Co-authors Jennifer Thorne and Lee Kelly are making waves with their latest novel, *The Midnight Show*, an enthralling tale revolving around a renowned sketch comedy programme and its enigmatic former star. This marks their fourth collaboration, and intriguingly, the concept was nurtured long before the two ever crossed paths.
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The journey to *The Midnight Show* is rooted in the authors’ shared passion for comedy. Both Thorne and Kelly fondly recall childhood weekends filled with creative escapades, making their own camcorder sketch performances. Lee was known for his impressions of Dana Carvey’s Ross Perot and Molly Shannon’s Mary Catherine Gallagher, while Jenn explored the absurd, often extending laughter well beyond conventional boundaries. Their formative years were significantly shaped by influential television shows such as *Saturday Night Live*, *In Living Color*, *Kids in the Hall*, and *Monty Python*, underpinning a profound appreciation for humour that has persisted throughout their lives.
While their individual paths led them to the worlds of acting and law—Thorne pursuing a career as a serious actress and Kelly becoming an attorney—they both relied on their innate senses of humour to navigate the challenges of their professions. It was during their time separately residing in New York City back in 2002 that they encountered the iconic oral history of *Saturday Night Live*, *Live From New York*, instantly igniting a shared obsession with comedic artistry.
Their first meeting occurred in 2015, when they were both presenting their debut solo works. Instantly recognising the myriad similarities in their lives—such as their age, hometown, and writing styles—paved the way for their future collaboration. Their mutual fascination with sketch comedy was a prominent theme, but it would take a decade for them to channel that into a dedicated writing project. Their previous works explored diverse themes, from Indiana Jones to Hollywood’s golden age, before returning to the comedic genre that initially captured their hearts.
*The Midnight Show* has proven to be a joyful endeavour for the duo. Their research process ranged from delving into the nightlife of 1980s Manhattan to studying an array of comedic memoirs, including Tina Fey’s *Bossypants* and Amy Poehler’s *Yes, Please*. The authors carefully constructed a fictitious yet captivating universe filled with both beloved recurring sketches and one-off creations, all while meticulously drafting character backgrounds for their ensemble cast.
Central to their narrative is Lillian Martin, the tragic star of the show whose meteoric rise was cut short in her twenties. Lillian embodies the playful absurdity reminiscent of comedy legends such as Madeline Kahn and Kristen Wiig, yet she possesses the vulnerability akin to Gilda Radner, all while grappling with her own internal demons, drawing parallels to the late John Belushi.
Accompanying Lillian is her best friend, Gina Ross, a sharp-witted former stand-up comedian. Gina channels the influence of modern comedy icons including Kate McKinnon and Catherine O’Hara, showcasing a complex personality that infuses the show with both sarcasm and intensity. The character of Brooke Balsinger offers a different perspective; known more for her allure than her comedic prowess, she is inspired by a mix of comedic talent from the past and present, including Victoria Jackson and Lucy Punch.
The ensemble cast further diversifies with Kent Romero, portrayed as a notoriously egotistical star. His character finds inspiration from figures like Chevy Chase and Judge Reinhold, but with an added layer from the legacy of trailblazers like Freddie Prinze. Similarly, Nolan Young, a seasoned Black comedian, draws from an array of beloved figures such as Eddie Murphy and Cleavon Little, adding depth to the portrayal of comedy’s rich tapestry.
Sam Petrosian, depicted as the quintessential boy-next-door character, draws from the charm of actors like Bill Pullman and Dan Aykroyd. The creators have also crafted Bobby Everett, who evolves from headliner to renowned art-house darling, with influences ranging from Adam Sandler’s musical style to Bill Murray’s dramatic flair.
At the helm of this fictional comedy programme is Aaron Adler, the executive producer wielding influence for four decades. Thorne and Kelly have acknowledged real-life stalwarts for this character, most notably Lorne Michaels, alongside other film industry titans such as George Lucas and John Hughes.
Through *The Midnight Show*, Thorne and Kelly invite readers into a richly imagined world where laughter reigns supreme. Their reverence for the comedic tradition informs every character and narrative thread, making this novel a compelling tribute to the power of humour and the creative spirit. As the book hits shelves, it stands as a celebration of their lifelong love for comedy, inviting readers to explore the absurd and the heartfelt within the realms of fictional possibility.