Radio Times review

If I tell you that the expression "penal code" is enough to raise a laugh in this edition of QI and that at one stage Alan Davies is reduced to sticking his biro to his top lip for fun, you'll get the picture. It's not, I'm afraid to say, a classic. And that's despite the presence of the usually rock-solid David Mitchell, who is strangely subdued throughout.

So why watch? Well because even a sub-par, so-so QI can put a wry smile on your face and impart mildly intriguing titbits, such as the fact that a French documentary about King Edward VII's coronation featured a lavatory attendant standing in for the king.

Radio Times review

Joyce has survived her botched facial at the hands of Kenneth and wants to know exactly what was injected into her skin. The delusional Geoff (Johnny Vegas) builds bridges with the Dykes but only makes an even bigger fool of himself - in a bizarre incident involving hot coals. Les's embittered ex-wife Gloria (Denise Black) tries to lure their son Liam back to Oldham, while Jacqueline and gloomy Glynn gatecrash a pilota ball game.

An eventful episode then, but almost mirth-free as Benidorm paddles in ever shallower waters. And Janine Duvitski looks bereft paired with Alan David in place of her comedy partner, Kenny Ireland.

Thoughts on Catastrophe

Well done Sharon and Rob, you nailed it; I'll definitely be watching more of Catastrophe. Who knows, maybe the next episode will be shit?

Review: Joe Wilkinson, Jarlath Regan, Paul McCaffrey

The only thing the three acts had in common was the same management. It was all pretty normal until Wilkinson appeared.

Kayvan Novak to host phone-in show as Terry Tibbs

Comedian Kayvan Novak is to take over the microphone on talkSPORT as his wheeler-dealer alter-ego, Terry Tibbs. On Friday 6 February from 10pm, no-nonsense car salesman Terry will host a sporting phone-in, Talk to Me, and give his unique take on the biggest sport stories of the day.

Keith Lemon: The Sequel? "It's written & ready to film"

Keith Lemon has revealed that a sequel to Keith Lemon: The Film has been written.

Funny feeling: Idil Sukan's soulful snaps of standups

In her exhibition This Comedian, Idil Sukan captures comics in contemplative poses - plus there's Phil Nichol snogging a lion. Katherine Ryan, Bridget Christie, Stewart Lee and Steve Coogan all feature in the show, which runs from 20 February to 2 March at the Embassy Tea Gallery in Southwark, London. An accompanying live event, in which standups talk about baring their soul on stage, takes place at the Duchess theatre on 26 January. All photographs: Idil Sukan.

This week's new live comedy

Previews of Nina Contip, Harry Hill and Dane Baptiste.

Slapstick awards pay tribute to Vic & Bob

The undisputed champions of surreal visual comedy, Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer will be in Bristol on Sunday to be presented with the fabulous Aardman Slapstick Visual Comedy Award.

Karen White: It's good to be back doing open mics

Karen White on what he learned leaving, and returning to, the circuit.

The story of New Labour in Peep Show quotes

Brendan O'Carroll is Eire's philanthropist of the year

Comedian Brendan O'Carroll has been awarded the accolade "National Philanthropist of the Year" by the Community Foundation for Ireland.

Catastrophe review

The first episode has done a solid job of setting the tone for the whole series, makes me wonder why the BBC turned the script down (they had initially commissioned a script from Rob, who invited Sharon to write it with him).

Could monthly comedy show reinvigorate Scottish satire? (Link expired)

A comedy night has just kicked off at The Stand Comedy Club in Edinburgh that aims to put satirical comedy in the shop window. But is it worth buying into? Bobby Finn puts his money on the table.

Mark Thomas: I want to do something different

The news that Pub Landlord is to contest this year's election in Nigel Farage's constituency might be blurring the distinction between comedy and politics, but Mark Thomas has been traversing the line between the two since his performance career began, with serious intent.

Ross Noble interview

When Ross Noble takes to the stage he has no more of an idea what he's going to say than the bloke in row Q. He just wings it. The result is invariably a bizarre, ludicrous and hilarious evening of Noble's cheerfully twisted psyche, as he lurches from one surreal flight of fancy to another.

Martin Clunes: the 'Clunatics' still love Doc Martin

Martin Clunes is about to star in the seventh series of Doc Martin - but always gets home in time for farming, horse monopoly and riding his Clydesdales.

Rowan Atkinson is selling his McLaren F1 for £8million

Rowan Atkinson is selling his McLaren F1 for £8million after it cost almost £1million to repair when he smashed it into a tree - thought to be the highest car insurance payout recorded in Britain.

Interview - Fergus Craig: comedian and writer

After achieving success with his parody Twitter account @Tips4Actors, actor and comedian Fergus Craig has written a follow-up book, Tips for Actors, offering advice from stealing the show to how not to behave in an audition.