BCG Daily Wednesday 14th September 2016
Features
Press clippings
Julie Walters: a freak for not having plastic surgery
Julie Walters has said she feels like a "freak" in modern-day Hollywood as one of the few middle-aged actresses not to have had any plastic surgery.
BBC News, 14th September 2016Steptoe and Sons: tears of TV's finest clowns
The story behind the comedy great.
Jasper Rees, The Telegraph, 14th September 2016British sitcoms always follow three rules
As the BBC celebrates 60 years of UK television comedy, we unpick what unites every successful series, from Steptoe & Son to The Office.
James Cooray Smith, The New Statesman, 14th September 2016Nicholas Parsons presents Marie Antoinette's Watch doc
Nicholas Parsons, master of Just A Minute, will celebrate a great master of the timepiece, Abraham Louis Breguet, as he goes in search of the most expensive and exquisite watch ever made.
BBC, 14th September 2016Holly Burn: I Am Special review
'I'm not special,' says the woman in the spotlight, all chairs pointed at her, in a glamorous art deco bar in Central London. We're not expected to believe her, and she doesn't really believe it herself.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 14th September 2016Miles Jupp review
Fury at Britain's political masters has been replaced by mild tales about life's inconveniences in The News Quiz host's latest show, Songs of Freedom.
Brian Logan, The Guardian, 14th September 2016Unspun with Matt Forde review
A bold commission from what was once the home of the repeat, an ultra-topical political show recorded the night before transmission.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 14th September 2016Review - Nazeem Hussain, Hussain in the Membrane
Refreshing but unsatisfying - like a Calippo, perhaps.
Paul Fleckney, London Is Funny, 14th September 2016Review - Tom Ballard, The World Keeps Happening
Impressive, bold stuff from the Aussie stand-up.
Paul Fleckney, London Is Funny, 14th September 2016David Brent: Life On The Road review
Ricky Gervais has recaptured the essence of The Office in an adventure that was probably not needed but is certainly not unnecessary, and I am grateful that the character of David Brent has been revived, with live dates for next year having already sold out.
Becca Moody, Moody Comedy, 14th September 2016You can't have your sitcom and eat it
I would argue that a decent mainstream sitcom will last longer than almost any reality show. Most of these reality juggernauts run out of steam after eight years or so, and then limp along for a couple more. A sitcom can last so much longer.
James Cary, Sitcom Geek, 14th September 2016Limmy Live! - The Lyric, The Lowry, Salford review
Limmy Live! is a stupidly fun show and provided the perfect tonic for the apocalyptic storm that was raging outside. You don't have to be a fan of the television show to enjoy it, although it certainly would help: however there is enough here to keep newcomers to this unique comic talent more than entertained.
Matt Forrest, The Reviews Hub, 14th September 2016Liverpool Laughs interview: Gein's Family Giftshop
Our Liverpool Laughs series offers short, witty and slightly tongue-in-cheek insights into the offerings at the Liverpool Comedy Festival. Gein's Family Giftshop tell us about their show, Work in Progress, which they will be performing at Funny Looking Fringe
The Reviews Hub, 14th September 2016TV Review: Lost Sitcoms - Steptoe & Son
The script does show its age in places, with jokes about indoor toilets and Hitchcock's Psycho while a gag about "brown crumpet" is awkward on various levels.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 14th September 2016Where are all the working class television characters?
Steptoe and Son are back - but whatever happened to their successors? Social historian Michael Collins finds out.
Michael Collins, Radio Times, 14th September 2016Lost Sitcoms: Steptoe and Son review
Had the originals not existed, you'd easily buy these two as a father and son whose destinies are inseparably entangled, however much they would wish it otherwise.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 14th September 2016Videos
Podcasts
TV & radio
People Just Do Nothing
Series 3, Episode 5 - IpswichChabuddy organises for Kurupt FM to perform at a club in Ipswich. With emotions running high and groupie action on the cards, only Steves's travel sickness can kill the vibe now. Back in Brentford, Miche goes out for her first ever work drinks.
Josh Howie's Losing It
Series 1, Episode 4 - The RouteJosh and his wife Monique attend their first NCT class where Josh typically manages to fall out with almost everyone.
Shaun The Sheep
Series 5, Episode 8 - Dangerous DeliveriesEvery time the postman pays the Farmer a visit, Bitzers canine instincts get the better of him, resulting in shredded mail and and an irate farmer. Shaun decides to help out by taking on the role of Bitzer's therapist, with unexpected consequences.
Mark Steel's In Town
Series 7, Episode 2 - ColchesterMark performs in the Arts Centre in Colchester, Essex, the first town in Britain - then Boudicca burnt it to the ground. He also visits Jumbo - the town's iconic, Victorian water tower, investigates the history of Colchester Zoo, and tackle's the town's rivalry with Chelmsford.
The Last Leg
The Last Leg: Live From Rio, Episode 8Stephen Mangan runs interference for Adam Hills, Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker for an alternative look at the day's events.
Lost Sitcoms
Episode 3 - Steptoe And Son: A Winter's TaleHarold is desperate to go on a skiing holiday - but he doesn't want Albert there, under any circumstances.
Unspun With Matt Forde
Series 1, Episode 1In the first episode of his brand new political comedy show, Matt Forde is joined by Alan Johnson, Labour MP for West Hull and Hessle. Johnson talks about Corbyn and how he handled the EU referendum, and explains his views on spanking.
The Pin
Series 2, Episode 2 - ShoestringThe Pin are out to prove their accountant wrong, and make a great show on a budget.