BCG Daily Friday 14th August 2015
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Press clippings
Very British Problems review: self-indulgent and dull
The Brits are pretty bad at a lot of things - including, it seems, making programmes about how bad they are at things.
Esther Addley, The Guardian, 14th August 2015Milton Jones reveals his favourite TV shows
We caught up with Milton to find out what he likes to watch to relax between shows...
William Martin, Cult Box, 14th August 2015Happy birthday Barry Cryer
Writer and performer Barry Cryer is back in town for two Fringe shows, appearing in a double act with musician Ronnie Golden and as the subject of a comedy roast, in which comic friends will do their utmost to trash his very being.
Brian Beacom, The Herald, 14th August 2015Reviewer review: Marni Appleton (Broadway Baby)
Marni Appleton isn't a terrible reviewer - let's be clear about that. She lays out very clearly what the viewer can expect in broad strokes, and her prose is clear and unjumbled. That may sound like faint praise, but we're talking about Broadway Baby here, where every writer with basic iteracy skills is like a little gift.
Business Leopard, FringePig, 14th August 2015Reviewer review: Emma Newlands (The List)
This tired old Fringepigger started out not liking Emma Newlands. But that's largely because the term 'self-deprecating' winds me up for reasons I have explained to death.
Mister Kipper, FringePig, 14th August 2015Reviewer review: Yasmin Sulaiman (The List)
We at FringePig often bemoan the lazy reviewer who, either uncertain of their own credibility or unwilling to condemn a show outright, signs off a review with words to the effect that it's okay if you like that sort of thing. Yasmin Sulaiman, though, is the first reviewer shameless enough to say that precisely. Joanna Neary is apparently "well worth your time - if you like this sort of thing".
Jemyma C. Noevil, FringePig, 14th August 2015Review: Very British Problems, Channel 4
C4's attempt to turn tweets into telly had too much to live up to.
Barney Harsent, The Arts Desk, 14th August 2015Radio Times review
No sooner has she left The One Show sofa, the ubiquitous Alex Jones is back, this time on the panel show in which participants attempt to hoodwink their opponents with absurd facts and plausible lies about themselves. It's all in good fun, and host Rob Brydon and team captains David Mitchell and Lee Mack know how to squeeze the maximum amount of laughter from each absurd suggestion. Comedy actor Greg Davies, performance poet John Cooper Clarke and TV presenter Rick Edwards are also along for the ride in this edition.
Huw Fullerton, Radio Times, 14th August 2015The politicians in leading fringe roles
Edinburgh festival has a long tradition of taking on leaders and legislation as dramatic subject matter and this year sees performers' satire as sharp as ever.
Mark Lawson, The Guardian, 14th August 2015Absolutely Anything review - cheap and cheerless
Simon Pegg plays a teacher endowed with godlike powers and Robin Williams, in his final film role, supplies the voice of a dog. But it's far from funny.
Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian, 14th August 2015Review: Limmy's book reading
The man behind telly comedy Limmy's Show opened his book reading with a brief megamix of characters from his TV series, addressing audience expectation.
Paul English, Daily Record, 14th August 2015Very British Problems review
Very British Problems was suffering from a very British problem: this whole show had apparently been dreamed up, researched and written by under-25s. Or possibly teenagers.
Christopher Stevens, Daily Mail, 14th August 2015VBP brings out the armchair comedian in everyone
A new television series chronicling Very British Problems has sparked plenty of conversation online as to what qualifies for the unique status.
George Bowden, The Huffington Post, 14th August 2015Many Dad's Army fans left unimpressed with idea of film
The trailer has prompted many grumblings of the very idea of tampering with the original, which first appeared on the small screen in 1968, and is replayed to this day.
Caroline Frost, The Huffington Post, 14th August 2015Edinburgh Fringe myths and Lou Reed
There were two notable shows which I saw at the Edinburgh Fringe yesterday, both about myths.
John Fleming, John Fleming's Blog, 14th August 2015Ten scientific facts that apply to the Fringe
Lieven Scheire presents a geek's guide to Edinburgh.
Lieven Scheire, Chortle, 14th August 2015Sam Kinison, clubs that pay their comics - and sleep
Ari Shaffir goes a bit off-piste with his Perfect Playlist.
Ari Shaffir, Chortle, 14th August 2015Fear is comedy's greatest motor
If you're not afraid, you're not taking risks, says Lucie Pohl.
Lucie Pohl, Chortle, 14th August 2015Rory O'Keeffe: Edinburgh Fringe 2015 interview
Formerly a member of sketch group Rory and Tim, Rory O'Keeffe is going it alone this Edinburgh Festival.
Laugh Out London, 14th August 2015Edinburgh Festival Fringe comedy picks for 2015
Don't let this be the year you let a brilliant show slip through your fingers - give one of these acts a try. You won't regret it.
Polly Allen, The Huffington Post, 14th August 2015Tony Law interview
Canadian comedian Tony Law on living in Edinburgh, dealing with hecklers - and why he's not on 8 Out of 10 Cats.
The Big Issue, 14th August 2015Reginald D Hunter webchat - post your questions now
The outspoken comic will be answering your questions in a live webchat from 12noon BST onwards on Monday 17 August - post them in the comments below.
The Guardian, 14th August 2015Fringe Q&As: Ismo Leikola
Ismo Leikola discusses mysterious time distortions, delicious Irn Bru and deep fried haggis.
The Herald, 14th August 2015Fringe Q&As: The Man
The Man discusses busking acrobats, deep fried coat hangers and fat penguins.
The Herald, 14th August 2015Bianco, Plested, Watts and O'Brien visit the #WOWwagon (Link expired)
Comedians Christina Bianco, Clare Plested, Andrew Watts and Loren O'Brien visit the #WOWwagon and puzzle over some tricky questions.
Alex Watson, WOW247, 14th August 2015Beardyman beatboxes in the #WOWwagon (Link expired)
Champion beatboxer Beardyman, real name Darren Foreman, visited the #WOWwagon to chat about his Fringe show One Album Per Hour - and perform an exclusive live track.
Alex Watson, WOW247, 14th August 2015Pete Firman performs a trick in the #WOWwagon (Link expired)
Magician and comedian Pete Firman performs a trick in the #WOWwagon that leaves Matt spooked. Pete also gave us an insight into his new Fringe show Super Duper.
Matthew Dunne-Miles, WOW247, 14th August 2015Show with taxidermy artist's dead animals up for award
Sing for Your Life, which features stuffed animal carcasses being used as puppets, has been listed for the new Fringe Sustainable Practice awards - for its ultimate recycling job.
Beverley Lyons, Daily Record, 14th August 2015Hal Cruttenden's top picks for week two of the Fringe
This week I've seen two shows that made me laugh and cry for all the right reasons.
Hal Cruttenden, The Herald, 14th August 2015Scotsman Fringe First awards: 2015 winners so far
A Gambler's Guide to Dying and Going Viral among the winners.
The Scotsman, 14th August 2015Back to Fylm School
From Simon Munnery's Fylm School to Adam Riches' Coach Coach, there's plenty of movie magic to be found live on stage.
Ryan Gilbery, The New Statesman, 14th August 2015Islamic State replaces SNP as hot topic at Fringe
Last year, with the referendum imminent, playwrights turned their hand to the subject of Scottish independence. This year the big issue is Isis.
Mark Lawson, The Guardian, 14th August 2015Our Fringe favourites: Part 1
In Edinburgh? Fancy catching a show featuring one or more of Standard Issue's indecently talented contributors? Allow Siân Bevan to help with her daily guide to the best in Fringe comedy. First up: the deliciously saucy Sally-Anne Hayward.
Siân Bevan, Standard Issue, 14th August 2015Do critics review the show or the performer?
Are critics reviewing the performance we see or the performance that should be taking place?
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 14th August 2015Fringe flu
I'm utterly exhausted. My nose is streaming, and I'm going through toilet roll like a 14 year old boy going for the record. This is what happens when you spend just 5 days at the Edinburgh festival.
Chris Tavner, The Huffington Post, 14th August 201524 hours at the Edinburgh Fringe
7am, London: Wake up, panicked, from the depths of a stress-dream about missing your plane. Check phone. Yell out to flatmate to 'double check daylight savings isn't in operation'. Go back to sleep.
Lucy Karsten, The Huffington Post, 14th August 2015We comedians must stand up for free speech
An Edinburgh Fringe veteran says comics have got complacent.
Andrew Doyle, Spiked, 14th August 2015Mark Watson on his love of football grounds
In this week's My Peccadillo, comedian Mark Watson on why he gets a kick from football grounds.
Mark Watson, The Big Issue, 14th August 2015Kevin Day interview
BBC broadcaster and comedian Kevin Day on his time in the National Front, being back at Edinburgh - and footballers' grooming regimes.
The Big Issue, 14th August 2015This week's best Edinbugh comedy
Previews of James Acaster, Kieran Hodgson, and Jena Friedman.
James Kettle, The Guardian, 14th August 2015Edinburgh comedy awards: explore all the winners
From Cambridge Footlights in 1981 to Bridget Christie in 2013, explore the history of the Foster's Edinburgh comedy awards. Find out who won, who they beat and how the art of comedy changed each year. When did stand-up come to the fore rather than sketch humour? Who was the first female winner? Who won in the year that Jack Dee, Lily Savage and Frank Skinner were in the running? The various nominees include a minor royal and the narrator of Peppa Pig... The winners of the 2015 awards will be announced on 29 August.
The Guardian, 14th August 2015Fringe Q&As: Sarah Callaghan
Sarah Callaghan discusses elephants, Kevin Bridges and why Nicola Sturgeon's her favourite comedian.
The Herald, 14th August 2015Fringe Q&As: Richard Gadd
Richard Gadd on prawn sandwiches and Christmas tree lights.
The Herald, 14th August 2015Interview: Sofie Hagen, Bubblewrap
A chat with Sofie Hagen.
Alice Carr, Fresh Fringe, 14th August 2015Interview: Richard Soames
A chat with Richard Soames.
Fresh Fringe, 14th August 2015Interview: Baby Wants Candy
A chat with Nicole Hastings, Albert Samuels and Nathen Jansen.
Alice Carr, Fresh Fringe, 14th August 2015Interview: Chris Turner, Racing Minds
A chat with Chris Turner.
Chris Turner, Fresh Fringe, 14th August 2015Interview: Juliet Meyers, Through the Pigeonhole
A chat with Juliet Meyer.
Alice Carr, Fresh Fringe, 14th August 2015Interview: Maggie Inchley, 10x10x10
A chat with Maggie Inchley.
Alice Carr, Fresh Fringe, 14th August 2015Interview: Keith Farnan, Anonymous
A chat with Keith Farnan.
Alice Carr, Fresh Fringe, 14th August 2015Interview: Celeste Dring and Freya Parker, Lazy Susan
A chat with Celeste Dring and Freya Parker.
Alice Carr, Fresh Fringe, 14th August 2015Interview: Trevor Locke, This is Your Trial
A chat with Trevor Locke.
Alice Carr, Fresh Fringe, 14th August 2015Video: Sofie Hagan, Keith Farnan and Racing Minds (Link expired)
Sketch group Racing Minds and comedians Sofie Hagan and Keith Farnan get grilled in the #WOWwagon.
Alex Watson, WOW247, 14th August 2015Why shouldn't young people review festivals?
There are those who say that young people shouldn't review. I disagree.
Tom Inniss, Voice Magazine, 14th August 2015Reggie Perrin captured the essence of his era
The death of his creator, David Nobbs, reminds us of the genius of the best TV comedy: its characters define their age.
Jonathan Freedland, The Guardian, 14th August 2015Goose: set loose with a one-man cartoon
Adam Drake and Ben Rowse are, together, Goose. Ben writes and directs. Adam writers and performs. Together they create a "sweaty one-man cartoon". Well, the sweat is all Adams.
Chris Cooke, ThreeWeeks, 14th August 2015Chris Betts: Bar etiquette during the Fringe
You'll likely be spending a lot of time in pubs and bars during the Festival, and while you're there to relax a little in your downtime, it's also important to remember that other people are busying working.
Chris Betts, ThreeWeeks, 14th August 2015Three to see on 14 Aug
Three recommended shows for Saturday at the Edinburgh Festival 2015, including Jessie Cave.
ThreeWeeks, 14th August 2015Interview: Ismo Leikola, Observing the Obvious
A chat with Ismo Leikola.
Alice Carr, Fresh Fringe, 14th August 2015Interview: Laura Lexx, Lovely
A chat with Laura Lexx.
Alice Carr, Fresh Fringe, 14th August 2015Interview: Omar Hamdi, In the Valleys of the Kings
A chat with Omar Hamdi.
Alice Carr, Fresh Fringe, 14th August 2015My Edinburgh: Christian O'Connell
A veteran of the breakfast radio circuit, Christian O'Connell is the first voice a million Brits hear every morning.
Charlotte Lytton, The Times, 14th August 2015Please comedians, tell me one I haven't heard
I blame Russell Brand. It's easier that way. There are dozens of reasons why Labour lost the general election, and dozens more if you stand where I do, as the Scottish Labour MSP for the Lothians Region and candidate for leader of Scottish Labour in a country that has just survived a referendum on its constitutional future
Kezia Dugdale, The Times, 14th August 2015Festival diary: Why Hannah walked out on McKellen
Hats off to John Hannah, the Diarist's friend, for a funny, modest but revealing account of the actor's life at a Times Plus event at The Pleasance.
The Times, 14th August 2015Meet Shane Robson from Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Self-confessed Hedhead, Shane Robson, is putting on the 10th anniversary revival of Hedwig at the Greenside Royal Terrace.
Broadway Baby, 14th August 2015Absolutely Anything review
Based off a script that's been knocking around for some years, Absolutely Anything feels like a half-baked Python sketch strung out and bludgeoned into anti-laugh oblivion.
Simon Reynolds, Digital Spy, 14th August 2015Absolutely Anything review
Absolutely Anything, which stars Simon Pegg as a schoolteacher who receives limitless power from alien beings, is undoubtedly the worst thing he's done, and certainly one of the worst movies yet made. Zero stars.
Kevin Maher, The Times, 14th August 2015Absolutely Anything review
A real disappointment, Absolutely Anything brims with talent and potential, but squanders it on a parade of safe, unfunny, paint-by-numbers clichés.
John Nugent, Sky, 14th August 2015Absolutely Anything review
Plot points are abandoned regularly as the story takes turns that are nonsensical, and throughout there's a sense that Terry Jones and co-writer Gavin Scott didn't know where to go once the main premise is established.
James Luxford, Radio Times, 14th August 2015Videos
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