British Comedy Guide Newsletter
Weekly Newsletter Monday 13th October 2014
We're very excited by a potential League Of Gentlemen reunion - more on that and much else below...
Latest Comedy News
News Picture Ardal O'Hanlon to star in new Radio 4 sitcom

Radio 4 is recording a new sitcom about an angel sent to Earth in human form. Father Ted star Ardal O'Hanlon has signed up for the lead role. Read
News Picture Cast of new Dad's Army film announced

Toby Jones, Bill Nighy, Michael Gambon, Blake Harrison and Catherine Zeta Jones are amongst the cast for the new Dad's Army film. Read
News Picture The League Of Gentlemen meet to discuss a reunion

The stars of The League Of Gentlemen have met for lunch to discuss the idea of reuniting to mark their 20th anniversary. Read
News Picture Contestants call goes out for a Miranda Hart show

Auditions for contestants to take part in a BBC One show hosted by Miranda Hart are being organised. The format has not been named but it is thought to be The Generation Game. Read
News Picture Matt Forde's sport chat show picked up by talkSPORT

Comedian Matt Forde's comic sports-based chat show, Sports Party, will in future be broadcast by talk radio station talkSPORT. Read
Also of interest...
Here are some pages on other websites that you might also be interested in...

- Ricky Tomlinson wants footballers like Rooney to appear in the new Mike Bassett film: The Mirror

- Kevin Bridges has spoken about how 'Hugh Grant' got him arrested: Gloucestershire Echo; Meanwhile 61,000+ tickets were sold for Bridges's stand-up show on the first day of sale. More dates have now been added. Ticketmaster

- Michael McIntyre's step-mother has discussed how she recently revealed to the comedian that his dad actually committed suicide, rather than had a heart attack as he had been lead to believe: Daily Mail

- "Daytime drinking is a dangerous thing". An extract from Graham Norton's book, in which he tells some very honest stories about drinking too much: Daily Mail

- An extract from Paul Merton's book, in which he talks about Angus Deayton being fired from Have I Got News For You: Radio Times

- For all the latest articles, interviews, reviews etc related to stand-up comedy see our page for live comedy: Live comedy press

- The computer game LittleBigPlanet 3 will feature voices by Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie: Polygon

- Radio 4 Extra is planning a three-hour Chris Morris documentary called Raw Meat Radio: Cookd And Bombd

- Will Self says that Vic & Bob cut his funniest lines out of Shooting Stars: Gazette Live

Found these links interesting? For more like this each evening follow us on social media, or visit our website:

Twitter   Facebook   Google+   BCG Daily
Features
Feature Picture Hatty Ashdown - Give Out Girls interview

Hatty Ashdown, the creator of Comedy Central's new sitcom Give Out Girls, introduces her show here. Read
Feature Picture Alan Carr interview

Alan Carr talks about why Channel 4's charity fundraising night Stand Up To Cancer, which he is co-hosting on Friday, is important to him. Read
Feature Picture United We Fall interview

An interview with Gary Sinyor, the creator of United We Fall - an improvised comedy film in which five former Manchester United players tell how they missed out on the biggest prize in football. Read
Feature Picture Richard Herring's Leicester Square Theatre Podcast

Richard Herring's hit interview show is back for a new series. The first guest is Katherine Ryan. Listen
TV Listings
Here is a guide to the new British comedy on TV this week...

Plebs Plebs
Monday, ITV2, 10pm

The boys buy an eccentric slave called Mushki (Tim Key) at an auction. Grumio finds his position in the household gradually usurped as the new guy impresses Marcus. Guide
Never Mind The Buzzcocks Never Mind The Buzzcocks
Monday, BBC Two, 10pm

Rhod Gilbert, Noel Fielding and Phill Jupitus are joined by guests Alex Brooker, Sara Pascoe, punk poet John Cooper Clarke and singer Amelia Lily. There's a funny clip about guinea pigs in our guide. Guide
8 Out Of 10 Cats 8 Out Of 10 Cats
Monday, Channel 4, 10pm

In their quest to uncover the nation's most popular talking points, Jimmy, Jon and Sean are joined by Henry Winkler (aka The Fonz), Henning Wehn, Romesh Ranganathan and Rebecca Adlington this week. Guide
Dapper Laughs: On The Pull Dapper Laughs: On The Pull
Monday, ITV2, 10:30pm

Will single James take Dapper's advice and 'pull' at the end of the night, or will he end up with an embarrassing fail? Based on this tweet, it's safe to assume Frankie Boyle is not a fan of this show. Guide
Mount Pleasant Mount Pleasant
Tuesday, Sky Living, 9pm

More comedy drama. It's often said the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, so Lisa wants to throw a dinner party to foster harmony between the Johnson brothers. Guide
Give Out Girls Give Out Girls
Tuesday, Comedy Central, 9:30pm

A new sitcom about four promotion girls who hand out free products on the streets of the UK. Kerry Howard, Miranda Hennessy, Cariad Lloyd, Diana Vickers and Tracy-Ann Oberman star. Guide
Dave Gorman: Modern Life Is Goodish Dave Gorman: Modern Life Is Goodish
Tuesday, Dave, 10pm

Dave Gorman pokes fun at Lord Sugar's tweets this week. These recent episodes have gained the highest viewing figures yet, suggesting the channel's decision to have already ordered more was a wise move. Guide
Bad Education Bad Education
Tuesday, BBC Three, 10pm

Alfie is forced to sit his Biology GCSE with the rest of his class - but do cheaters ever really prosper? Check out our guide to see a preview clip of Alfie when he was a young school kid, in what looks set to be the penultimate ever episode of BBC Three's hit sitcom. Guide
The Revolution Will Be Televised The Revolution Will Be Televised
Tuesday, BBC Three, 10:30pm

More politically motivated pranks. James and Barnaby visit America's 'toughest jail' whilst Zam Zmith gets OMG with Blake Lively at the Cannes Film Festival. Back in the UK, Darth Vader seeks advice from Tony Blair. Guide
Celebrity Squares Celebrity Squares
Wednesday, ITV, 8pm

Eamonn Holmes, Ruth Langsford, Sam Bailey, Joe Wilkinson, Bradley Walsh, Tim Vine, Nitin Ganatra, Joe Lycett, Aisling Bea and Alex Brooker play the last game in the series. Guide
Crackanory Crackanory
Wednesday, Dave, 10pm

Johnny Vegas and Meera Syal tell stories. This week's wicked tales are about a murderous obituary writer and a man who finds relics from his dodgy past. There's a video interview with Vegas in our guide now. Guide
The Job Lot The Job Lot
Wednesday, ITV2, 10pm

Under pressure to hit targets, Karl and George are on an ill-fated stakeout, whilst Natalie resorts to teaching Bryony dubious new work skills. Guide
Bad Bridesmaid Bad Bridesmaid
Thursday, ITV2, 9pm

Last in the series. Bride-to-be Zoe must convince her hens that new, dippy hippy bridesmaid 'Daisy' (Anna Morris, taking on her second character of the series) is her fiance's relative and not an imposter. Guide
Celebrity Juice Celebrity Juice
Thursday, ITV2, 10pm

Keith Lemon hosts another episode of the popular comedy show. Team captains Gino D'Acampo and Fearne Cotton lead the two teams again. No news yet on who is booked this week though. Guide
Detectorists Detectorists
Thursday, BBC Four, 10pm

The charming series continues. Club president Terry is keen to help Lance and Andy search the bottom paddock at Bishop's Farm, but only because he's convinced that's where Larry Bishop has buried his missing wife. Guide
Scrotal Recall Scrotal Recall
Thursday, Channel 4, 10pm

A flashback to 10 months earlier when Luke, desperate to sleep with childhood crush Ilona McLeod, drags Dylan and Evie to a posh party in the country. Guide
Would I Lie To You? Would I Lie To You?
Friday, BBC One, 8:30pm

No Lee Mack this week - it'll be interesting to see how that changes the dynamic. David Mitchell and guest team captain Greg Davies are joined by Gareth Malone, Amanda Abbington, Richard Osman, and Phill Jupitus. Guide
A League Of Their Own A League Of Their Own
Friday, Sky1, 9pm

Olympic medallist Jenny Jones, football legend Gianfranco Zola and Johnny Vegas join Corden and co. This is the last episode in the run. Highlights from the series follow at 10pm. Guide
Have I Got News For You Have I Got News For You
Friday, BBC One, 9pm

More topical fun. Guest host Frank Skinner and panellists Sara Pascoe and Nick Robinson will be poking a satirical stick at all the important things that have happened over the last seven days. Guide
Not Going Out Not Going Out
Friday, BBC One, 9:30pm

Lee Mack's gag-packed sitcom returns for a seventh series (yes, Series 7. Remember a few years back, it almost got cancelled!). Lee feels the need to prove his manliness in this opening episode. Guide
QI QI
Friday, BBC Two, 10pm

Victoria Coren Mitchell, Lloyd Langford and Jack Whitehall join Stephen Fry and Alan Davies for more brain testing. If you want to look smart head to our guides to read all the facts from the previous episodes. Guide
The Sunny The Sunny
Sunday, BBC Two Scotland, 10pm

Instead of QI, viewers in Scotland get this sitcom pilot from the creators of Burnistoun, Robert Florence and Iain Connell. It's a comedy set in a community centre. Guide
The Graham Norton Show The Graham Norton Show
Friday, BBC One, 10:35pm

Stephen Fry joins Norton this week. The other guests on Graham's sofa are Oscar-winning star of The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, Robert Duvall; and Iron Man himself Robert Downey Jr. Guide
OtherwOrld OtherwOrld
Friday, BBC Three, 11pm

This is a puppet-based sketch show pilot featuring aliens, mismatched pandas and a blow-up doll. The creepy host is great. It's on iPlayer now if you don't want to wait until Friday. Guide
The Jonathan Ross Show The Jonathan Ross Show
Saturday, ITV, 10:20pm

Jonathan Ross is back for a 7th series on ITV. Joining him in the opening week are Sir David Attenborough; Cheryl Fernandez-Versini in her first interview since getting married; fellow The X Factor judge Mel B; and actor Steve Carell. Guide
Sunday Night At The Palladium Sunday Night At The Palladium
Sunday, ITV, 7pm

We've loved the revival of this classic entertainment format. Rob Brydon hosts the final episode of the series, with comedy acts Milton Jones and Daniel Sloss. Neil Diamond and Paloma Faith provide the music. Guide

For a complete list of broadcasts, including repeats and radio comedy, see our full schedule.
New Products
Mrs. Brown's Boys D'Movie Mrs. Brown's Boys D'Movie

PRE-ORDER. Mrs. Brown's foray into film is a rip-roaring comic romp, set in the streets of Dublin, starring Brendan O'Carroll and his family. When market-trader Agnes Brown finds her stall under threat from a ruthless developer, she and her family embark on a campaign to save their livelihood. One of the summer's big comedy hits, it's out in just a fortnight. Blu-ray Details & DVD Details
Jon Richardson - Nidiot: Live Jon Richardson - Nidiot: Live

PRE-ORDER. There's no mistaking that Christmas is just around the corner as stand-up shows begin to pack the DVD shelves. The second live show from 8 Out Of 10 Cats favourite Jon Richardson, Nidiot sees the misanthrope determined to become more easy-going. Can a leopard can change its spots, or is it doomed to be angry forever not to have been given a more uniform and symmetrical fur pattern? Details
Lucky Girl Lucky Girl

OUT NOW. This 1932 musical comedy sees former stage star Gene Gerrard as Stephan Gregorovitch, the unwilling king of a bankrupt country who, along with his chancellor, is accused of stealing jewels at a party. It is the delightful Lady Moira who comes to their aid... Also featuring Molly Lamont before her Hollywood career took off, this rare cinematic treat is out today. Details
Bad Education - Series One & Two Bad Education - Series One & Two

OUT NOW. As Jack Whitehall's hit BBC Three sitcom draws to its ultimate conclusion next week, many will be wanting to catch up with the hilarious antics from Abbey Grove past. Thanks to this box set collecting together the previous two series, doing just that is now possible: Details
Last Of The Summer Wine - Series 25 & 26 Last Of The Summer Wine - Series 25 & 26

OUT NOW. Slowly but surely, these collections of complete Last Of The Summer Wine series continue. Will you be adding it to your shelves? Actually containing Series 24 and 25, this 4-disc box set contains every episode broadcast during 2003 and 2004. Details
Benny & Jolene Benny & Jolene

OUT NOW. Craig Roberts (Submarine) and Charlotte Ritchie (Fresh Meat) star in this improvised, independent British comedy film as an up-and-coming folk duo. 19-year-old Jolene is having trouble convincing her writing partner Benny to become more commercial. Too many industry types get involved, leaving Jolene feeling confused and Benny marginalised. Details

For more, see our full list of new releases and items coming soon.
Comedy Videos
Video Picture Gianfranco Zola hosts A League Of Their Own

Football veteran Gianfranco Zola fulfils his dream by having a go at presenting his own show. He's funny, but perhaps not in the intentional way. Watch
Video Picture Visitors react to missing Eric Morecambe statue

As you may have read, someone tried to steal the iconic statue of Eric Morecambe at the weekend. It's been taken away for repairs. This video asks visitors and locals what they think. Watch
Video Picture Ivan Brackenbury documentary

Meet Ivan Brackenbury, a hospital radio DJ. This 8 minute mockumentary focuses on the character created by Tom Binns. Watch
Video Picture The Seann Factor

Seann Walsh spoofs an X Factor sob story to help promote his tour. Watch
Video Picture Cardinal Burns - How well do they know each other?

Comedy duo Cardinal Burns spend a lot of time in each other's company. But how much do they really know about each other? To find out, BCG asked Seb and Dustin to play the classic game of Mr & Mrs. Watch
Video Picture A Wonderful Christmas Time trailer

The trailer for the UK's first indie Christmas comedy movie. It stars Dylan Edwards, Laura Haddock, Ian Smith, Mandeep Dhillon, Oliver Maltman and Sara Pascoe. It's from the same director as Benny & Jolene (see DVD section, above). Watch
Video Picture Neville's Island rehearsals

The all-star cast of the new stage version of Neville's Island are currently in rehearsals. They explain how it's going in this video. Watch
Video Picture John Cleese interview

John Cleese talks to Eddie Izzard about the time Monty Python failed to make an audience laugh despite having bet on it, working with Peter Sellers and Harry Secombe, and Monty Python Live. Watch
Message Board Posts...
Here are some quotes from our message board...

"I'm still cracking up about the scene in episode two where Andy goes to ask Mr Bishop (Larry) if he could refuse anyone else permission to detect." Marooned on Detectorists

"I loved this Series 2. The writing was tighter, the cast was not so disjointed as Series 1 was, and overall I thought the jokes were funnier and less juvenile." BenS on Big School

"If anyone's got questions about the show I'm still lurking in the BCG shrubbery and happy to answer anything." Tom Edge is answering questions about his sitcom Scrotal Recall

"I am looking forward to the new series but slightly hesitant about the new cast changes, although I think they do need another character for Lee to bounce his jokes off as Series 6 was missing something." Maximusmaxston on Not Going Out

"I just watched the latest Cats Does Countdown and regular Cats back to back and had the completely opposite experience. Countdown was smooth and interesting, while the old Cats seemed slow and awkward." bloopergast on 8 Out Of 10 Cats

"The programme was hilarious from start to finish and the journalism guy was soundly beaten by Mr Boyle." Rood Eye on Frankie Boyle's Referendum Autopsy

"The cast for this movie is superb. Whether the writing will match it is obviously going to be the big thing." Nick on the new Dad's Army
Guide Spotlight
Guide Spotlight Mutual Friends

Who remembers this 2008 BBC One comedy drama? Starring Alexander Armstrong, Marc Warren, Keeley Hawes and Sarah Alexander amongst many others, it was originally conceived as a project for comedy duo Armstrong & Miller. Unfortunately Miller had to pull out due to other commitments, but Haynes filled his role and the series went ahead, following a group of old friends with plenty of baggage between them. The writers' other credits include Citizen Khan, Boomers and Goodness Gracious Me. Guide
Thanks for Reading
A quick reminder that this is just a small selection of what we cover every week. For lots more every day, check out our website.

The British Comedy Guide

Website   Twitter   Facebook   Google+