Ben Elton – beloved Briton, comedian, published author, playwright, adopted son of Australia and contemporary of fellow media polymaths Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie and Emma Thompson – is set to write, produce and present Live From Planet Earth, a Channel Nine variety show slated to air in early 2011.
According to Channel Nine the show is “100 per cent comedy and 100 per cent live. It is a studio-based variety program hosted by Elton with a cast of regular sketch performers, plus guests, comedians, comedy music acts and international stars. Elton will also be delivering his world-renowned stand-up routines and his influence will be felt throughout the program as he revels in the producing, writing and performing roles.“
Said Elton in a statement: “With Live From Planet Earth I want to bring a unique and exciting live comedy experience to Aussie screens… the audience, the performers and our guests will all play a crucial role in the fun.”
Here’s hoping this steps on the mangled bodies of The Wedge and skitHOUSE and breaks our longstanding drought with regard to smart, sketch-based comedy.
Via Nine MSN
