Oakham Rutland Set for a Comic Close-Up: Mark Steel's Acclaimed Radio 4 Show Coming to Town!

Oakham Rutland Set for a Comic Close-Up: Mark Steel's Acclaimed Radio 4 Show Coming to Town!

Oakham Set for a Comic Close-Up: Mark Steel's Acclaimed Radio 4 Show Coming to Town!

Mark Steel at Oakham Castle

Get ready for a dose of bespoke comedy as acclaimed comedian Mark Steel is set to bring his much-loved BBC Radio 4 series, "Mark Steel's in Town," to Oakham's historic Victoria Hall later this summer. The exciting news, announced in the Rutland Times this week, has already sparked a buzz among local residents eager to see their town through Steel's uniquely humorous lens.

One local resident, Martin Brookes, had the particular pleasure of a sneak peek into the comedian's research process. "I had the pleasure of meeting Mark and his producer and fellow comedian Carl Cooper in January this year," Martin shared. "We chatted about Oakham and Rutland whilst enjoying lunch at Castle Cafe Cottage. I have listened to past shows on BBC Sounds and the shows are great; I am looking forward to Mark's findings about Oakham and Rutland."

What is "Mark Steel's in Town"?

For those unfamiliar with the award-winning programme, "Mark Steel's in Town" is a comedic gem that has been entertaining Radio 4 listeners for over a decade. In each episode, Steel, a renowned stand-up comedian and writer, visits a different town or city across the UK (and sometimes even further afield).

The premise is simple yet brilliantly effective: Mark immerses himself in the locale, diligently researching its history, unique traditions, notable figures, peculiar landmarks, and any amusing quirks or local byelaws he can unearth. He talks to residents, visits local spots, and pores over historical archives, all to get under the skin of what makes each place tick.

Following this in-depth exploration, Steel crafts a completely original stand-up show tailored specifically for that town. The performance is then recorded live in front of a local audience, capturing their reactions as they hear their home celebrated, affectionately teased, and humorously dissected.

The show's genius lies in its intelligent and observational humour. Steel has a knack for pinpointing the often-unspoken truths and idiosyncrasies that give a community its character. While the humour can be sharp and satirical, it's always delivered with an underlying warmth and genuine curiosity, often fostering a sense of local pride and allowing residents to laugh along with a fresh perspective on their familiar surroundings. "Mark Steel's in Town" has garnered critical acclaim, including multiple Sony Radio Academy Awards and a Writers' Guild of Great Britain Award, testament to its quality and enduring appeal.

Anticipation Builds in Rutland

With Oakham and the wider county of Rutland now in Mark Steel's sights, anticipation is high. What local legends will he unearth? Which peculiar Rutland customs will catch his comedic eye? And how will he portray the essence of England's smallest county to a national audience?

Given Martin Brookes' enjoyable encounter and the rich tapestry of history and character that Rutland offers, the Oakham episode promises to be a memorable addition to the "Mark Steel's in Town" series. Residents are encouraged to keep an eye out for further announcements regarding dates and ticketing for the recording at Victoria Hall. It's an event not to be missed!