Noticeable by its 18 months absence from our TV screens, Thank God You’re here is finally back, at it’s new home at Seven. The breakout comedy juggernaut is of course the brainchild of comedy producing legends “Working Dog”, who have been busy with the ABC comedy “The Hollowmen” recently. Since TGYH premiered on Channel Ten back in 2006, it has been a huge rating success, won critic acclaim and has been sold and reproduced in 13 countries.
Ok, if your not one of the millions of viewers that tunned in every week, the show sees a bunch of well-known comedian walking through a blue door, into a un-known scene and left to improvise there way towards the ha-ha’s. It’s the ultimate impro comedy challenge that has even the most seasoned comedians shaking in their boots.
I was lucky enough to score some tickets to a taping of the show last week, episode 6 in the series, and got a sneak peek of what’s to come. I can tell you, the show has remained pretty much unchanged and is as funny as ever. A few things have been changed though.
I’ve been to a few TV show recording and this is the largest scale production I’ve seen. The show is now being filmed in a larger space, at a shed within the Melbourne Showgrounds; which has its advantages. The larger studio space allows for larger sets and a larger audience of 500 which makes for a great atmosphere, something I’ve found can be lost once you’re actually there at some shows. But as Tom Gleisner explained to the audience before the taping begun, there were disadvantages. For example, due to the tin shed roof, if it rained, they were stuffed! Also, a train line runs right by the shed, which can cause noise problems as well.
The audience were treated to some beverages and snacks before the taping begun, and were then led into the studio space. Once all seated, audience warm up guy and “Rockwiz” producer Brian Nankervis (who some might remember as “Raymond J. Bartholomeuz”) chatted with the audience and entertained with some general (well rehearsed) mucking around before recording started. Tom Gleisner was introduced who briefly chatted and let us know that Kate Langbroek, Heath “Chopper” Franklin, Toby Truslove of “Beaconsfield: The Musical” fame, and Angus Sampson would be stepping through the blue doors. After host Shane Bourne had a brief chat with the audience, recording begun.
The whole production ran very smoothly and was all and all a very enjoyable night out (apart from the women commentating throughout the whole show sitting behind us). The show itself was vintage Thank God You’re here, no real major changes or surprises, just pure comedy improv. As for how the participants faired? Well, you’ll have to tune in won’t you?
Thank God You’re here returns 7:30 Wednesday on Seven, featuring Merrick Watts, Rhys Darby, Cal Wilson and Colin Lane.