Inside the Making of Saturday Night Live UK: A Bold New Comedy Venture
In a bare-walled boardroom at West London's Television Centre, a group of performers and writers gathers, seemingly unperturbed by the monumental task ahead. They are the team behind Saturday Night Live UK, the British incarnation of the legendary US comedy institution, set to debut live on Sky One and Now on 21 March. With the show's launch imminent, the atmosphere is a mix of calm and palpable excitement as they prepare to tackle the challenge of finding humour in Britain's comparatively beige political landscape.
The Cast and Crew: A Fresh Generation of Comedy Talent
For the past four weeks, 11 performers and 20 writers have been collaborating daily, workshopping material and "finding the alchemy," as cast member Ayoade Bamgboye describes it. Actor Jack Shep likens the experience to "comedy boarding school," while Ania Magliano admits her initial scepticism melted away at the first table read: "How could this be anything other than funny?!"
The cast, aged 26 to 36, includes a diverse mix of talents such as Bafta-nominated actor Hammed Animashaun, Taskmaster contestant Ania Magliano, and standup Larry Dean. Head writer Daran "Jonno" Johnson, known for sketch trio Sheeps, leads the writers' room, which features voices like Gráinne Maguire and Omodara Olatunji. Producer James Longman, tapped for the job after a meeting with SNL creator Lorne Michaels, emphasises that selection was based on humour, not name recognition, aiming to bring a new generation to the screen.
The SNL Legacy: A Comedy Institution Crosses the Pond
Saturday Night Live, created in 1975 by Lorne Michaels, has been a cultural powerhouse for over half a century, launching icons from John Belushi to Tina Fey. The UK version seeks to capture that magic, with Michaels involved in the project. Earlier this year, the cast visited the Manhattan studio, a "pilgrimage" that underscored the show's rich history. For many, like Emma Sidi, it reinforced their passion for comedy.
However, adapting the format presents unique hurdles. The US show thrives on brash humour and celebrity hosts, but British audiences are more reserved. Cast members note that British humour tends to be more self-deprecating and absurd, with a willingness to flirt with darkness. As Celeste Dring points out, "We'll flirt with the darkness a bit more," while Larry Dean adds that British silliness differs from American showmanship.
Challenges and Opportunities: Satire in a Beige Political Climate
One of the biggest tests for SNL UK will be satirising British politics, where figures like Keir Starmer lack the overt wackiness of characters like Donald Trump. Ania Magliano admits there are "conversations about the angle on people who are really boring," but Emma Sidi finds the blandness funnier, citing her past work on Sue Gray. Ayoade Bamgboye draws inspiration from Chris Morris, focusing on the banal aspects of British life.
The show will include segments like Weekend Update, anchored by Paddy Young and Ania Magliano, which promises a fresh take on topical comedy. Yet, with the format combining live sketches, musical performances, and celebrity hosts, it remains uncharted territory for UK television. Producer James Longman acknowledges the risks, saying the preparation has "put my mind to doze" rather than fully at rest.
The Road Ahead: Can SNL UK Succeed?
As the debut approaches, the team faces the pressure of live broadcasting, with scripts often rewritten up to the last minute. They've had workshops with SNL's cue card maestro, Wally Feresten, to hone their skills. Despite potential criticism, cast members like Jack Shep are unfazed, having faced online hate before. The show aims to breathe new life into British comedy, which writer Gráinne Maguire says has been "slowly atrophying" since lockdown.
With Sky investing heavily in the project, SNL UK has already generated significant publicity. Whether it can rise to the challenge of weekly live comedy, blending pop culture parody with news riffs, remains to be seen. But for now, the cast and writers are embracing the opportunity, driven by camaraderie and a shared love for making people laugh.
