BCG Daily Saturday 12th December 2015
Press clippings
Mrs. Brown takes DVD No 1 slot
Kevin Bridges has been toppled from the top of the comedy DVD chart by Mrs Brown's Boys.
Chortle, 12th December 2015First draft of Withnail and I set for auction
The first draft of the novel that went on to be turned into cult film Withnail and I is set for auction at Sotheby's.
BBC News, 12th December 2015How I get ready: Russell Kane
I thought, "I'm married now, with a baby on the way - it's time to grow up." So I went through my wardrobe, got rid of everything and bought 10 suits.
Abigail Radnor, The Guardian, 12th December 2015Review: Bill Bailey, Vaudeville Theatre
If there is a theme, it is to take enjoyment in the world around us.
Veronica Lee, The Arts Desk, 12th December 2015David Walliams interview
"Watching Monty Python made me want to get back to doing pure comedy."
James Rampton, The Daily Express, 12th December 2015New BBC2 show explores the origins of Dad's Army
A new BBC Two comedy drama explores the surprisingly shaky origins of one of TV's best-loved comedies.
Olly Grant, The Daily Express, 12th December 2015Christmas interview with Rachel Parris
Rachel Parris is one of the startlingly talented comedy performers in the country, excelling as both a member of improv superstars Austentatious as well as being a wonderful musical comedian in her own right.
Laugh Out London, 12th December 2015Christmas interview with Spencer Jones
Spencer Jones was one of the breakout stars of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2015 with a prop-based show that was pure gleeful joy from start to finish.
Laugh Out London, 12th December 2015Withnail and I: 'farewell to a lost era'
Withnail and I was regarded for many years as a cult film but stands now as one of the finest British films of the Eighties. And what's not to like about a film with the line: "Don't threaten me with a dead fish"?
Martin Chilton, The Telegraph, 12th December 2015Opinion: are there too many comedy competitions?
I know I spend most of my time as a critic judging comedy but in recent weeks I really feel as if I have been judging comedy. I've been a panellist at two comedy competitions and reviewed another one.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 12th December 2015News: comedians vote for best comedians
Voting is currently underway for the UK Circuit Comedian Awards. There are three awards - Comedian's comedian, best MC and an award for outstanding 30+ years continuous circuit work. Last year's Circuit Comedian winner Gavin Webster (pictured) is organising the vote, which ends at midnight on 23rd December, with the winner announced shortly after.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 12th December 2015Peter Kay's fortune tops £26 million
Phoenix Nights comic sees coffers swell again to make him Britain's highest earning comedy star.
Patrick Hill & Alex Clarke, The Mirror, 12th December 2015S**t-Faced Shakespeare, Paradiso Spiegel Tent, review
With health and safety regulations being what they are, it is difficult not to feel skeptical about the genuine alcohol content of the actors blood, but as the hour flys by this becomes irrelevant.
Katie Stephen, Edinburgh Guide, 12th December 2015Ed Byrne interview
"A lot of comics may talk about the same stuff, but what makes it mine is what I'm saying is what I genuinely think on this subject. I try to make it as funny as I can. I think we all mine our lives to some degree or other."
Rom Preston-Ellis, The Torquay Herald, 12th December 2015We're Doomed! The Dad's Army Story review
With all the season's comfort and joy but none of the mawkishness, We're Doomed! The Dad's Army Story dramatised the delightful, cocklewarming story of how two middle-aged has-beens called Jimmy Perry and David Croft triumphed over adversity to create the greatest British sitcom of all time.
James Delingpole, The Spectator, 12th December 2015TV & radio
11am60 min
Fighting Talk
Series 13, Episode 12Josh Widdicombe is joined by sports presenter Lynsey Hooper, journalist Thom Gibbs, sports commentator John Rawling and comedian Ian Moore.
10pm30 min
Crackanory
Series 3, Episode 6 - Unlucky For Sam & Bob's HouseFirst up is the story of a young student who tries to convince his extremely superstitious elderly landlady that her beliefs are unfounded. In the last tale of the series a man attempts to hide the CIA agent living under his house from his girlfriend. Is he really tracking an imminent alien invasion? Read by Simon Bird and Tamsin Greig.
10:05pm65 min
The Jonathan Ross Show
Series 9, Episode 9 - John Bishop, Ellie GouldingJonathan is joined by comedian John Bishop, while music and chat comes from award-winning singer Ellie Goulding.