in London at the exorbitant cost of twelve guineas. Murdo decides to enter the javelin contest to impress Winnie though his training - by Felix - involves drinking and smoking. Meanwhile, Felix is challenged to a duel by the father of Fanny,his betrothed, after opting to see Little Titch at the music hall, rather than get married. Murdo vows to win the event on behalf of the now injured Felix. Will he pull it off or lose out to clean-cut American rival Rex Masters?
Comedy Showcase is a series of one-off comedy specials featuring some of Britain's fledgling comedy talent. Its format is reminiscent of the much earlier Comedy Playhouse. The format was replaced in 2012 by 4Funnies.
Writing
Raw, unpolished ideas before network notes killed them.
Production
Low-stakes playground for future stars.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Britain's comedy incubator system: throw everything at the wall, fund what sticks. America's network pilot season wishes it had this efficiency.
Replaced by 4Funnies in 2012, which itself lasted four years. The format keeps dying and resurrecting like comedy's own personal zombie.
GB
