Join the audience of a BBC production

by Trev M (subscribe)

Published November 29th 2010

The range and amount of BBC output is truly mind-blowing. Covering television, radio, print and the web, the corporation produces mountains of material for its UK audience. Such is the reputation of its programming, a good deal of it is also sold to countries all over the world.

Most of us consume media in our homes and on the work commute. Indeed, thanks to the portable media player becoming ever more ubiquitous, the once worrying sight of someone on the train breaking into a fit of laughter for no discernible reason is now better understood – they're probably listening to a BBC comedy show.

But there is another way to enjoy it – to actually go along and be in the audience, whether it be a television or radio production.

For an ever-changing list of shows looking for an audience, just pop along to their website and take your pick.

There are a number of venues in London, all well-served by public transport. For starters there's BBC TV Centre, where many TV shows are produced. There's also the BBC Radio Theatre at Broadcasting House in Portland Place, right in the heart of London, where radio shows are made.
The Drill Hall, near Goodge Street, is used for many radio productions too – shows like Armando Iannucci's Charm Offensive, Cabin Pressure, The Now Sound, and That Mitchell and Webb Sound were all recorded there.

The Beeb always needs bums on seats, especially for game shows, quiz shows, chat shows, sit-coms and radio comedies. The experience costs you nothing, and helps to bring some atmosphere to the recordings and live broadcasts.

With the city's theatres charging top dollar for a few hours of stage-based merriment, the BBC offers something a little different – interesting insight into how television and radio is made, lots of entertainment, and kindness to your wallet.