In October 1975, Saturday Night Live premiered in the US and, unbeknown to anyone, the show would become one of America’s most successful comedy shows, launching the careers of A-listers from Eddie Murphy to Tina Fey. Fifty years later, the first-ever UK edition is set to introduce a raft of British performers hoping to reach similar heights.
SNL stalwart Fey has channelled her inner Mary Poppins to accept the role as the UK version’s first celebrity guest host, with Jamie Dornan and Riz Ahmed also set to present episodes throughout the eight-episode run, which will air on Sky.
But the cogs that keep the machine whirring are the fixed cast members and writers, and among those poised to become household names are Hammed Animashaun and Bella Hull.
Since the cast was announced on 4 February, it’s been a lengthy process waiting for the premiere date to roll around, and Animashaun told The Independent that he and his fellow cast members are now “as prepared as we can be”.
“The uniqueness of this show keeps us on our toes constantly,” he said, cryptically adding: “I can’t tease anything, you just have to wait and see like everyone else.”
Despite “nerves flying around” and the pressures of sketch writing becoming so strong that they’ve infested his dreams, the frenzied energy isn’t getting the better of anyone; the comedian maintains that the vibe in the studios is great and “everyone is raring to go”.
For Hull, a stand-up comedian and writer, she was blown away by how much everyone cared about the show finally crossing the pond. But this leads to added pressure – especially from internet haters who have been quick to criticise the series before it’s even begun.
“We are all really passionate about making this show as funny as it can be,” she said. “The nature of it being live means a lot of stuff has to happen at the last minute. It’s all part of the magical chaos of it.”
“Obviously, a lot of people are frothing at the mouth for it to fail, but we’re not making the show for them,” she added.
Animashaun, an actor known for BBC comedy Black Ops, said it’s been “absolutely amazing” having Fey oversee proceedings for their first episode, with Hull admitting it’s been a little “surreal” working alongside the comedy titan, who starred in 30 Rock.
“Tina has been incredible,” she said. “Most of us have been obsessed with her for our entire lives, so I’m surprised she didn’t turn up with a security guard. It’s just been so surreal to have her working on this with us.”
Hull said she grows particularly emotional when she considers just how far she’s come alongside her former co-sketch writing partner, Ania Magliano, who will take on the famous Weekend Update segment with Paddy Young. In the US, this segment is hosted by Colin Jost and Michael Che.
Hull and Magliano were a part of the Footlights committee at Cambridge University from 2018-19. Footlights is a comedy troupe whose alumni include John Cleese, Emma Thompson and Miriam Margoyles.
“Ania and I used to write sketches together when we were teenagers. It’s been quite emotional to be on this show together – we’ve always believed in each other and I can’t wait to see her fly,” Hull said.
“There is definitely a level of comfort that comes from writing with people you knew before, but I’ve also made some amazing new connections with other writers.”
The show’s writing team, led by Jonno Johnson, is comprised of Stath Lets Flats actor Al Roberts, Ayo Adenekan, Celya AB, Charlie Skelton, Chris Cantrill, Ellie Fulcher, Gráinne Maguire, Hari Kanth, Humphrey Ker, James Farmer, Joseph Moore, Keith Akushie, Laura Claxton, Lorna Rose Treen, Louis Waymouth, Nathan Foad, Omar Badawy, and Omodara Olatunji.
Meanwhile, rounding out the cast are Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, George Fouracres, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep and Emma Sidi.
Saturday Night Live UK airs this Saturday at 10pm on Sky and NOW.
