The Sitcom Show
2016–ongoing
The Sitcom Show is an ongoing video series by Emily Pope. Drawing on the conventions of television sitcoms, experimental feminist video, autobiography and political satire, the project explores class, labour, housing, queer life and the changing relationship between the individual and the state. Each episode is accompanied by an exhibition and an original press release.
Series 1 (2016–2019) takes Pope's domestic life in a privately rented flat in Homerton, East London, originally built as council housing, as its starting point. Filmed on an iPhone and webcam, the series documents everyday life against the backdrop of Brexit, Conservative governments, the closure of queer nightlife, restrictions on protest and increasing economic precarity. Through direct-to-camera narration, parody and satire, Pope examines class differences, working conditions and her experiences within queer, straight and art-world communities. The series draws on familiar sitcom devices, including flashbacks, musical episodes and ensemble casts, alongside influences such as Cheryl Dunye's The Watermelon Woman, Alex Bag's Fall '95 and television sitcoms written by and featuring women and queer characters.
Series 2 (2023–ongoing) moves towards a video-essayistic form, exploring popular culture, lesbian cinematic histories, class tourism, institutional critique and the relationship between art and labour. The third episode, currently in production, considers the decline of the art school and the pub alongside Pope's experience of sobriety and the end of her 'party era'. Pope is currently seeking opportunities to screen and exhibit this work.
Series 2
2023–ongoing
Episode 1: The Karaoke Machine (2023)
Exhibited at Ginny on Frederick, London; PAF, Czech Republic.
Episode 2: The Tourist (2025)
Exhibited at Quench Gallery, Margate; SARA's, New York and KARST, Plymouth.
Episode 3: Title TBC (in production)
Series 1
2016–2019
Episode 1: The Court Summons (2016)
Screened at Ladette Space, Auto Italia and Tate Britain, London; VI, VII, Oslo.
Episode 2: Shoplifting (2017)
Screened at Saggy Balcony/ Wilds Rents.
Episode 3: Skiving Off (2017)
Screened at The Royal Standard, Liverpool; Big Screen Southend / Focal Point Gallery, Southend-on-Sea; Wilds Rents, London; East Bristol Contemporary, Bristol.
Episode 4: The Keyboard Lesson (2018)
Screened at Becky's Gallery, Vogue Fabrics, London; BLOC Projects, Sheffield.
Episode 5: The Party (2019)
Screened at Peak Gallery, London.
Episode 6: The TV License (2019)
Performed live at Peak Gallery, London.