SNL UK: A Night of Laughter and Talent at London’s Television Centre
On a lively Saturday night, The Hollywood Reporter was fortunate to secure one of the coveted spots at the season finale of SNL UK, a much-anticipated event held at London’s Television Centre.
The venue buzzed with energy reminiscent of a university campus, where the food hall was packed with people mingling and exchanging nervous hugs. The sounds of a live band rehearsing created an exciting backdrop, but security was notably tight, amplifying the anticipation in the air. As the clock ticked toward 9 p.m., the atmosphere grew electric—there was a palpable sense that the team behind the show was eager to validate their hard work during the two-month production run.
This adaptation of Lorne Michaels’ iconic NBC sketch show has made waves since its debut on Sky earlier this year, drawing in over 220,000 viewers during its premiere episode featuring SNL veteran Tina Fey. Although audience numbers fluctuated throughout the season, the critical response generally leaned positive, despite a low of 86,420 viewers for the episode hosted by Ncuti Gatwa, which aired simultaneously with the Eurovision Song Contest.
The new season commenced with Hollywood star Jeff Goldblum, who, alongside musical guest CMAT, drew an overnight audience of 105,000. The following episodes featured a mix of familiar British faces such as Jamie Demetriou and Amelia Dimoldenberg. Among the attendees at the finale were not only cast members but also notable names like Cynthia Erivo, who took the stage as the show’s host. According to a hair and makeup team member, Erivo has quickly become a favorite among the cast and crew.
Returning for the second season is a talented ensemble, including Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, and Celeste Dring, with Weekend Update hosts Ania Magliano and Paddy Young recently earning acclaim during their solo performances at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. A new addition to the cast, Freddie Meredith, notably portrayed Prince William in a skit, eliciting laughs with a self-deprecating exchange.
Despite skepticism about whether the American format would resonate with British audiences, SNL UK has proven that humor transcends borders. The sketches nail down quirky British sentiments, evident in bits that poke fun at celebrities in culturally unique ways.
The audience for the live recording is kept intimate at 275, with the writers initially presenting 30 to 40 sketches each week. By the dress rehearsal, this number is trimmed down to a mere six or seven sketches to ensure everything runs flawlessly.
SNL UK’s vibrant atmosphere resembles that of a lively party, with cameras, dazzling lights, and a prominent “APPLAUSE” sign encouraging engagement from the crowd. Enthusiastic cast members, passionate about promoting excitement and energy, often entertain the audience before the live show commences.
The opening monologue from Erivo was a delightful highlight, as she humorously addressed public perceptions of her serious persona, accompanied by absurd photoshopped visuals. Her comedic prowess continued to shine through in a series of sketches, showcasing her ability to balance tones effortlessly.
The standout sketch involved a humorous take on her breakout role with a Nollywood twist, aptly titled “Nigerian Wicked.” This hilariously crafted parody had the crowd roaring with laughter at its clever writing and impeccable delivery.
The Weekend Update segment, delivered by Magliano and Young, maintained a sharp wit, covering topical events with incisive one-liners. Among the sketches, Young’s parody audition for James Bond and Shep’s comedic character Scrimpch drew laughs, reflecting the show’s impressive range.
Throughout the performance, the scale of SNL UK’s production was on full display, with multiple sets and a well-coordinated crew working seamlessly behind the scenes. The musical guest, Blossoms, appeared effortlessly at ease, contributing to the lively ambiance.
After the show concluded, Erivo’s exuberance was infectious as she embraced fellow cast members, hinting at the genuine camaraderie that had developed over the week, and the excitement of the upcoming after-party.
Looking ahead, SNL UK is set to return in January. With the show’s evident polished style and a cast that thrives on live performance, it appears that SNL UK may have successfully carved out its niche in the British comedy landscape.
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