ITVX pick up Secrets of the Comedy Circuit
April 26, 2023
UTV’s Secrets of the Comedy Circuit has been picked up by streaming service ITVX, and all four episodes are now available to watch.
First commissioned and aired by UTV in late 2022, the episodes were filmed in front of a live audience in the Belfast Empire Music Hall during their Empire Laughs Back Comedy Club nights, now celebrating 30 years.
The series showcases the vibrant Northern Ireland comedy scene, with local talent and other stand-up artists from further afield, as they share their unique observations.
In the first episode Belfast comedian Paddy McDonnell is MC. He’s joined by local actress and comedian Diona Doherty, Kildare native Emman Idama, and Belfast’s Paddy Raff. In following episodes the eclectic mix continues with Colin Murphy and Andrew Ryan hosting and introducing acts from England, Wales and Scotland, as well as local talent.
UTV’s Programmes Editor, Tony Curry, commented: “The series went down really well with local audiences and we’re delighted it’s now available to watch here on demand, but is also reaching a much wider audience across the UK”.
Simon Clemison, Head of News and Programmes at UTV, added: “A comedy commission was a new venture for us but with so many great acts on the scene in Belfast we knew we were onto a winner. The streaming service hit more than one billion streams last week, with more new shows for free than anywhere else.”