During lockdown, Guy Montgomery began hosting silly spelling bee competitions on Zoom and YouTube. That idea evolved into a standup comedy show, then a TV show in his native New Zealand and, now, an Australian version on the ABC. Ridiculously titled Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee, it is a joy to watch – the Guardian review gave it five stars. Montgomery is still amazed he was able to get it made.
“Even if you think you’ve got an airtight format idea, to get that idea made is so unlikely, and so many bits of good luck have to befall you,” he says. “So by the time we’re actually in the studio filming the show and getting to share it with all of the comedians, it feels like a celebration – like the last week of school.”
