If there was a Guinness World Record for the simplest comedy format, then Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled would probably be most likely to claim it.
It is very easy to describe: four people chat to comedian Alan Davies, all around a table with a few drinks, in front of an audience. That is it, and the only thing they need to do at the very end is come up with a title.
The first episode was also available to preview on UKTV’s own streaming service, although it should be pointed out that it is not the greatest streaming service in the world. It is rather jumpy.
In terms of the actual content of the show however, there is nothing to complain about, which is what counts. The guests for the first episode were comedians Lee Mack, Olivia Lee, Nick Helm and Katherine Jakeways, all of whom have their individual tales to tell. These ranged from Mack’s misadventures with a horse that damaged a Ford Anglia’s wing-mirror; Jakeways dressed as Death for an unfortunately-timed mystery play; Olivia Lee’s Jewish grandmother who is rather too keen to see Olivia getting pregnant; and Helm going to a job interview in his father’s trousers.
The brilliant thing about all these stories is that the lead everyone in the conversation the chance to take the topic in question into some strange paths. One of the first things that they talked about was Olivia being protective of damp patches during one her previous jobs in real estate. This someone leads to everyone else coming up with the idea of incontinent ventriloquism.
As Yet Untitled is a simple, cheap, fun format. A success for Dave.
Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled is one Dave at 22.00 on Tuesday nights. Episodes can be streamed on UKTV’s streaming service.
BELOW CLIP NOT SAFE FOR WORK.
