BCG Daily Friday 20th March 2015

Radio Times review

This post-watershed Pobol y Cwm has dawdled a bit lately. That all changes with the return of a Pontyberry favourite. Stella sees a woman loitering in her road, swigging from a vodka bottle. "It can't be." It is: Stella's sister-in-law and best friend Paula (Elizabeth Berrington) - back, she says, to pay the recovering Aunty Brenda a visit. How we, her friends and the show, have missed her.

In spite of an unsavoury storyline for Luke that paints Stella in unnecessarily EastEnder-ish colours (in hock to a loan shark; becoming a male escort), it's a warm and luminous episode, with reunion and resolution, Steve Speirs in Spanx and, perhaps, a subtle nod to Julie Walters's decrepit waitress sketch from As Seen on TV. I suspect that the more you love these characters, the more you'll be dabbing your eyes at several moments.

Sara Pascoe interview

Sara Pascoe can't seem to help passing on information. So many things interest her and, after all, she's got the microphone.

Interview: Elaine C Smith

Curiously perhaps, the biggest career delight she's enjoyed, certainly in recent years, has involved touring Scots coastal towns, playing to small halls. And selling Tunnocks tea-cakes from the back of her car. Now, the result can be seen in Burdz Eye View, Elaine's new six-part STV series.

Review: Count Arthur Strong

As with Steve Delaney's radio creation it's not quite a one-man show, but there's no doubt Arthur is at his best when left alone with the audience.

James Corden takes The Late Late Show centre stage

James Corden has been a game show host in Britain, in films, on Broadway, and is now hosting a talk show, but more than anything, he considers himself an actor.

Jesting About ready to go

After four and a half months of searching and seeking the full line up for Jesting About is complete and soon to be announced.

This week's new live comedy

Previews of Mel Brooks, Bethany Black and Eleanor Morton.

Review: Mrs Brown's Boys, Pavilion Theatre, Rhyl

The theatre was already rocking with laughter as the curtain rose to reveal the familiar set from the television show.

Warning over dubious Fringe 'programme'

The Edinburgh Fringe has issued a warning about an unofficial 'souvenir programme' seeking to cash in on the festival.

Review: Richard Herring

This show is pulled together with ease, Herring's experience as a performer glowing well throughout, looking backwards and forwards whilst wondering if his best is behind him or yet to come.

Lost Spike Milligan songs unearthed

Previously unheard Spike Milligan songs are to be heard at a comedy festival - with the possibility of an album to follow.

Terry Pratchett: above all, he was funny

Not only did Sir Terry upend the fantasy genre and declare war on social injustice, he did so hilariously - and that is why he'll be remembered.

TV preview: Inside No 9 - La Couchette, BBC2

The scenario did make me think of one of those old Peter Cushing portmanteau horror yarns where it turns out everyone is already dead and the train is heading to hell. I'm not saying if that is the case here. Though I will say that there is a hellish moment involving a shoebox that has put me off communal travelling for life.

Seven questions with... Roisin Conaty

An interview with stand-up Roisin Conaty.

Harry Hill tests new cookery themed comedy

Harry Hill has previewed a new TV show in work in progress shows this week.

Steve Pemberton: Reopening the doors Inside No. 9

Steve Pemberton, writer and actor for shows such as A League of Gentlemen, Psychoville and Benidorm, talks to BBC Writersroom about his upcoming 2nd series of Inside No. 9. A dark comedy anthology which he co-writes/co-stars in with Reece Shearsmith.

Peter Pan Goes Wrong - Plymouth Theatre Royal review

The whole cast and crew are outstanding, and Peter Pan Goes Wrong really has to be seen.

Comedy review: Nina Conti, Glasgow

While the set is strewn with items such as a ladder, a red phone and a massive banana, they are mere diversions from the real deal: a set of puppetry masks perched on mic stands, waiting to be attached to the faces of four semi-willing front-row audience members.

That's Rich - pilot recording report

The storyline of the pilot episode was original, multi-layered and completely bonkers (this is Rich Fulcher that we're talking about).

The cruel reality of British sitcoms

So it's tatty bye to Bluestone 42's Captain Nick Medhurst. The bomb disposal detachment's charismatic Ammunition Technical Officer played by Oliver Chris has finally run out of luck.

Jim Davidson's 'unacceptable' behaviour in panto

The Pavilion manager Iain Gordon said: "I had no choice but to close the show because Jim Davidson's behaviour was entirely unacceptable. He was abusive to a member of my staff to whom I have a duty of care and this was unacceptable."