British Comedy Guide - Weekly Newsletter


Weekly Newsletter	Monday 14th November 2011

Another week's been and gone, and there's plenty to look forward to in the 7 days ahead...

Latest Comedy News

	Russell Kane to host new showcase TV pilot Stand-up comedian Russell Kane is to host the pilot episode of a new BBC Three comedy showcase format. Read
	Channel 4 launches Comedy Blaps online series Channel 4 has released the first four of its new online comedy shows, which the broadcaster is calling 'Comedy Blaps'. Watch them on our site... Read
	New Lee Evans show goes 3D at Vue Cinemas Lee Evans' brand new stand-up show, Roadrunner, is to break new ground when it will be screened in 3D at Vue Cinemas later this month. Read
	Alan Partridge web series to get TV debut on Sky Steve Coogan's web series Mid Morning Matters With Alan Partridge is likely to receive a TV broadcast on Sky Atlantic. Read
	Leigh Francis to star in Keith Lemon film Leigh Francis's alter-ego Keith Lemon, best known for hosting ITV2's Celebrity Juice, is to star in his own film. Read
	Jennifer Saunders to write an Absolutely Fabulous film Jennifer Saunders plans to pen an Absolutely Fabulous film next year, it has been revealed. Read

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The Altitude Comedy Festival (26th-31st March 2012) sees the world's biggest names in comedy (Jimmy Carr, Al Murray, Tim Minchin etc) performing over 6 nights at one of the best ski resorts in Europe. Along with venues designed for comedy and cabaret, excellent restaurants, luxurious hotels and enticing spas, Mayrhofen (Austria) also offers access to the entire Zillertal super ski area with 639km of piste and 167 lifts and gondolas.

For the latest news and information on how to book your bespoke comedy and winter sports holiday: Altitudefestival.com

Also of interest...

Here are some links you might be interested in...

- Stewart Lee has published a piece in The Observer which has gathered a lot of interest. "Does comic 'bravery' go hand in hand with being offensive and stupid?" The Observer - Plus, 'is Stewart Lee the most influential comic in stand-up?' asks London is Funny

- The Observer also carried a big Sarah Millican interview: The Observer

- Russell Brand is set to produce and star in a new Hollywood film called The President Stole My Girlfriend: The Hollwood Reporter

- Scottish comedian Limmy had to backtrack after posting 'offensive' comments on Twitter about people such as Margaret Thatcher: Chortle

- Inbetweeners star Simon Bird is to marry his long-term girlfriend: The Daily Mail

- Chris Addison says the new series of The Thick Of It will be filmed in the spring: Digital Spy

- Comedy blog Such Small Portions offers up a four-point plan to fix Never Mind The Buzzcocks: Such Small Portions

Much more of this kind of thing every day via our Twitter account: @UKComedyNews

Features

	Nick Doody interview Nick Doody explains how he produced an Edinburgh show on the cheap, and talks about the state of British satire and how to graffiti Wikipedia: Read
	Sanderson Jones interview You may or may not know of stand-up comedian Sanderson Jones, but he's one of the most inventive marketeers of his craft and a rather good ticket salesman. Read
	This week's top 2-for-1 live gigs Frankie Boyle is amongst the comedians you can get 2-for-1 tickets to see this week, thanks to the offers from Dave's Comedy Society. Read
	PhoneShop 2 - Cast Interviews Martin Trenaman, Andrew Brooke, Javone Prince, Tom Bennett and Emma Fryer talk about the second series of E4's retail-based sitcom PhoneShop: Read
	Oliver Chris 'One Man, Two Guvnors' interview Oliver Chris - star of shows like Green Wing and The Office - talks about starring in the hit West End show One Man, Two Guvnors alongside Jemima Rooper and James Corden. Read
	Dave's Leicester Comedy Festival - Become A Judge Fancy becoming a judge at Dave's Leicester Comedy Festival 2012? If so, read this feature to find out more: Read

TV & Radio Highlights

Here is a guide to what's on the TV and radio. Because of Friday's Children In Need telethon some shows aren't on this week, and some are on different days, so read carefully!

	I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue Monday, BBC Radio 4, 6:30pm Radio 4's antidote to panel games comes from Guildford's brand new venue G-Live. Jack Dee sets the games for Barry Cryer, Graeme Garden, Tim Brooke-Taylor and guest Jeremy Hardy. Guide
	Never Mind The Buzzcocks Monday, BBC Two, 10pm Rocker Alice Cooper hosts the pop quiz. He's joined by guest panellists Olly Murs, Wretch 32, Rufus Hound and Penny Smith. Guide
	Sitcom Does... Monday, GOLD, 10pm A new factual series from UKTV GOLD looking at the themes of family, romance, friendships and Christmas as portrayed within situation comedy. Hugh Dennis hosts tonight's episode, on family. Guide
	Mongrels Monday, BBC Three, 10:30pm Vince bumps into his old mate Danny Dyer; Kali struggles to win back her perch from a bolshy immigrant; Nelson falls for a feisty older vixen; and Marion adopts Destiny's owner Gary. Guide
	Him & Her Tuesday, BBC Three, 10:30pm Becky's parents meet Steve's mum and her new partner. Meanwhile, Paul and Laura have brought along a housewarming present. Guide
	The Impressions Show Wednesday, BBC One, 8:30pm More impressions from Jon Culshaw and Debra Stephenson. Jennifer Aniston's career takes a radical new turn; Katie Price starts her own finishing school; and there's war in the BBC newsroom. Guide
	Fresh Meat Wednesday, Channel 4, 10pm The final episode in the series of this hit new comedy drama (it'll be back next year). Josie embarks on a 'girl power' crusade, aided and abetted by Vod, who believes her uni days are well and truly over. Guide
	Dave's One Night Stand Thursday, Dave, 9pm The stand-up showcase returns for a new series. First up, Ardal O'Hanlon returns to Dublin for his One Night Stand, supported by Gary Delaney and Josie Long. Guide
	Rev Thursday, BBC Two, 9pm The arrival of a particularly talented young curate appears to be a literal Godsend for Adam, but his initial enthusiasm at the thought of some time off is somewhat short-lived. Guide
	Life's Too Short Thursday, BBC Two, 9:30pm Despite an awkward appearance at a sci-fi convention, and a humiliating guest appearance at a Star Wars-themed wedding, Warwick's fortune seems to be on the rise when Johnny Depp hires him to research a new movie role. Guide
	Argumental Thursday, Dave, 10pm Daniel Sloss and Andrew Maxwell are the comedians joining Robert Webb, Seann Walsh and Sean Lock on the revamped panel show this week. Guide
	PhoneShop Thursday, E4, 10pm As Ashley and Jerwayne come to terms with the fact that they are getting older, Lance fumes that a training day has been dumped on him at the last minute. Guide
	Frank Skinner's Opinionated Thursday, BBC Two, 10pm Frank Skinner is joined in Maidstone by Alun Cochrane and Sarah Millican for some light-hearted chat. Guide
	Russell Howard's Good News Thursday, BBC Three, 10:30pm As usual, on Thursday Russell Howard will be offering his unique perspective on the news stories that have dominated the media over the past seven days. Guide
	Spy Friday, Sky One, 8:30pm It's mission completed as the silly new sitcom concludes. It's the day of the custody hearing, and the odds are still stacked against poor Tim. Guide
	A League Of Their Own Friday, Sky One, 10pm Before the panel show takes a short break, fill your boots with a fun-fuelled instalment featuring Jimmy Carr and F1 driver Mark Webber. Guide
	Stand Up For The Week Saturday, Channel 4, 12:05am Jon Richardson hosts another episode of the topical stand-up show (note the late-night start). With Rich Hall and team newcomers Seann Walsh, Josh Widdicombe, Sara Pascoe and Paul Chowdhry. Guide
	Harry Hill's TV Burp Saturday, ITV1, 7:45pm Harry Hill casts his comic eye over the week's TV, from reality shows to soaps, and dramas to documentaries. Guide
	QI Saturday, BBC Two, 9pm The QI Children In Need special is on Saturday this year. Ronni Ancona, Dave Gorman and Lee Mack join Alan and Stephen. Guide
	Misfits Sunday, E4, 10pm A cracking premise this week for the superhero-based comedy drama. The gang are involved in a time-rewind which sees them end up facing the Nazis. Guide
	Alan Carr: Chatty Man Sunday, Channel 4, 10pm Lady Gaga graces Alan's sofa for a chat about her new single; Dannii Minogue talks about motherhood; and Peter Kay drops in to chat about his latest DVD. Plus music from Ed Sheeran. Guide

Above is just some of the new comedy that can be found on the TV and radio this week. For a complete list see our TV & radio schedule.

New DVDs

	Celebrity Juice - Too Juicy For TV Leigh Francis, as businessman and celebrity world newcomer Keith Lemon, joins Holly Willoughby and Fearne Cotton for Celebrity Juice, ITV2's smash-hit panel show. This brand new DVD is jam packed with some of the most outrageous clips from the first 3 series of the show, including plenty that was just too rude to broadcast on television. Pre-Order
	Frankie Boyle's Tramadol Nights It's not quite a year yet since Tramadol Nights first shocked the nation, and you'll seen be able to re-live the controversy (and the hilarity) with this DVD of the more-than-slightly unhinged, late-night Channel 4 sketch show. Pre-Order
	Benidorm - The Complete Series Four ITV's recent lone foray into the waters of narrative comedy will be back in the Spanish sun in 2012 for a fifth series; until then the holidaymakers' antics from earlier this year are now available to enjoy again on DVD. What ever will Madge do without Mel? Order
	John Cleese Live - The Alimony Tour 2011 For the first time ever, comedy legend John Cleese brings his unique comedic perspective to DVD in John Cleese Live: The Alimony Tour. Packed with tales of his life and career, Cleese entertains a packed audience in aid of his recent hugely expensive divorce. The title really is honest. Pre-Order

For more, see our full list of new releases and DVDs coming soon.

Comedy Videos

	Dave's One Night Stand - Ardal O'Hanlon A preview clip from Thursday's new episode of Dave's One Night Stand. Ardal O'Hanlon jokes that Irish politicians always look like they've just broken something. Watch
	Mongrels - When Vince Met Danny Dyer A clip from tonight's episode of the puppet comedy. What happened when Vince the fox met actor Danny Dyer. Watch
	Britain's Got People The first episode of Britain's Got People, a new daily online sketch show. This first edition includes some Boris J insults, interviews at the Occupy London protests, and more. Watch
	Rev - The Curate Clip from Thursday's episode. The Archdeacon delivers the news that soon Adam will be joined by Abigail - a very able, and pretty, young Curate. Watch
	Life's Too Short - Local News Interview Clip from Thursday's episode. Whilst at a sci-fi convention, Warwick is chosen to feature on a local news item. However, the interviewer has no idea who he is... Watch
	Russell Howard - Wayne Rooney Clip from last Thursday's show. Russell Howard mocks Wayne Rooney's terrible, terrible acting. Watch
	Him & Her - Picture Perfect Clip from tomorrow's episode. Becky and Steve need some help deciding where to hang the picture Laura and Paul have given them. Watch
	Foster's Fast Show - Episode 1 The first episode of the brand new 2011 Fast Show series. Featuring Ted & Ralph, Chanel 9, Rowley Birkin QC and a Downton Abbey spoof featuring a familiar actor. Watch

Message Board Posts...

Here are some quotes from our message board...

"It was nice to see Al Murray without the pub landlord persona, he was much better." Jamey on the latest QI

"The Office and Extras do exist and this, sadly, was just a mutation of the two with a dwarf David Brent." Tom G sums up many feelings towards Life's Too Short

"The Phil Mitchell zombie/stunt double bit had me pretty much in hysterics." sootyj discusses Harry Hill's TV Burp

"New guy was great and although it's sad Sheehan isn't in it any more, it wasn't really lacking as much as I thought it would." EllieJP on Misfits

"I found episode one a little boring. The 'have-a-go' hero incident could have really gone somewhere but didn't." roscoff on the return of Rev

Thanks for Reading

Don't forget to double-check those broadcast times owing to the Children In Need schedule changes. And there are just a few days left of our competition to win a copy of Barking on DVD - enter now!

Hope you have a great week,

The British Comedy Guide
www.comedy.co.uk