London Tonight Show: new host, same set up
The London Tonight Show is
back but with a new host, comedian
Jeff Leeson.
It's also under new management — a team of comics including Leeson, Lars Classington, Ezz Sadel and Rob Browning. They all take part in the writing, producing and directing of the show.
“Before it was one executive producer, now it's a partnership of four,” said Leeson.
Leeson was a guest on the first show early this year. When the show was pitched to Rogers, the executives “like the idea, said it could be marketable” but they favoured Leeson over the original host, he said.
The show is still a crossover between The Tonight Show and Saturday Night Live, combining interviews with sketch comedy.
They completed three shows so far, but only one has aired — the other two experiencing technical difficulties, said Leeson. But despite these setbacks, they still are filling the 100 seats for their live studio audience, and have amassed over 400 supporters on Facebook.
They've also managed to secure some great guests, said Leeson. One of his favourites was Toronto Maple Leafs candidate, Nazem Kadri who Leeson calls “a cool guy to talk to, (who) didn't take himself too seriously.”
The interviews are “very relaxed and light” but Leeson said audiences can expect serious subjects to be broached if necessary. They are currently attempting to get Robert Munsch for a show, and Munsch's recent admission to his battle with cocaine and alcohol would likely be brought up, said Leeson. But he also tries to switch up questions, like choosing not to ask Kadri any hockey questions.
“I try to think of a person who's not in my shoes — what they'd want to know,” said Leeson.
Upcoming guests include UFC fighter Sam Stout, Fraser the hypnotist, musical guest Boss Rebel, New York Rangers' Brandon Prust, as well as other comedians.
“Our overall goal is to keep bringing in solid guests, to keep producing a great show,” said Leeson.
Their official premiere is May 30. For information on how to get tickets to the show's live taping, as well as a schedule of guests and more — visit http://www.londontonight.ca.
It's also under new management — a team of comics including Leeson, Lars Classington, Ezz Sadel and Rob Browning. They all take part in the writing, producing and directing of the show.
“Before it was one executive producer, now it's a partnership of four,” said Leeson.
Leeson was a guest on the first show early this year. When the show was pitched to Rogers, the executives “like the idea, said it could be marketable” but they favoured Leeson over the original host, he said.
The show is still a crossover between The Tonight Show and Saturday Night Live, combining interviews with sketch comedy.
They completed three shows so far, but only one has aired — the other two experiencing technical difficulties, said Leeson. But despite these setbacks, they still are filling the 100 seats for their live studio audience, and have amassed over 400 supporters on Facebook.
They've also managed to secure some great guests, said Leeson. One of his favourites was Toronto Maple Leafs candidate, Nazem Kadri who Leeson calls “a cool guy to talk to, (who) didn't take himself too seriously.”
The interviews are “very relaxed and light” but Leeson said audiences can expect serious subjects to be broached if necessary. They are currently attempting to get Robert Munsch for a show, and Munsch's recent admission to his battle with cocaine and alcohol would likely be brought up, said Leeson. But he also tries to switch up questions, like choosing not to ask Kadri any hockey questions.
“I try to think of a person who's not in my shoes — what they'd want to know,” said Leeson.
Upcoming guests include UFC fighter Sam Stout, Fraser the hypnotist, musical guest Boss Rebel, New York Rangers' Brandon Prust, as well as other comedians.
“Our overall goal is to keep bringing in solid guests, to keep producing a great show,” said Leeson.
Their official premiere is May 30. For information on how to get tickets to the show's live taping, as well as a schedule of guests and more — visit http://www.londontonight.ca.
