During the course of 2016 virtual reality (VR) social network AltspaceVR has been building a repertoire of immersive live events featuring comedy, music, politics and more. While these events showcase what can be achieved using VR, they are mainly focused on the US market, generally starting at around 7 – 8pm PST. This means that UK/European viewers would have to stay awake (or wake up) at 3 – 4am. AltspaceVR is rectifying this with an expansion into Europe alongside its VR Capture technology, holding the first UK live comedy show in VR.
The live VR event ‘Best of British Comedy’ will take place on Wednesday, 21st December from 7pm to 7:45 pm GMT (11am PST), with owners of Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, or Samsung Gear VR able to download the AltspaceVR app. Taking to the VR stage will be Ian Stone, a famous British stand-up comedian, broadcaster and writer who’s appeared on Mock the Week, Never mind the Buzzcocks and The 11 O’clock Show. While Ben Morris has also appeared on Never Mind The Buzzcocks, They Think It’s All Over and Mock The Week.
Due to its expansion plans AltspaceVR has appointed Debby Shepard as the new Head of International Market Development, relocating to London to lead the effort to provide greater support and expanded programming for European VR users, which comprises 30 percent of AltspaceVR’s user base the company notes.