BCG Daily Friday 10th March 2017
Press clippings
Are we living in a golden age of satire?
Fuelled by political turmoil in the UK and US, it seems our thirst for satire is at an all-time high. But why is it so appealing?
James Ballardie, BBC, 10th March 2017What Catastrophe gets right (and wrong) about parenting
TV shows about modern parenthood are everywhere at the moment. But while you've got to hope that BBC One's chilling maternity leave thriller The Replacement isn't a story most mums can relate to, the possible psychopaths in Channel 4's Catastrophe are a little more recognisable: nasty little playground biters.
Isabel Mohan, The Telegraph, 10th March 2017Tiff Stevenson on having an abortion, aged 17
Without the right to choose 21 years ago, I wouldn't be an actor and stand-up now. It breaks my heart to think there are 17-year-olds still denied that choice today.
Tiff Stevenson, The Guardian, 10th March 2017Interview: rarely asked questions - Anna Mann
Anna Mann is not really a comedian. She is a veritable artiste who has been in showbusiness for almost as long as Joan Collins. She has recently branched out while she waits for her next big acting job and is offering advice to anyone suffering from black dog in her latest soiree, A Sketch Show For Depressives. Mann is helped in her quest by chameleon character comic Colin Hoult, who you should know from Revolting and Murder In Successville. Have you twigged yet? What I'm saying is that Anna Mann is the creation/alter ego of the brilliant Colin Hoult and is bloody funny as well as a bit scary. Can I make myself any clearer?
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 10th March 2017Jason Manford to host this year's Olivier Awards
The actor and comedian will host the event at the Royal Albert Hall.
Will Longman, What's On Stage, 10th March 2017Russell Howard, comedy review: hilarious and heartfelt
Howard got his audience to laugh at the current absurdity of current affairs, writes Bruce Dessau.
Bruce Dessau, Evening Standard, 10th March 2017Russell Howard: Round The World review
Russell Howard's aim for the show - and he mentions it a few times, lest we be in any doubt - is to offer a 'giggle in the gloom'. In a world riven by division and distrust, he's here to celebrate the best in humanity, offering up those moments of joy and silliness that have always been his stock-in-trade as an antidote to mean-spiritedness.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 10th March 2017Blushing ITV bosses rethink Nightly Show flop
"If the ratings haven't improved dramatically by the end of next week, the News At Ten will be restored to its proper time," an ITV source tells me. "To spare our blushes, The Nightly Show will continue, but it will be broadcast after the news finishes. There's a recognition that we are destroying the news."
Sebastian Shakespeare, Daily Mail, 10th March 2017Emma Sidi interview
The character comic and star of BBC3's Pls Like on what makes her laugh the most.
Rachel Aroesti, The Guardian, 10th March 2017The Comedy Venues of London
The alternative comedy boom of the late 1980s led to a demand for stand-up that the existing circuit of working men's clubs (with limited space for comedians on their cabaret variety bills) simply couldn't contain. With a canny sense of a gap in the market, dedicated comedy clubs began to spring up.
Stuart Boyland, NextUp, 10th March 2017Jo Brand interview
Jo Brand talks sexism, the downside to fame and locking horns with bullies.
Natasha Hinde, The Huffington Post, 10th March 2017Interview: Katherine Ryan
In one hour, comedian Katherine Ryan hilariously tackles pop culture, politics, and personal life.
Samantha Sutton, Coveteur, 10th March 2017Review: The Miser at The Garrick Theatre
The comedy was straight out of a seventies sitcom or a Carry On, only more Emmanuel than Camping. Laden with innuendo and double entendre it was definitely amusing, but hardly fresh.
Greg Stewart, Theatre Weekly, 10th March 2017Videos
TV & radio
A Trespasser's Guide To The Classics
Series 2, Episode 1 - The NeckIn Whitby, a magician notices strange bite marks on the neck of a woman he has just met.
Breaking The News
Series 6, Episode 3Dave Johns, Hannah McGill, Raymond Mearns and Ashley Storrie try to answer questions such as 'Should Theresa May call a snap general election?'; 'Is your TV spying on you?'; and 'Why are people so upset about double cream in spaghetti bolognese?'
The Now Show
Series 50, Episode 2This week we look at Philip Hammond's budget and hear from Kerry Godliman in the week of International Women's Day. Lucy Porter gives us the lowdown on the French Presidential election and Pippa Evans helps us feel less overwhelmed. Plus intelligence specialist Julian Fisher.
The Nightly Show
Episode 10In John's final show of his week, he is joined on the sofa by Dame Joan Collins, next week's host Davina McCall - and there is another surprise appearance by pop royalty.
The Last Leg
Series 10, Episode 7In this edition, the boys are joined live in the studio by comedian Harry Hill and physicist Professor Brian Cox.