BCG Daily Monday 14th November 2011

Gigglebox Weekly #26

This week Ian Wolf reviews three TV shows that don't star Ricky Gervais and a dwarf.

Mongrels - Definitely not the Muppets

Reminiscent of one of the all-time great movies, The Player, there are times that you'd like to be a fly on the wall in a pitch meeting trying to convince studio heads that your idea is the next Seinfeld, ER or Desperate Housewives. Imagine your pitch to the BBC commissioners for a series called Mongrels.

Misfits series 3 episode 3 review

Misfits gives us the Simon-centric episode we've been waiting for. So: what was it like? Here's Caroline's review...

Should I do a free show at the Edinburgh Fringe?

A while ago, I posted about the benefits of putting on a show at the Edinburgh Fringe (here). I was thinking about this over the weekend after I'd suggested doing Edinburgh to some fledgling funny folks on Friday. The Free Fringe, I said, since it really is what it says on the tin. Free for performers to put on shows. It was pointed out, however, that producers were reluctant to scout at these shows and venues.

Open Book's funniest book

Between now and Christmas, Open Book is on a mission to dispel the gloom that's all around us by celebrating the enduring pleasure of classic comic writing. Mariella Frostrup and her guests will celebrate funny books, funny writers and the much under-rated virtues of laughter-inducing literature.

Audio: Lenny Henry on "The Comedy of Errors"

Lenny Henry is one of Britain's best known comedians, but two years ago, at the age of 51, he took everyone by surprise by making his stage acting debut, playing Othello, and then going on to win the Evening Standard outstanding newcomer award.

Arts correspondent Rebecca Jones reports from the National Theatre where the comedian is now tackling Shakespeare's The Comedy of Errors.

The spotlight on ... Romesh Ranganathan

He used to do freestyle rap battles, now he's Seann Walsh's tour support - it's only bloomin' Romesh Ranganathan!

Ash Atalla: The whole iPad thing has been a revelation

TV producer Ash Atalla doesn't make a move without his trusty iPad on his lap.

Video: Robbie Coltrane wins Bafta Scotland award

Actor Robbie Coltrane has been honoured for his outstanding contribution to film at the Bafta Scotland awards.

The Harry Potter and Cracker star was one of a number of celebrity guests in Glasgow for the ceremony.

Peter Mullen won two awards for his film Neds. The TV programmes Limmy's Show and The Scheme were also winners.

Freddie Starr unwell after Bushtucker Trial

I'm A Celebrity contestant Freddie Starr was dramatically rushed to hospital yesterday after suffering a severe allergic reaction in the jungle.

Robert Webb: 'We'll do it for as long as they let us'

"I think the four of us sort of made an informal pact really, as soon as the second series was commissioned, that we want to do for as long as they'll let us."

The Dickhead List: Peter Kay's Fans

We're really not sure how he does it, but Peter Kay seems to have a remarkable ability to get on stage and literally just list brands, TV shows and board games from yesteryear, and his crowd will whoop, applaud and laugh in recognition.

Video: Tim Minchin: 'Playing arenas feels ridiculous'

Tim Minchin has said that it feels "ridiculous" to be playing massive arenas and venues like the Royal Albert Hall.

Mongrels live chat

Nelson and Marion are here to answer your questions on Monday 14 November at 11pm.

A Guide to QI. Series I, episode 10 'Inland Revenue'

The first question on this week's QI was about Karachi's attempt to persuade its citizens to pay its tax.

Misfits, 3.3 - episode 3

Episode 3 was a terrific hour that explored some very interesting areas, despite having a fairly humdrum starting point.

Edward Aczel's first gig - winging it in Shoreditch

Before he takes his latest show to Soho Theatre, Edward Aczel goes back to that very first gig, which he approached with 'complete lack of organisation and total lack respect for the comedians art'

Live gig review

At the last minute, Radio 2's annual Children In Need comedy gala moved from the 1,100-seat Shepherds Bush Empire to the 300-seat Radio Theatre in Broadcasting House.

Life's Too Short review

Warwick Davis is doing little more than channelling Brent/Gervais - "She's not going to win any rear of the year competitions," he says of the pretty, regular-sized wife who has recently thrown him out - though he is perfectly good at this, every bit as boorish, in fact, as the prototype.