BCG Daily Monday 18th April 2016
News
Features
Press clippings
Ronnie Corbett's widow taken to hospital before funeral
Anne, who turns 83 next week, was rushed from the couple's home to the local A&E department at London's Croydon University Hospital.
Paul Cockerton and Emma Pryer, The Mirror, 18th April 2016Sydney Comedy Festival review: David O'Doherty
O'Doherty describes himself as the "Aldi Enya", and he has much in common with the discount supermarket chain. On stage, he's modest, with a surprisingly random mix of goods and ultimately very good value, all up.
Sarah Thomas, Sydney Morning Herald, 18th April 2016Rarely Asked Questions - Alex Lowe
You may not know who Alex Lowe is but you really should. He is the man behind Barry from Watford, the eccentric, elderly gent and scourge of radio phone-in shows.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 18th April 2016Review: Michael McIntyre tried to copy Ant and Dec
Trouble is, Ant and Dec do all this so much better -- and quicker and slicker. In the time it took Michael to thank the acrobats, with endless appeals for applause, the Geordie boys could have crammed in two extra sketches.
Christopher Stevens, Daily Mail, 18th April 2016Sharon Horgan interview
Sharon Horgan's comedy Catastrophe offers an unblinking look at coupledom.
Willa Paskin, The New Yorker, 18th April 2016Interview: rarely asked questions - Alex Lowe
You may not know who Alex Lowe is but you really should. He is the man behind Barry from Watford, the eccentric, elderly gent and scourge of radio phone-in shows.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 18th April 2016Michael McIntyre makes solid BBC1 ratings debut
The debut of Michael McIntyre's Big Show on BBC One on Saturday pulled in 4.8 million viewers for the BBC, comfortably beating ITV's new family gameshow Bang on the Money.
Jasper Jackson, The Guardian, 18th April 2016How comedy became a language of democratic politics
Like all forms of resistance, comedy can both shore up and legitimate existing political structures, yet it can also, in certain moments, work to encourage revision. Here, James Brassett looks specifically at the critical nature of radical British comedy by the likes of Russell Brand, Charlie Brooker, and Stewart Lee and writes that it raises questions about the nature of resistance and reveals the deeply political nature of the British public.
James Brassett, Democratic Audit UK, 18th April 2016Stephen Fry's right - self-pity is nothing to celebrate
The belief that sexual abuse is uniquely traumatising is damaging to victims.
Luke Gittos, Spiked, 18th April 2016I Want My Wife Back review
File under "potentially good" rather than "must-see".
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 18th April 2016Six decades of marriage guidance from sitcoms
What do Friends, The Liver Birds and Modern Family have in common? They've helped change our attitudes to relationships, tackling issues from pre-marital sex to empty nest syndrome, single parenthood and gay marriage.
Mark Lawson, The Guardian, 18th April 2016Michael McIntyre's Big Show review
I laughed several times. Truth be told, in terms of entertainment per minute it put an average episode of Britain's Got Talent to shame.
Ian Hyland, The Mirror, 18th April 2016An interview with Cal McCrystal
Cal McCrystal has the coolest job in the world; he creates joy and laughter. He's a comedy director and physical comedy consultant.
Al Stary, Funny Women, 18th April 201611 facts about Bridget Christie
A Book for Her is the comedian Bridget Christie's account of how she came to do stand-up about feminism.
Anglonerd, 18th April 2016Stars attend Ronnie Corbett's funeral
Sir Michael Parkinson, David Walliams and Jimmy Tarbuck were among the mourners at Ronnie Corbett's funeral.
BBC News, 18th April 2016Ben Miller interview
The comic actor talks about quitting Death in Paradise, his love for science and his new comedy I Want My Wife Back.
Stephen Armstrong, Radio Times, 18th April 2016Jan Francis: Let's not have any more comedy remakes
I Want My Wife Back actress Jan Francis - who starred in the 1980s comedy Just Good Friends - says we should call time on bringing back old favourites.
Ben Dowell, Radio Times, 18th April 2016I Want My Wife Back feels old-fashioned - and I like it
"Though I might like to think that my comedy heart is made of coal and coated in tar, I am a sucker for silliness."
Alison Graham, Radio Times, 18th April 2016David Swift obituary
David Swift found fame as the irascible news anchor Henry Davenport in the TV newsroom satire Drop the Dead Donkey.
Anthony Hayward, The Guardian, 18th April 2016Videos
TV & radio
Fags, Mags And Bags
Series 6, Episode 1 - Chickpea LandslideRamesh's girlfriend has opened up Lenzie's first foodbank to help the local needy. However, the patrons appear to be quite pernickety about what's on offer and a debate opens up about who is actually eligible to use the foodbank which causes tension amongst the Lenzidens.
Natalie Haynes Stands Up For The Classics
Series 2, Episode 2 - OvidNatalie Haynes stands up in the name of Roman poet, Ovid. Expect frottage at the races, Greek myths from a female perspective, and enough inspiration for painters, writers and sculptures to last a couple of millennia. With special guests Llewelyn Morgan and Michael Squire.
The Unbelievable Truth
Series 16, Episode 3Elis James, Reginald D Hunter, Maeve Higgins and David O'Doherty talk with deliberate inaccuracy on subjects as varied as the 1970s, toys, the moon and electricity.
Peter Kay's Comedy Shuffle
Series 1, Episode 1A celebration of over twenty years of one of Britain's most popular comedians. This episode catches up with full-time diva Geraldine McQueen, visits the grand re-opening of the Phoenix Club and Peter plays some unforgettable misheard song lyrics.
I Want My Wife Back
Episode 1Meet Murray, whose life is turned upside when he finds out that his beloved wife Bex is leaving him.
Plebs
Series 3, Episode 4 - The CupidThe boys get cultured when Grumio is street-cast to play the part of Cupid in an upcoming play. Marcus becomes his agent and uses his new connections to impress Delphine. Stylax understudies the lead actor so he can meet some theatre groupies.