11 January 2019
Absolute Radio partners with Entertainment One to create suite of bespoke comedy programming
In an effort to banish the January blues and build excitement ahead of the 11th January release of Stan & Ollie – the new film revealing the untold story of legendary comedy duo Laurel & Hardy– Absolute Radio has partnered with Entertainment One unveiling a unique campaign of comedy programming to celebrate the film’s release.
For the first time, the station has created branded comedy documentary content with ‘Half the Money Each’: a show exploring the world’s greatest comedy duos narrated by Jo Brand, airing in two parts on January 13th and 20th at 8pm.
From Laurel and Hardy to Mitchell and Webb via French and Saunders, ‘Half the Money Each’ will look at what made each partnership successful.
For one night only, Absolute Radio also treated its audience of ‘reluctant adults’ to ‘Another Fine Comedy Night’: a bespoke and free event at the Top Secret Comedy Club with some of Britain’s freshest talent including Rob Beckett, Josh Widdicombe, Charlie Baker, Glenn Moore and Rose Matafeo – paying homage to the comedic greats, Laurel & Hardy.
Faith Taylor, Senior Marketing Manager at Entertainment One UK, said: “Fittingly, given the film’s subject matter, we found the perfect partner for Stan & Ollie with Absolute Radio. Their enthusiasm for the film has created a truly engaging campaign that celebrates Laurel & Hardy’s comedic heritage effortlessly for their return to the big screen in 2019”.
Simon Kilby, Chief Revenue Officer at Bauer Media, said: “We have met the Entertainment One brief with tailor-made branded content underpinned by serious comedy credentials. Our insight and understanding of ‘reluctant adults’ accessed through the Absolute Radio brand, coupled with our programming expertise has delivered a creative campaign targeting radio, digital, social and experiential – truly immersing audiences in the wonderful world of Stan & Ollie.”
The unique campaign which runs from 27th December to 20th January was brokered by Zenith and encompasses a combination of radio, social, digital platforms with a dedicated hub online and a bespoke event.
‘Half The Money Each’ is an Unusual Production for Absolute Radio.
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For more information:
Cat Martin, Communications Director, Bauer Media
E: cat.martin@bauermedia.co.uk
T: 020 7432 3317/07932 746 363
Sian Collins, Senior Commercial Communications Executive, Bauer Media
E: sian.collins@bauermedia.co.uk
T: 07718 124 791
About Bauer Media UK:
Bauer Media UK reaches over 25 million UK consumers through a portfolio of world-class, multi-platform media and entertainment brands including heat, KISS, Grazia, Empire, Magic, Absolute Radio and the Hits Radio Network. These brands offer commercial partners access to highly engaged audiences, with creative solutions underpinned by insight and instinct. Bauer Media UK is part of the Bauer Media Group, one of the world’s largest privately owned media businesses with media assets all over the globe.
About Stan & Ollie:
Starring Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly as legendary movie icons Laurel & Hardy, STAN & OLLIE is the heart-warming story of what would become the pair’s triumphant farewell tour.
With their golden era long behind them, the duo embark on a variety hall tour of Britain and Ireland. Despite the pressures of a hectic schedule and with the support of their wives Lucille (Shirley Henderson) and Ida (Nina Arianda), their love of performing, as well as for each other, endures as they secure their place in the hearts of their adoring public.
