BCG Daily Tuesday 26th April 2016
Features
Press clippings
TV review: Flowers
A strange and saturnine new drama-comedy series from the pen of Will Sharpe, Flowers opened with Julian Barratt's writer, Maurice Flowers, attempting to hang himself from a tree near his family's rural cottage. It got darker from there.
Ed Potton, The Times, 26th April 2016Flowers review
A gloriously dark sitcom about depression and rage.
Sam Wollaston, The Guardian, 26th April 2016Flowers grows on you
True to its title, Flowers needed time to come in to full bloom. Channel 4 played out the first two episodes back to back last night, which is what broadcasters normally do when they want you to know they deem this or that drama or comedy to be An Important Event. In the case of Flowers though, it was a shrewd move.
Benji Wilson, The Telegraph, 26th April 2016Review: Alexis Dubus
Dubus seems an amiable guy and you could sense the audience willing him on. It was a mildly diverting time, but I only chuckled twice and belly-laughed not at all. He's only appearing twice more at the festival as himself - most of his outings are as his alter-ego, Frenchman Marcel Lucont. His way with accents during this show suggests that could be more of a winner.
Steve Kilgallon, Stuff.co.nz, 26th April 2016Sid James's 20 best - and weirdest - films
Film noir; gritty drama; 'swinging' song and dance numbers... On the 40th anniversary of his death, here's proof that there was more to Sidney James than just a dirty laugh.
Andy Roberts, The Telegraph, 26th April 2016Zig & Zag: 'We should build a wall around Donald Trump'
They're back! It's the reboot to end reboots as the twin puppets from planet Zog celebrate their new cartoon by sharing all their juiciest celebrity stories.
Stuart Heritage, The Guardian, 26th April 2016Just go with it: improv & lad culture
What default males don't seem to understand when they make rape jokes, for instance, is that rape isn't some abstract concept. It's a real act of violence real people suffer at the hands of others, often resulting in long-term trauma. When you make a rape joke, you're laughing about some part of that specific act of violence. And shocking though it might be to some default males, not everyone finds violence hilarious.
Nina Keen, Funny Women, 26th April 2016Interview - Julian Hall: Fringe Survivor's Guide
Are you heading up to the Edinburgh Fringe this August? On Saturday 7th May, Julian Hall and Funny Women would like to extend an invitation to all performers, men and women, to join us for a special workshop entitled An Edinburgh Fringe Survivor's Guide designed to guide you through that trails and tribulations of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Funny Women, 26th April 2016Book review - Sara Pascoe: Animal
Few comedians' books can lay claim to being important; but Sara Pascoe's debut, Animal, falls firmly into that category.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 26th April 2016Marcus Brigstocke, comedy review
Brigstocke used to be known for his satire, but this recent confessional detour suits him, says Bruce Dessau.
Bruce Dessau, Evening Standard, 26th April 2016Preview: Camping, Sky Atlantic, episodes 5 & 6
Don't be fooled by the jaunty sub-Mumfords music at the start of episode 5. Julia Davis' comedy-drama comes to a head in all sorts of horrendous ways in these last two instalments.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 26th April 2016Josie Long: Romance and Adventure review
With her trademark openness and relatability, Long demonstrates an admirable respect for the role comedy plays in communication and emotional wellbeing.
Becca Moody, Moody Comedy, 26th April 2016Charmian Hughes interview
Our "Brighton Bite" series offers short, witty and slightly tongue-in-cheek insights into the offerings at England's largest arts festival. Charmian Hughes tells us about her show When Comedy Was Alternative (The Laughs And Loves of a She-Comic), which she's performing at The Blue Man, Brighton.
The Reviews Hub, 26th April 2016Videos
TV & radio
Zig And Zag
Episode 2 - DI Why?When Zig and Zag's kitchen stool gets broken in a pancake-tossing incident, Mr Jones suggests DIY.
Flowers
Series 1, Episode 3Deborah's vivacious sister Viv comes to visit, stirring up the family, especially Deborah's suspicions that Maurice might be gay. Deborah needs to take action, but struggles to find the best course. Meanwhile Amy has a secret she wants to tell Maurice, but will he be able to return her honesty?
Camping
Episode 5To celebrate Robin's birthday, the gang put on a talent show, but the festivities are interrupted when Adam and Kerry clash over his flirtation with Fay.
Camping
Episode 6The holiday from hell draws to a close as Adam falls off the wagon and Robin's party descends into substance abuse, blazing rows and awkward sexual encounters.
Radio 4 At The Machynlleth Comedy Festival With Elis James
Elis James hosts this documentary about the history of the Machynlleth Comedy Festival.