Category: TV Ent; 91Èȱ¬ TWO
Date: 15.11.2005
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Mock The Week, the refreshingly new topical comedy show, returns to 91Èȱ¬ Two in January 2006.
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The first show to combine elements of a panel show with stand-up comedy, off-the-cuff games and role-play, Mock The Week is hosted by stand-up comedian Dara O'Briain (Have I Got News For You, The Live Floor Show).
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It features impressionist Rory Bremner (Bremner, Bird and Fortune) and actor-comedian Hugh Dennis (My Hero, The Now Show) as team captains.
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Comic Frankie Boyle completes the line-up of regulars.
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They are joined each week by a host of top satirical comedians, established stars and exciting new talent from the best of the stand-up circuit.
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Amongst the well-known guests on the first series were Jo Brand, Al Murray, Mark Steel, Linda Smith and Jeremy Hardy.
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But Mock The Week has also provided a chance for up and coming comedians to shine including David Mitchell, John Oliver and Andy Parsons.
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Each week, in front of a live studio audience, Dara tests the lightning fast wits of the comedians through a series of satirical rounds loosely based on the week's news.
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He says: "Personally, I'm delighted to get my feet under the desk again.
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"We had an enjoyable summer run, but with claws sharpened since then, we'd like to be on air during the cold winter months when audiences enjoy a bit of political blood-sports to keep them warm."
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He adds: "The show is always a pleasure to do because it's a mix of playing with some of the quickest comedy minds in the business and, sometimes, just sitting back and watching them be funny.
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"And then picking a winner. Not a bad gig, really."
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Series producer Dan Patterson comments: "Mock The Week was immensely popular with its viewers because it is far more active than traditional panel shows.
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"Where else can you eavesdrop on an improvised phone call between Tony Blair and David Blunkett, watch two stand-ups going head-to-head on the Tory leadership battle, or discover what George Bush really does when he's alone in the White House?"
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Dan Patterson was co-creator (with Mark Leveson) and producer of the series Whose Line Is It Anyway?, which ran for ten years on British television before successfully transferring to the United State.
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He has a proven track record in encouraging future stars: Clive Anderson, Josie Lawrence and Paul Merton all rose to prominence on his shows.
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Intelligent political comedy that takes no prisoners, Mock The Week is all about the survival of the quick witted.
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The series starts recording in mid-January at 91Èȱ¬ Television Centre for transmission on 91Èȱ¬ TWO.
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The producers are Mark Leveson and Bill Matthews and the executive producer is Jed Leventhall.
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Mock The Week is directed by Geraldine Dowd and is an Angst Productions production for 91Èȱ¬ TWO.
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