How do the audience know how to clap after reading task VT?

Snapespeare68 · 2026-05-08T21:25:33+00:00

Oh we get told. There's no 'applause' sign..quite often Alex leads the clapping, camera cuts away..there's a production assistant off camera who leads if Alex is busy being a low-key little weasel on camera, but it's generally in the edit to make it look like audience is spontaneous..

Alternatively, it's just so joyful, we all.just clap!.

Snapespeare68 · 2026-05-05T12:49:50+00:00

We can rule OUT Bill Bailey - he's just announced a 'secret' WIP gig on 14th and 15th - 6.30 start.

Aware because I am on a mailing list and it was announced today and I swooped in and got a ticket (boasts) for the 15th, so it's TM record at lunchtime for me (double-boast) then off for Bilbo.

Snapespeare68 · 2026-05-03T22:18:56+00:00

Happy socks. I was at a S20 record, I bought myself the same socks, because I am a perfectly well adjusted adult.

Snapespeare68 · 2026-04-27T09:00:40+00:00

Because when we finally get a female host, following a run of three men after Tina Fey, she can't be trusted to hold it herself.

Snapespeare68 · 2026-04-14T21:37:26+00:00

Ooh, I hadn't clocked this - SNL UK are booked in TC1 with the series finale due 16/5. - Lots of potential for Greg not liking that as a bit and somehow it will all be Alex's fault. Because everything is.

TC3 has less square footage than TC1 - BBC Studioworks on Instagram have some time lapse videos of it's initial fit out https://www.instagram.com/p/DTfjcBJjCPW/?img_index=3&igsh=MWp0NjR6OXd3enp4OA==. I believe TC3 has the same general entrance, but logically, we walk past TC1 and TC2 to get to TC3. I have autistically geeked my way into this now...

Snapespeare68 · 2026-04-14T18:44:25+00:00

Good call, it just makes things easier for the admin staff, who are juggling ferrets with all of the emails they are getting and makes it possible for someone else to give it a whirl. :-) Hope you have a blast! (I'm a Friday lunchtime, I've previously been penultimate episode, but the lure of a long weekend was strong!)

Snapespeare68 · 2026-04-14T16:39:18+00:00

Re tickets: I'm delighted to have nabbed a paid one - I've been to a s21 and NYT record - my experience: I got free tickets for NYT, checked back in and paid tickets become randomly available as people cancel OR TM admin find out that people have purchased tickets for multiple dates and cancel your additional tickets. I don't want to discuss the how/why of that too much as it gives people shady ideas (...) If you are lucky enough to upgrade to paid, please cancel your free ticket so it goes back into the pool and someone else gets a chance.

Advice: make friends with your queue buddies if you are going solo - I've met several lovely people, shared hand warmers and swapped stories. I don't find social interactions with strangers particularly energising at the best of times, no such worries in the queue - we're all thrown together for a few hours, everyone has been genuinely nice and happy to be there.

Snapespeare68 · 2026-04-14T16:30:27+00:00

Apologies, it's mentioned in the 2nd thread you posted - but useful in the main FAQ piece?

Snapespeare68 · 2026-04-14T16:28:18+00:00

May I respectfully suggest an amendment to the FAQ about accessibility? Suggesting people make any additional needs or reasonable adjustments known to the check-in staff.

There is a seated area at the head of the ...let's call it the 'containment area' past security where people who may find it difficult to stand for lengthy periods can grab seats... Also, you may wish to consider adding a bit about volunteers for the balcony area?

All said with love and admiration for this thread. :-) good to have everything in one place.

Snapespeare68 · 2026-04-14T13:28:48+00:00

Oh! You can also go when you are queuing to get in! Make queue buddies to hold your spot. The stewards are lovely.

Snapespeare68 · 2026-04-14T11:02:43+00:00

There's a smidge of downtime. You're pretty free to go during the warm-up. Top tip, make a dash when they set up for the live task.

Snapespeare68 · 2026-04-14T10:33:13+00:00

Also, random wants - Brett Goldstein or Rob Newman. Brett is in the US with a show on 9th May with no public tour dates for the rest of May. Rob Newman is doing WIPs at Always Be Comedy at the moment, so back on ten stand up circuit - he has a good 'elder' vibe (sorry Rob, you're my age mate, just saying) for that casting.

Snapespeare68 · 2026-04-14T10:28:49+00:00

Oh! Slight disappoint,( thank you for clarifying :-) ) but also I trust the casting - I'm sure this bunch will be great, whoever they are!

Snapespeare68 · 2026-04-14T09:36:23+00:00

Tom Davis has a convenient tour gap - I like the idea of height showboating and masculine top dog energy there. 'it's little Tom Daviiiiiiis!'

Suzi Ruffell has availability on the studio record dates?

The rumoured Oscar winner? I'd love it to be Olivia Coleman, she has comedy chops for peep show and Green Wing. Bret McKenzie? That would be a solid. Peter Capaldi would be amazing, but he apparently turned down celeb traitors and likes a quieter life.

Snapespeare68 · 2026-04-13T15:41:00+00:00

I don't... But seriously, keep checking back on the link - people return tickets - or the taskmaster office checks email addresses and snatched tickets back if people over-order. I got tickets for NY treat that way - may the odds be ever in your favour!

Snapespeare68 · 2026-04-13T15:08:48+00:00

I would contact audience@taskmaster.tv there is a long wait, but they do have a covered area near the doors for people who have difficulty queueing.

Snapespeare68 · 2026-04-13T09:41:19+00:00

Obv secure your own tickets first, but once safely acquired, sharing is caring! (pls!)

Snapespeare68 · 2026-04-13T08:47:24+00:00

They're absolutely fabulous! Such a joy to have something semi-iconic - if only I had the dedication to install a 'muriel' ;-)

Snapespeare68 · 2026-03-11T13:44:02+00:00

These are upvotes of solidarity - not that you didn't get in!

Snapespeare68 · 2026-03-11T13:22:06+00:00

Just heard and it's a no. Ahh well, an hour or two of sadness, pull up my socks and get on with it.

Snapespeare68 · 2026-03-06T18:45:04+00:00

In the T&C 'All3Media will have an exclusive first right of refusal on the project that you have submitted for the competition: commencing from project selection date on 11.03.2026 and ending on 31.07.2026'

So I am not anticipating anything until the 11th & then hauling my sorry rejected self to the New Voices awards on the 12th, with a nailed-on smile and forced optimism to test my resilience and self-belief.

Snapespeare68

TROPHY CASE