Tina Fey Brings a Touch of Mary Poppins to Her First ‘Saturday Night Live UK’ Sketch
In a whimsical debut, Tina Fey tantalizes viewers with a sketch for the inaugural episode of SNL UK, set to air this Saturday. The sketch features Fey portraying Mary Poppins while playfully engaging a group of British comedians.
As the first guest host of this UK adaptation of Lorne Michaels’ iconic show, Fey makes a memorable entrance in a teaser titled “Tina Fey – A practically perfect host.” Her awkward descent from the rafters highlights the comedic tone of the new series.
“Gather round children,” Fey begins in a British accent befitting her character. “Nanny’s here with everything you need for a practically perfect— you know what, I’m gonna drop the voice,” she quickly transitions back to her American tone. “I’ve got everything you need for your first ever SNL UK.”
From her oversized bag, she humorously showcases props including a crown (“In case you wanna do royal stuff”), and a comically long shoe, among other items. Cast member Emma Sidi interjects, inquiring about the show’s promotion. Fey responds by revealing a banner that proclaims her as the first host.
As she is hoisted back up, Fey comments on the discomfort of her descent, adding, “It really hurts my crotch,” before bidding adieu. “Goodbye… goodbye, children,” she quips, bumping against a wall as she rises.
The much-anticipated SNL UK will premiere on Sky One at 10 p.m. GMT (2 p.m. PT) and follow on Peacock the next day. Following Fey, Riz Ahmed and Jamie Dornan are lined up as subsequent guest hosts. The show has been in development for nearly five years.
Anticipation for SNL UK is building, with a teaser presentation scheduled for tomorrow night at a Sky Up Next event. More promotional teasers are expected as the network ramps up excitement ahead of the six-episode launch.
SNL UK is helmed by James Longman, previously associated with The Late Late Show.
The cast features a promising lineup of emerging talents, including Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, George Fouracres, Ania Magliano, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep, Emma Sidi, and Paddy Young.
Led by Daran Jonno Johnson, the writing team comprises Al Roberts, Ayo Adenekan, Bella Hull, Celya AB, Charlie Skelton, Chris Cantrill, Ellie Fulcher, Gráinne Maguire, Hari Kanth, Humphrey Ker, James Farmer, Jonno Johnson, Joseph Moore, Keith Akushie, Laura Claxton, Lorna Rose Treen, Louis Waymouth, Nathan Foad, Omar Badawy, and Omodara Olatunji.
SNL UK is produced by Universal Television Alternative Studio in collaboration with Broadway Video, under the direction of Phil Edgar-Jones, Sky Commissioning Executive Lisa Clark, and Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO of Sky Studios & Chief Content Officer for Sky. The UK Productions team at Universal Television Alternative Studio is managed by Managing Director Helen Kruger Bratt, with Shanna Baynard as Executive in Charge of Production and Andy Charles Smith as Lead Producer.
