BCG Daily Thursday 17th April 2014
News
Features
Press clippings
Lucy Porter talks about her Northern Soul tour
"Yes I'm back to the hardcore drinking and it's been fine," she jokes. "But this week has been amazing, I've even managed to have a spa day!"
Katherine MacAlister, Oxford Mail, 17th April 2014Russell Kane, Queen Elizabeth Hall - comedy review
There may be three Russells but there is definitely only one Russell Kane.
Bruce Dessau, Evening Standard, 17th April 2014Martin Freeman: I'm glad we didn't ruin The Office
Martin Freeman says he's glad he's not doing The Office anymore, because he thinks more series would have ruined it for fans.
Emma Daly, Radio Times, 17th April 2014The Bugle blows away the BBC's tired take on satire
The Bugle, hosted by shock-headed stand-up Andy Zaltzman and transatlantic success story John Oliver, which calls itself "an audio newspaper for a visual world", receives around half a million downloads a month.
Fiona Sturges, The Independent, 17th April 2014Why are we so obsessed with the dark side of comedians?
A few years ago I wrote a book about the history of comedians, homing in on the "sad clown" phenomenon and wondering why so many comedy greats from Grimaldi to Hancock and beyond seemed to be troubled souls offstage. At the time I thought the idea was quite original. But the TV world was obviously thinking on the same lines.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 17th April 2014Chris Addison on Veep, Doctor Who & changing direction
The "busybody know-it-all" star of The Thick of It tells Jack Seale about Trying Again, his radically different new comedy for Sky Living.
Jack Seale, Radio Times, 17th April 2014Time Out Introduces: the comedy class of 2014
Who are the comedy stars of the future? Find out at our Udderbelly gigs showcasing 12 mightily talented new comics.
Time Out, 17th April 2014Eric Morecambe's life recreated in one-man show
If taking on the role of a legend of British comedy is a daunting task, slipping into the shoes of two - and 53 other characters - is a challenge not to be taken lightly. Yet that's exactly what Bob Golding does in the one-man production Morecambe.
Martin Ford, Hertfordshire Mercury, 17th April 2014Dignity is in short supply in feeble heist comedy
"What do we have to lose? one character asks in this good-natured but feeble heist comedy. "Our dignity," is the answer. The Love Punch plays like a corny 1970s sitcom and trades shamelessly in clichés about the French.
Geoffrey MacNab, The Independent, 17th April 2014The Love Punch, review: 'coarse and desperate'
A cast of national institutions gamely play the fool but the result isn't that fun, says Tim Robey.
Tim Robey, The Telegraph, 17th April 2014Review: The Love Punch (12A)
Bringing new meaning to the word 'light comedy', The Love Punch is a film where you know what happens before you decide to see it. There's bickering, sharp remarks between the separated pair, and various reaction shots when a 'funny' moment happens. Yes, the cast have enough charm to prevent you from tearing your hair out, but with so little to surprise you the film will do little more than provide wish-fulfilment for cinemagoers of a certain age.
James Luxford, Entertainment Wise, 17th April 2014Film review: The Love Punch
The Love Punch is not great art and the outcome is achingly predictable, but the on-screen chemistry of Brosnan and Emma Thompson fizzes and there are some hearty laughs amidst the nonsense.
Damon Smith, The Nottingham Post, 17th April 2014David Gritten reviews The Love Punch
One can make a strong case against The Love Punch (and I think I just did) while still warming to it. For all its imperfections, it's likable, generous-hearted and uncomplicated good fun. I can't imagine anyone under the age of 50 caring for it much; but for those old enough to remember post-war British comedy when it was mostly cheerful and spirited, without a touch of cleverness or irony in sight, this is a bit of a surprise treat.
David Gritten, Saga Magazine, 17th April 2014Comedy spotlight: Liam Bolton
Meet a comedian who knows what he hates.
Debs Marsden, The Skinny, 17th April 2014Lesley Joseph interview
Lesley Joseph talks about her starring role in the musical comedy Hot Flush!
Geraint Jones, North Wales Chronicle, 17th April 2014Benny Hill's sex controversy and comedic legacy
The king of bawdy British humour was an enigma whose global success was driven by a lifetime of confusion and loneliness. Chased off screen by prudish conservatives and PC prigs, he remains a pariah to some but a genius to others.
Roger Lewis, GQ, 17th April 2014The Love Punch review
The cast might well have done it just for the sake of a holiday on the French riviera, but at least this cheerfully daft adventure canters along amiably.
Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian, 17th April 2014The Julia Sutherland three minute interview
Glasgow born comedian, Julia Sutherland, is a stand-up comedian and radio presenter. She's known North of the Border for her deeply personal, very funny and fearless one-woman shows. Hers is 'true life' comedy at its best. Martin Walker asks about her exciting future plans.
Martin Walker, Broadway Baby, 17th April 2014Videos
Podcasts
TV & radio
Roy
Series 3, Episode 13 - Freaky FroydayWhen Roy accidentally falls into a film projector, Roy and Mr Hammond swap bodies. Both get a crash-course in what it's like to be in the other's shoes.
Celebrity Juice
Series 11, Episode 6On this week's show, Keith, Fearne and Holly are joined by Lethal Bizzle, Laura Whitmore, Chris Ramsey and Made in Chelsea's Jamie Laing.
Some People With Jokes
Series 2, Episode 4 - Some Dog Owners With JokesDog owners from around Britain tell their favourite jokes. We take the ruff with the smooth as these canine cackle merchants prove it's not just the dogs that are barking. It's the Crufts of Comedy with these wags and there are plenty of shaggy dog stories.