Paul McDermott’s new ABC big gig
- Published by David Knox
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- Filed under News
The ABC has announced Paul McDermott as the host of its new Saturday Night variety show, The Sideshow which premieres at 7:30pm on April 21.
This is “the new Big Gig“ that was reported two weeks ago.
McDermott is to be joined by Tripod and the Umbilical Brothers, plus several new performers, rumoured to include cabaret artist Eddie Perfect. Sounds like fun!
There’s certainly room for some live entertainment on Saturdays, and it’s a surprise Nine hasn’t moved on a Parky-style show with Bert Newton. But that’s another story.
McDermott was also a regular on the original Big Gig.
Press Release:
Paul McDermott returns to television, whether or not television wants him to, as the Ring Master of a new one-hour comedy/variety show, THE SIDESHOW, which premieres Saturday April 21 at 7.30pm on ABC TV.
Each week, as he gives his own unique spin on the world, Paul will present a dazzling mix of local and international artists, from the worlds of comedy, music, cabaret, burlesque and good, old-fashioned freak shows.
The big question is, will he sing? Well, what do you think?
Paul will be joined by a troupe of regular stars, including The Umbilical Brothers, Tripod, and comedian Claire Hooper. And some of Australia’s finest fingers will make sure singalongs around the piano are never the same again.
Produced by Ted Robinson (The Glass House, Good News Week), THE SIDESHOW will entertain, delight and surprise viewers of all ages. (It’ll do other things to the viewers too, but we’re not legally responsible for that).
“There’s a whole new generation of brilliant performers out there, and it’s time for them to have a home on television. And if you’re going to put them in a home, there’s nowhere better than ABC TV,” says Ted Robinson, GNWTV Executive Producer.
“It’s great to have Paul McDermott back centre-stage on ABC TV, fronting a show which dishes up topical comedy and cutting-edge musical satire. Australia needs a prime time performance program that’s not hostage to a tiresome, tricksy reality/game format, with no judges and no voting-off, just top shelf acts that will captivate and confound,” says Courtney Gibson, ABC TV Head of Arts, Entertainment and Comedy.