The Sitcom Trials
Host
Kev F. Sutherland
Broadcast
ITV1 West (HTV), 21 February to 11 April 2003 (8 episodes in 1 series)
Synopsis
Friday late-night localised TV version of stage contest for new comic talent (and maybe, the odd slightly familiar face - e.g. Richard Vranch of the Comedy Store Players).
The first parts of two lengthy sketches were performed live to a small studio audience in Bristol each week. A phone vote was held to decide the winning sketch, which would then be performed right through to the end.
The then-looming cutbacks at ITV West appeared to hasten the show's early departure.
Inventor
Kev F. Sutherland
Trivia
The last episode featured sketches written by viewers.
Another involved an almost-obligatory appearance by HTV's own Television Workshop.
Also involved an online 'Pitchfest' competition each week - the viewer with the best sitcom idea won a T-shirt.