Entertainment & ComedyNew
Comedy Rocks with Jason Manford will see some of the country’s favourite entertainers team up with some of the UK’s hottest music acts, to provide a jam packed hour of prime-time entertainment.
Jason will be joined by Merseyside’s motormouth John Bishop, comics Jo Brand and Joe Pasquale and ventriloquist Paul Zerdin – as well as live music performances by Pixie Lott (‘Mamma Do’, ‘Boys and Girls’) and Scouting for Girls whose hits include ‘She’s So Lovely’ and ‘Heartbeat’.
The programme will record the day before TX to ensure no topical subjects are out of bounds or missed by the razor sharp comedians.
Jason says, "I'm really looking forward to being part of this variety event on ITV - music & comedy & a look back over the week, perfect for a Friday night, hopefully there'll be something for everyone"
Elaine Bedell, Director of Entertainment and Comedy for ITV says “Comedy Rocks will showcase some of the hottest new comedy and music talent around as well as some of the most popular and much-loved. And Jason is the perfect host for a show that celebrates that kind of entertainment variety.”
Comedy Rocks with Jason Manford will be made by ITV Studios for ITV1. Executive Producers are Katie Rawcliffe, Lee Connolly and Saurabh Kakkar with Fiona Clark as Producer.
Q&A with Jason Manford
Q - Tell us about Comedy Rocks?
It's essentially a variety show, a mix of music & comedy. But the music will all be live, none of this miming palava! And the comedy will be varied, Paul Zerdin, the best Ventriloquist in the world (says me & my Mum), new star & good mate of mine John Bishop, who's set to have an amazing 2010, very funny, lovely but naughty Jo Brand & to mix it up a bit, Joe Pasquale.
Q – We hear the live audience may be in for a few surprises?
Sort of. I'll be having a chat with them & finding out how their week has been but only to find funny stories, the stuff you just can't make up. But I won't be picking on anyone who doesn't fancy a chat!
Q – Which comedians do you currently like/admire?
I love comedy so much, but my all time hero is Billy Connolly, he is the absolute master. Peter Kay is a close second & ive enjoyed watching Michael Mcintyre. But I also enjoy watching some of the old boys at work, Cannon & Ball, Tarby, Mick Miller, that's the comedy enjoyed as a boy with my family.
Q – Who would be your dream guest on Comedy Rocks?
Well any of the above, but I'd love to get Tim Minchin on the show, also Sarah Millican & Pete Firman are 2 that are a great watch. If we're talking fantasy line up i'd say Jerry Sienfeld, Larry Miller, Billy Crystal, Jeff Dunham, Chris Rock, Eddie Izzard, Lee Evans, argh too many to choose! Music wise I'd have Elbow, Lady Gaga, The Buble & Neil Diamond!
Q – What have you got coming up?
I've a mad tour starting in the summer which will go on for 18 months or so after which I'll probably knock live stand up on the head for a few years & just do the odd telly thing to keep my hand in. 8 out of 10 cats has an tele toon special in May & is back for series 9 in August. As well as popping up on the odd show here & there.
Last edited: Wednesday, 10 March 2010
