Up the Women: Dad's Army of the suffragette movement?

Strong characters, dialogue peppered with frequent little joys of unforeseen silliness and some of the funniest females in the country - what's not to like?

Suffragettes were winners, & that's not great comedy

It's a tricky thing period comedy - despite the übermensch of the genre, Blackadder, proving indefatigable - there aren't many others you'd seek out in the nether-regions of the EPG (Dad's Army of course; Maid Marian and Her Merry Men). It might not have the laughs of any of them, but with that cast (Hynes! Front! Pepperdine!), it's worth the journey back in time.

Radio Times review

Most of us, I would imagine, could come up with more interesting pet hates to share with the nation than answering machines or the M25 - two of the topics here. But guests on this show don't have to try too hard. However tame their suggestions, Frank Skinner will swoop in with a punchline to make their story/observation/rant look like comedy gold. Or at worst, comedy bronze.

He rides to the rescue a few times as Kelly Holmes, Alexander Armstrong and Henry Blofeld air their grievances. When Armstrong wants to abolish the nothingy days between Christmas and New Year, Frank points out that most people enjoy the time off, telling Armstrong, "What you need is a harder job."

At one stage he even manages to flirt with Blofeld, which is not what anyone was expecting. One of the latter's complaints is, exactly as you would hope, restaurants that don't keep proper powdered English mustard.

Ellie Taylor interview

She has also been offered acting roles and this spring will star as "a mad, drunk woman who likes men a lot", in Brotherhood, a new sitcom on Comedy Central.

Mrs Brown's Boys scoops National Television Award

Mrs Brown's Boys collected the comedy prize at the National Television Awards tonight, beating shows such as Outnumbered and The Big Bang Theory.

Jeffrey Holland interview

Jeffrey Holland became known to millions when he played the role of Spike in Hi-de-Hi!. His new role is as the station master in Arnold Ridley's comic thriller The Ghost Train.

Sacha Baron Cohen comedy 'Grimsby' moves to 2016

Paramount Pictures has pushed its spy comedy Grimsby from its originally-slated July 31, 2015 release date to February 26, 2016.

Al Murray interview

It was 20 years ago this year that Al Murray introduced the world to the Pub Landlord, his pompously loveable, slightly jingoistic, opinionated font of 'common sense', who espouses a 'Thank God I'm an Englishman' view of the world and hopelessly in love with being British!

How comedy took over politics

It's not just Al Murray: British politics is increasingly about who has the most popular joke. The consequences won't be funny.

James Murphy interview

He's a stand-up comedian who also works for a disability charity - which probably explains why James Murphy is putting on a charity comedy night.

Star Trek 3: Simon Pegg taking on co-writing duties

Simon Pegg and Doug Jung have taken over scripting duties for Justin Lin's 2016 Star Trek movie...

Eccentric Party promises phone bill cuts for stutterers

An interview with Lord Toby Jug, leader of the Eccentric Party of Great Britain.

Rarely Asked Questions - Holly Burn

Given that Holly Burn's viral Victoria Beckham clip is all about asking questions we thought it was only fair that we asked Holly Burn some questions of our own.

Al Murray's eurozone solution: Europe goes on the pound

UK comedy character the Pub Landlord, on why EU should be renamed as the 'British empire'.

Brendan O'Carroll on his new comedy

The writer and star of the hugely popular Irish comedy is working on a pilot about "complete losers" for the BBC.

Ray Mears axed as motorhome show speaker

Survival expert Ray Mears has been axed as speaker at the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show after branding caravans as "hideous" and "ghastly" on TV.

Dapper Laughs is not dead

The controversial 'lad' comedian, criticised for promoting rape culture, is scheduled to make his comeback appearance next month.

Alan Carr apologises for NTA acceptance speech

Alan Carr has apologised for his acceptance speech at last night's (January 21) National Television Awards. The Chatty Man star admitted that he was unprepared as he had been so sure that Graham Norton would take home the prize for Chat Show Host.

Linehan steps up complaints about axing of The Walshes

Writer Graham Linehan has become increasingly vociferous on Twitter today following the news that his sitcom The Walshes has been axed.

Joke Thieves - Lowry Theatre, Salford

The comedy seems to be of the lowest order, based on the "I'll do a joke of yours and comment on how I can't believe this is your act" kind.

Fall & Rise of Reginald Perrin star Pauline Yates dies

Actress Pauline Yates, who was a familiar face to millions of TV viewers for roles in shows such as The Fall And Rise Of Reginald Perrin, has died at the age of 85.

Review: Phil Ellis, XS Malarkey, Manchester

'Legitimate comedian' Phil Ellis' made a fabulous return to XS Malarkey this week for, in his own words, 'a rollercoaster ride of emotion' - while wearing a coat that kept getting him mistaken for a doorman.

Helen Keeler on her experiences of sexism in comedy

I have been doing stand-up comedy for five years and I love it. I've met lots of great people; friendly people, clever people, socially aware people. People who explore issues, politics and injustice through comedy. And people who are just plain funny. But I've also come up against sexism like never before in my life.

Up the Women review

Overall the offers some some good fun, with silly characters that all bounce off each other well. Jessica Hynes has done a fine job of satirising such a serious part of history, and it offers a nice change from the mob of chat show and stand-up based comedy of recent BBC times.

Milton Jones interview

When Milton Jones looked out into his audience during one stand-up show, the last person he expected to see was footballer Mario Balotelli.