BBC Academy Live presents Future Of Comedy
Explore the craft, business and future of comedy across stand-up, writing, content creation and commissioning, in Birmingham.
***This event has now happened***
This event took place at The Glee Club in Birmingham on 14th October to coincide with finals of the BBC New Comedy Awards 2026.
Designed for both established professionals and those looking to break into the creative sector, the programme will explore comedy across multiple platforms. Sessions featured emerging talent and commissioned creators, covering stand-up performance, comedy writing, content development and the commissioning process.
Welcome by host SMASHBengali
12:30 - 12:45
Stories from the Green Room
12:45 - 13:30
What does it take to make a room laugh? SMASHBengali is joined by comedian Eli Hart (BBC New Comedy Awards winner) and Bas Rahman (Comedian and Writer) for a candid conversation about life on the stand-up circuit, and how a career in comedy can grow from the stage.
From crafting the perfect punchline and working a crowd to landing gigs and handling those moments when a joke doesn't quite land, they'll share stories, lessons and laughs from the comedy frontline.
Expect an honest look at the art of stand-up: finding your voice, reading an audience, and understanding what separates a good joke from a great one. When it works, it's magic. When it doesn't, it's all part of the job.
Panel:
Behind the Laughs: Scripts, People and the Art of Comedy
13:45 - 14:50
Comedy is more than just performing. Behind every great show are writers shaping scripts, casting directors spotting talent, producers backing ideas and performers bringing it all to life.
Join comedian and writer Chris Cantrill, casting director Tracey Gillham, Jason Dawson from UKTV, BBC Comedy and Entertainment Producer Sasha Bobak, and Andy Brereton, Senior Commissioning Editor from Channel 4, for a discussion about the many routes into comedy, both on-screen and behind the scenes.
Whether you're an aspiring writer, performer, producer or simply curious about the business of making people laugh, this session will offer candid advice, industry insight and inspiration from those working at the heart of the comedy scene.
Panel:
Swipe, Like & Laugh: Comedy in the Scroll Age
15:00 – 15:55
What makes comedy work when you only have seconds to grab someone's attention?
From viral sketches and character-led formats to social-first series that make the leap to TV and YouTube, we'll explore what cuts through the noise and what audiences are looking for right now.
The panel will discuss how writing, performance and production differ from traditional comedy formats, the opportunities emerging across social platforms, and where shortform comedy could be heading next. Whether you're creating content already or looking to expand your comedy skills into digital spaces, expect practical advice, industry insights and tips on building an audience in an increasingly crowded landscape.
