BCG Daily Tuesday 28th July 2015
Features
Press clippings
Taskmaster: Nato should be informed of its banter
What the world needs is another comedy panel show, right? But wait... Dave's Taskmaster has added convoluted parlour games to the mix!
Filipa Jodelka, The Guardian, 28th July 2015Frankie Boyle: festival did not intend to hurt anyone
Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has said the organisers of the West Belfast Festival had no intention of hurting anyone about the decision to invite the comedian Frankie Boyle to perform.
BBC News, 28th July 2015Colston Hall comedy review: Alan Carr
A fantastic night of comedy from a man with endless charisma and confidence.
Josh Coulson, Guide2Bristol, 28th July 2015Review: Dylan Moran elevates the comedy of middle age
There may not be any Wilde-quality lines in Moran's latest show that will still be quoted 100 years from now, but for tonight at least, it was wild enough.
Craig Platt, Sydney Morning Herald, 28th July 2015Radio Times review
As a civilisation, we're starting to realise that asking questions about news or trivia from behind a desk isn't the best way to wring semi-improvised laughs out of moderately popular comedians. Far wiser to make them do something less restrictive, where the thing itself is funny before anyone starts. So we come to this fun new jolly, where titular Taskmaster Greg Davies - flanked by the show's creator Alex Horne - awards comics marks for eating as much watermelon as they can in a minute, emptying a bathtub without pulling the plug out, or painting a horse while riding a horse.
The comfortingly familiar guests are Frank Skinner, Josh Widdicombe, Roisin Conaty, Romesh Ranganathan and Tim Key. Skinner is a good weathervane, since he's been around far too long to bother laughing politely at unfunny jokes. Here, he laughs a lot.
Jack Seale, Radio Times, 28th July 2015Fringe 2015 ones to watch: Carl Donnelly
First up is Carl Donnelly, who explains the general trials and tribulations of going to a hipster barber in this clip.
Tom Eames, Digital Spy, 28th July 2015Geoff Norcott: 'Maybe Google deserve to pay no tax'
Geoff Norcott is a working class comic with centre right politics. To help balance the left wing maelstrom of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, reflected on these comedy pages, Geoff presents an extended and alternative point of view. Self-confessed lefty, Martin Walker, enjoys the ride.
Martin Walker, Broadway Baby, 28th July 2015Edinburgh Fringe interview: Colin Leggo
Last year comedian Colin Leggo became an amputee, making use of his surname Leggo. He now presents his gloriously silly, life affirming show exploring how losing a leg needn't stop you standing up. Colin is also well known for his unique take on Cornish culture through his popular Youtube channel which has received over 700,000 hits.
The New Current, 28th July 2015Edinburgh Fringe interview: Ria Lina
Ria's 2014 show School of Riason received award nominations and a commission for BBC Radio 4. This year, Ria's aiming for Comedy Central as she returns with her new show looking at modern taboos such as racism, sexism and discrimination.
The New Current, 28th July 2015Miranda Hart gives boost to Christian comedian's DVD
BBC comedy star Miranda Hart has given her backing to a debut DVD from comedian/illusionist and Christian communicator Tom Elliott.
Inspire Magazine, 28th July 2015Julian Clary once saved Joan Collins from drowning
The stand-up and Celebrity Big Brother winner has opened up about the "terrible drama", which saw the former Dynasty star thrown off her lilo, as she relaxed in the pool at her home in the South of France.
Ashley Percival, The Huffington Post, 28th July 2015The MUJU crew, comedy review
MUJU's new show, Come In! Sit Down!, is not afraid to tackle pretty gritty issues, discovers Bruce Dessau.
Bruce Dessau, Evening Standard, 28th July 2015Shappi Khorsandi writes debut novel
Nina Is Not OK is described as 'a very dark, very funny, bittersweet and edgy tale of a 17-year-old girl coming to terms with addiction, low self-esteem and one disastrous Saturday night that she can't even remember'.
Chortle, 28th July 2015Would I Lie to You? preview
It's almost the panel show equivalent of a sitcom.
Mark Lymbers, On The Box, 28th July 2015Andrew Maxwell: the Fringe is like The Open
He may have been attacked on stage last year but it'll take more than that to stop Andrew Maxwell returning to the Edinburgh Fringe.
Jill Castle, Glasgow Evening Times, 28th July 2015Stephen Merchant play The Mentalists to close early
West End play The Mentalists, starring comedian and The Office writer Stephen Merchant, is to close one month earlier than planned on 29 August.
BBC News, 28th July 2015Adam Riches: The soundtrack to my life
In this week's My Peccadillo, comedian Adam Riches discusses his passion for film soundtracks - but don't mention Gremlins.
Adam Riches, The Big Issue, 28th July 2015This website might just change your life...
Stephanie Laing would like to introduce you to a website that might just change your life - welcome to celebvm.com...
Stephanie Laing, Giggle Beats, 28th July 2015David Walliams unveils Grandpa's Great Escape
Funnyman David Walliams has announced the name of his new children's novel as Grandpa's Great Escape.
Catherine Wylie, The Telegraph, 28th July 2015Review: Daft Wee Stories by Limmy
Daft Wee Stories will sate Limmy's existing fans and proves once again that his wickedly anarchic sensibility moves effortlessly between media.
Jay Richardson, Chortle, 28th July 2015Comics & free speech: Do they practise what they teach?
As some of Britain's best comedians prepare for a benefit in aid of free speech, William Cook asks them about their own experiences of standing up to censorship.
William Cook, The Independent, 28th July 2015Daniel Sloss brings Dark to Edinburgh
Daniel Sloss talks stories, stand-up, sitcom and Scotland.
Brian Donaldson, The List, 28th July 2015Simon Cartwright remembers Bob Monkhouse
Before his death, Bob Monkhouse said of Simon Cartwright, "You do me better than I do."
Caroline Frost, The Huffington Post, 28th July 2015Bryony Kimmings: "I'm an artist, babes"
A Sex Idiot no more, Bryony Kimmings talks to Matt Trueman about growing up and getting serious.
Matt Trueman, Fest Mag, 28th July 2015Home truths
Straight from the comics' mouths, sometimes a mini-Bildungsroman is worth a thousand stars. Vicky Nangle finds out what makes the place they call 'home'.
Victoria Nangle, Fest Mag, 28th July 2015A bunch of weirdos
Outsiders, underdogs, and absurdists: Lyle Brennan sits down with the dark horse comedy troupe Weirdos.
Lyle Brennan, Fest Mag, 28th July 2015Edinburgh preview: Chris Ramsey
When it comes to the Fringe it always feels as if there is an underlying tension between the arty acts and the straightforwardly crowdpleasing stand-ups.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 28th July 2015Interview: Lazy Susan
"Daft... loveable... with hints of a female Vic and Bob," we said of sketch duo Lazy Susan's debut hour last year, and they went on to get a Best Newcomer nomination at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards. The pair - Celeste Dring and Freya Parker - are back again with new show Double Act, of which we're expecting good things, so Robert James Peacock cornered them with some questions...
Robert James Peacock, TV Bomb, 28th July 2015Some fairly interesting facts about comedian Alex Horne
The star of Dave's new show Taskmaster is a neologist with a penchant for Powerpoint...
Radio Times, 28th July 2015Film review: The Legend of Barney Thomson
Adapted from Douglas Lindsay's novel Long Midnight of Barney Thomson, Robert Carlyle's directorial debut is a raw comedic Glaswegian twist on Sweeney Todd.
Clive Botting, The Huffington Post, 28th July 2015Laurence Owen interview
"You're doing quite well," I said to composer/performer Laurence Owen when we met for a chat.
John Fleming, John Fleming's Blog, 28th July 2015Taskmaster: as informal & cheap as evening down pub
Much like all of Dave's original programming, new comedy quiz show Taskmaster was as informal and cheap-looking as an evening at your local pub, but no less entertaining for that.
Ellen E. Jones, The Independent, 28th July 2015Review: The Last Sparks of Sundown
TVO can only hope that the film's initial run - at one admittedly fantastic cinema in that there London - is followed up with a wider release, perhaps buoyed by the presence of Miles Jupp, Kayvan Novak and the voice of British TV legend Geoffrey Palmer as the tale's not-so-humble narrator. If, in this world of web-cam superstars we need to get a little slaggy to sell a movie to audiences, so be it: because this is a film that audiences should see. And hopefully, most of you will.
Paul Holmes, The Velvet Onion, 28th July 2015The Edinburgh Festivals: a survivor's guide
The Edinburgh Festival is a month-long orgy of culture, world-renowned for packing so much into four weeks and for hastily improvised performance venues. if you want to avoid the tourist traps or know where to go when it gets too much, start taking notes.
Katie Welsh, Fest Mag, 28th July 2015Andrew Ryan: former PI turned stand-up
Andrew Ryan maybe 'Perfectly Inadequate' at the Edinburgh Fringe this year, but in a previous life he worked as a private investigator for the insurance industry.
Andrew Ryan, ThreeWeeks, 28th July 2015Stuart Bowden: reversing into the Fringe
Having wowed our reviewers not once, not twice, not thrice, but four times in total at the Fringe (and actually five times, because two reviewers insisted on seeing his 2011 show), Stuart Bowden arrives at the Fringe with another new show this August.
Chris Cooke, ThreeWeeks, 28th July 2015Three to see ED2015: a trio of dragon shows
ThreeWeeks Co-Editor Caro Moses surveyed the children's programme this year and immediately zoned in on three dragon-themed shows. Obviously.
Caro Moses, ThreeWeeks, 28th July 2015Three to see ED2015: delectable duos
ThreeWeeks Co-Editor Caro Moses puts the focus on the cabaret Fringe and picks out three highly recommended duos.
Caro Moses, ThreeWeeks, 28th July 2015Alfie Moore: A Fair Cop Stands Up, Edinburgh preview
If you like your comedy shows to also be an educational experience, then Alfie Moore's latest stand up hour A Fair Cop Stands Up may just be the show for you.
Becca Moody, Moody Comedy, 28th July 2015Fringe preview: You Look Tasty! (A Play By A. Tiger)
Tigers get set to take over the Fringe.
Kelly Apter, The List, 28th July 20155 thoughts everyone has while watching Jonathan Creek
With its combination of comedy, drama, and gore, Jonathan Creek is a detective show like no other. Here's the thought process you're guaranteed to go through while watching the weird but wonderful series...
UKTV, 28th July 2015Fringe Q&As: Kelly Kingham
Kelly Kingham on caves, tranquilizers and his late entry to stand-up.
The Herald, 28th July 2015Fringe Q&As: Blofeld and Baxter
Blofeld and Baxter discuss cricket, the Queen and the Edinburgh rain.
The Herald, 28th July 2015Fringe Q&As: Ally Houston
Ally Houston on clowns, stage fright and demolishing hecklers.
The Herald, 28th July 2015Taskmaster (TV review)
In a world where comedy on UK television is largely represented by generic panel shows, out of the wind comes something different and oh boy is it good.
Callum Moorin, The Angry Microwave, 28th July 2015Interview with Joel Domment
We caught up with Joel Dommett to chat about his upcoming show Conquer at the Edinburgh Fringe, also we chat about the Free Fringe, Impractical Jokers and BBC Three!
Callum Moorin, The Angry Microwave, 28th July 2015Videos
Podcasts
TV & radio
Hacker Time
Series 5, Episode 2 - Dr Maggie Aderin-PocockFun, chat and music from Hacker T Dog, featuring The Sky at Night and Stargazing presenter Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock.
Twirlywoos
Series 2, Episode 2 - OutThe Twirlywoos help a painter make an unusual work of art, and the Stop-Go Car has something surprising coming out of its boot!
Dani's Castle
Series 3, Episode 4 - That Sinking FeelingA romantic date night watching Titanic is ruined when Rich spoils the ending for Kait.
It's Not What You Know
Series 3, Episode 5Miles Jupp discovers how well a panel of celebrity guests know their nearest and dearest.
Taskmaster
Series 1, Episode 1 - Melon BuffetThis week the comedians have to try and paint the best picture of a horse while riding a horse. Also, expect melon-eating, bath-emptying and pop-up tents.