TV ha-ha

While media journalists and commentators have – with some justification, castigated the national broadcaster in regard to its treatment of native comedy talent, the fault can hardly be laid at the door of Billy McGrath. A performer, promoter and eventually a TV producer, he initially started his career while he was a student at UCD. He combined an interest in promoting bands such as the Boomtown Rats with his interest in comedy, setting up some of Ireland’s first ever comedy clubs in Dublin. He later went on to produce the then ground breaking TV Ga Ga show for RTE. He has continued to work sporadically at RTE and in the independent sector both here and in the UK, and also worked for a time at TV3. His appointment as Head of Entertainment at RTE TV, now gives him the opportunity to return to his first love, Irish comedy production.

“We have the talent in this country and it’s true to say that RTE haven’t utilised that talent to the full,” he agrees. “There are a variety of reasons for that, including a lack of familiarity with new comedy directions and the fact that the comedy scene itself has until very recently been quite fragmented and disorganised. The recent rise in the popularity of many Irish acts abroad has led to people seriously wishing to pursue comedy as a career, and in fact if a person is dedicated to making it and has the necessary professional attitude, that makes it easier for us to utilise that talent.”

One of the talents destined for our screens in October is madcap live favourite Jason Byrne. The Jason Byrne Show will replace Don’t Feed The Gondolas, and is being mooted as a 40-minute mid-week programme of music, sketches and interviews. But why was Gondalas axed?

“First let me say that there was a great deal of talent evident on that show, and people like Brendan O’Connor, Joe Rooney, Des Bishop and Patrick McDonnell and others involved are people I’m planning to work with again. The problem with the show was that frequently it was hit-and-miss and I didn’t feel it could be consolidated. During its run the show endured both line-up and format changes which may have led to a muddying of the initial concept. It had its moments; I think the show where Johnny Vegas was a guest was great television, but ultimately the decision was made to move on with a new product.”

What can he tell us about the Jason Byrne vehicle?

“We were very lucky with Jason in that he’s a consummate live performer yet he’s also familiar with the discipline of TV due to his Channel 4 appearances and various things that have been shown on RTE like The Green Green Grass Of Home. The format of the show involves sketches with Jason’s regular collaborators PJ Gallagher and John Henderson, but there will also be guest stand-ups, interviews and bands. In fact the musical element was something we were all keen on including; Jason like myself, is a big fan of new music.”

He has also commissioned Ireland’s first ever sit-com for the 20s-30s age-group, starring another ‘Green Green Grass of Home veteran Ed Byrne. Called The Cassidys, it tells the tale of a group of three siblings sharing a large house that has been left them by their parents.

“This is an independent production by Graph Films for RTE and we’re pleased with the way it’s developing,” says McGrath. “The writing by Brian Lynch and his team is first class, and we begin recording this week. I expect that there will be a continuing input from the writers as we progress, and doubtless Ed and the rest of the cast will feel confident enough to make suggestions if they feel they can offer something positive. I’m expecting great things from the show.”

Other comedy highlights include a further series of the satirical sketch series Bull Island in October, a new vehicle for Aprés Match’s Gary Cooke, featuring his Wally Breslin character, and a comedy series by Catherine Maher based around ancient Celt myths and legends, Castle Tara. There are also 20 new episodes of A Scare At Bedtime with Podge and Rodge recorded for broadcast.

Another initiative instigated by McGrath is the new RTE comedy resource website at www.rte.ie/rawtalent

“The resource is designed to inform comedy fans as to what’s on offer at RTE and also to encourage and inform performers and writers through workshops, competitions and other forums. We’ve already had a winner in our first sketch-writing competition and we plan to advertise writing seminars around the country where we can introduce budding writers to more experienced writers, producers, directors and even actors. If the talent is out there, and I believe it is, it makes sense for us to be on hand and aware of how we can develop that talent in such a way as will benefit RTE and our viewers.”

Another initiative supported by McGrath is the RTE Comedy Newcomer Awards, now in its second year.

“We’ve extended the date of this year’s competition untill Friday, August 10th. It seems that because we’re asking for submissions on video-cassette people may be having problems getting a tape together. In reality, if you can’t get it together to make a five-minute tape I’m guessing you’re not all that serious about wanting to do this. I’ve been down that road as a performer as dedication and discipline are essential. What we’re trying to do with all these initiatives is put mechanisms in place to aid people who are committed to learning and participating in the process, but we can’t and shouldn’t do it for you.”

The recent rise in the licence fee has come in for much debate in the print media. What is McGrath’s view?

“Personally, I feel that if we had got the increase we were looking for we would be able to produce more and better programmes and that’s good

for everyone. With regard to how RTE are treated in the print media I wouldn’t let it bother me overmuch. We and the media are in competion for

advertisers and they’re never going to go easy on us for that reason alone. Also we’re seen as the Establishment so we’re easy to take a crack at. In actual fact there’s a wealth of talent at RTE, and I’m committed to using it in the best way I can and bringing in as much new talent as I feel would reflect the various interests of our

viewers.”