The Emmy-winning writers of Birds of a Feather, The New Statesman & Goodnight Sweetheart on 60 years of friendship & comedy.

From meeting at the Jewish Lads Brigade (Finsbury Park Company) in 1960 and making their comedy writing debut for Frankie Howerd in the 70s to their current status as BAFTA and Emmy winning elder statesmen of situation comedy, Laurence Marks & Maurice Gran have had a unique career.

In Shooting the Pilot they share the first scripts – and accompanying essays – for their most famous shows, including Birds of a Feather, The New Statesman, Love Hurts and Goodnight Sweetheart, plus the unproduced Lady Ottoline Pierpoint’s Guide to Intimate Behaviour for Gentlewomen. In addition to conquering TV they wrote West End hit Dreamboats & Petticoats and the acclaimed Radio 4 play Von Ribbentrop’s Watch. A chance to hear two comedy icons in conversation.

They will be in conversation with former Chief Executive of Channel Four, Michael Grade.

Michael Grade, Lord Grade of Yarmouth, has had a long career in broadcasting, encompassing London Weekend Television, the BBC and ITV, as well as over nine years as Chief Executive of Channel Four Television.