David Baddiel's Critically Acclaimed One-Man Shows to Premiere on Sky Arts & NOW in November

Image: Sky TV Press

By Jon Donnis

UPDATED 6th November 2024:

I have finally had chance to sit down and watch the 3 new shows and I can loudly state that David Baddiel is back to his best. The format of the shows work perfectly, and Baddiel still has excellent comic timing. The shows start airing from this Saturday, and they are a must watch for any fans of David Baddiel, or fans of comedy in general. Excellent. 10 out of 10.

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David Baddiel, the celebrated British comedian, is set to bring his trio of critically acclaimed one-man shows to Sky Arts and NOW this November. Marking the first original stand-up commissions for Sky Arts, the three shows, My Family: Not the Sitcom, Fame: Not the Musical, and Trolls: Not the Dolls, will debut on consecutive Saturdays, starting from November 9th at 10 pm.

These shows, taped at the iconic Royal Court Theatre in London, represent a return to the stage for Baddiel after a 15-year hiatus. Originally performed between 2013 and 2021, the performances have garnered widespread praise both in the UK and internationally, earning Baddiel accolades for his insightful and often deeply personal comedic explorations.

My Family: Not the Sitcom – Premiering November 9

The first in the series, My Family: Not the Sitcom, is a candid and irreverent tribute to Baddiel's late mother, Sarah, and his father, Colin, who suffers from dementia. The show, which ran for 15 weeks on London's West End, tackles complex themes of family, memory, and grief with humor and raw honesty. Baddiel's approach earned him an Olivier Award nomination, solidifying the show's status as a standout in modern British comedy.

Fame: Not the Musical – Premiering November 16

In Fame: Not the Musical, airing on November 16, Baddiel delves into his 30-year relationship with fame, reflecting on his time as a 'New Lad' figure in the 90s, his Jewish identity, and his varied career as a comedian, singer-songwriter, and football commentator. The show dissects the absurdities of celebrity culture, while offering a glimpse into how public personas can shape, and sometimes distort, personal identity.

Trolls: Not the Dolls – Premiering November 23

Rounding off the trilogy on November 23 is Trolls: Not the Dolls, a humorous yet poignant exploration of Baddiel's encounters with internet trolls. In this show, he takes audiences on a journey through the disturbing and sometimes absurd world of online abuse. Despite its darker undertones, Trolls is filled with sharp wit and reflections on the nature of social media interactions, offering a cathartic release for anyone who has been on the receiving end of virtual vitriol.

Baddiel's Thoughts on Returning to the Stage

Reflecting on his return to performing, Baddiel shared, "I was very happy to discover that, at my advanced age, I remembered these three shows well enough to perform them again on stage. I think that in itself was considered enough of a miracle for Sky Arts to film them."

Production Details

The three 60-minute specials were produced by Avalon, with Jon Thoday and Richard Allen-Turner serving as executive producers. The performances mark a significant addition to Sky Arts' comedy roster and will be available for streaming on NOW.

Where to Watch

Viewers can catch the premieres of My Family: Not the Sitcom on November 9, Fame: Not the Musical on November 16, and Trolls: Not the Dolls on November 23, all airing exclusively on Sky Arts at 10 pm and available on NOW.

This November, David Baddiel's insightful, hilarious, and deeply personal storytelling will once again take center stage, this time, in the comfort of your own home. Don't miss these unmissable performances from one of Britain's finest comedic minds.