Stand-Up Special Airing:: Greg Davies' stand-up special "The Back of My Mum's Head," recorded at The Lowry in Salford, is being broadcast. In it, he humorously explores the concept of 'normality' after his mother suggested he wasn't normal.
Taskmaster Origins Revealed:: Footage from the original 2010 Edinburgh Fringe stage version of *Taskmaster* has surfaced online.
Creator's Role:: The stage show was created by Alex Horne, who initially played the role of the Taskmaster himself.
Early Contestants:: Several comedians from the original stage show, including Joe Wilkinson, Mark Watson (absent due to illness but intended), and Mike Wozniak, later appeared on the successful TV adaptation.
TV Success:: The TV version of *Taskmaster*, featuring Davies as the Taskmaster and Horne as his assistant, is celebrating its 10th anniversary (as of 2025), boasting 18 series, numerous specials, and international spin-offs.
Why this matters:: This news highlights Greg Davies' comedic breadth, from solo stand-up to his iconic role in *Taskmaster*, and sheds light on the fascinating evolution of one of television's most unique and popular comedy formats.
In his stand-up special, "The Back of My Mum's Head," Greg Davies embarks on a typically hilarious and slightly petty quest. Prompted by his own mother's observation that he deviates from the norm, Davies turns his analytical eye onto the world, questioning whether anyone truly fits the definition of 'normal'. The show, recorded at Salford's Lowry Theatre, enjoyed significant success, leading to an extended tour with sell-out performances.
Recently unearthed footage takes us back to the 2010 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, revealing the genesis of the beloved TV show *Taskmaster*. Created by Alex Horne – now known as the Taskmaster's loyal assistant – the original stage show, titled *The Task Master*, featured Horne himself presiding over the challenges.
Inspired by shows like *The Crystal Maze* and Horne's work on *Big Brother*, the concept involved sending monthly tasks via email to 20 comedians over a year. Their efforts were then presented in a live show. The discovered clip shows Horne introducing the concept and contestants, including familiar faces like Joe Wilkinson, Tim Key, and Mike Wozniak, who would later grace the TV version. Tasks included depositing money into Horne's bank account and finding a hedgehog, judged on ingenuity and comedic value.
From these humble Fringe beginnings, *Taskmaster* transformed into the television juggernaut airing today. Its adaptation in 2015, pairing Horne's creative task-setting with Greg Davies' imposing and judgmental Taskmaster persona, proved a winning formula, spawning numerous series, specials, global versions, and even a forthcoming live experience.
What is Greg Davies: The Back of My Mum's Head about?
It's a stand-up comedy special where Greg Davies humorously investigates the idea of 'normality' after his mother questions his own.
How did the TV show Taskmaster start?
It originated as a stage show created by Alex Horne for the 2010 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Comedians were sent monthly tasks via email for a year, with the results presented live.
Who are the hosts of the Taskmaster TV show?
Greg Davies stars as The Taskmaster, with the show's creator, Alex Horne, acting as his assistant.
Check TV listings for Greg Davies' insightful and funny stand-up special.
Discover the interesting origin story behind the hit show *Taskmaster*.
Appreciate how creative concepts can evolve from stage performances to international television successes.
What's your favourite Taskmaster moment or Greg Davies stand-up bit? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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Greg Davies: The Back of My Mum's Head - Channel 4 HD | TV Guide (target="_blank")
'Taskmaster' original stage show surfaces online | NME (target="_blank")
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