'Random With Gavin Lilley' Pioneers UK’s First All-Deaf Comedy Panel Show

Breaking new ground in British television, 'Random With Gavin Lilley' is set to premiere as the UK’s first ever comedy panel show to feature an entirely deaf line-up. Hosted by stand-up and sign language consultant Gavin Lilley, the show aims to bring unfiltered deaf humour to both deaf and hearing audiences through its unique blend of British Sign Language (BSL) wit and mainstream comedy structure.

Key Takeaways

• The UK’s first all-deaf comedy panel show, 'Random With Gavin Lilley', will air on LumoTV and Sky.

• The series is post-watershed, unapologetically deaf, and incorporates a special spoken audio commentary for hearing viewers.

• Aims for inclusivity, authentic representation, and a fresh comedic energy on British TV.

A Bold Departure From Tradition

Panel shows have long been a staple of British television, but 'Random With Gavin Lilley' marks a significant departure from tradition. Rather than relying on spoken word, the show operates primarily in BSL, reflecting the lived experiences and unique comedic styles of the deaf community. The atmosphere promises to be lively and unfiltered, capturing the kind of humour normally reserved for deaf gatherings, now given a platform on national television.

Format And Features

The show blends elements of popular panel formats, including bluffing rounds and improvisational games, all with a BSL twist. Each 30-minute episode is delivered with multi-camera coverage and includes subtitles for non-signing viewers. Unique to 'Random' is a ‘Love Island’-style spoken commentary by comedian Robin Morgan, providing accessible humour for hearing audiences without losing the essence of BSL comedy.

Commitment To Authentic Diversity

'Random With Gavin Lilley' stands out for its commitment to diversity, featuring predominantly female panellists alongside deaf talent new to mainstream TV. The inclusive format challenges established panel show conventions, deliberately moving away from the genre’s male-dominated tradition and striving for genuine representation.

Behind The Scenes

Produced by Drummer Television, the show is directed by Seb Cunliffe and developed by a team experienced in both deaf and mainstream programming. The creative team overcame a host of unique challenges, rethinking timing, camera work, and comedic delivery to ensure the show’s signature rhythm worked seamlessly in BSL. The process revealed a wealth of comic talent within the deaf community, long overlooked by mainstream broadcasters.

Impact And Future Prospects

'Random' seeks to make deaf culture and humour accessible to a broader audience while remaining authentic and uncensored. By giving deaf viewers comedy in their own language and inviting hearing audiences to experience BSL wit, the show aims to change perceptions and open doors for further deaf-led programming. Lilley and the producers hope this is just the beginning, with ambitions to invite both BSL users and high-profile guests in future series, expanding representation and breaking down existing media barriers.

The launch of 'Random With Gavin Lilley' is not only a milestone for television but also a celebration of the deaf community’s vibrant, distinctive sense of humour, delivered in a way that welcomes everyone to the joke.

Sources

• UK's first deaf panel show, Random - With Gavin Lilley, coming to TV, British Comedy Guide.

• Random With Gavin Lilley - LumoTV Panel Show, British Comedy Guide.