BCG Daily Monday 31st July 2017
Features
Press clippings
Marcus Monroe discusses his new show.
Marcus Monroe talks to us about his new show The Rise and Fall of Marcus Monroe ahead of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Female First, 31st July 2017Fringe Q&A's: Tom Houghton
Tom Houghton on growing up in bubbles, the magic allure of Edinburgh and the joys of running.
Linda Howard, The Herald, 31st July 2017Phoebe Waller-Bridge: 'no such thing as a slut'
Her comedy Fleabag was a bleak and honest depiction of female sexuality that made her an international star. She talks about being a 'terrible actor' in her 20s, why women should all go on strike and how success has proved that she's not crazy.
Decca Aitkenhead, The Guardian, 31st July 2017RóisÃn and Chiara: Edinburgh Fringe 2017 interview
Surreal character comedy from this duo.
Laugh Out London, 31st July 201710 alternative comedy recommendations for the Fringe
There are some shows that defy categorisation, unable to fit comfortably into the arbitrary ones we have already covered.
Laugh Out London, 31st July 2017+3 interview: Happily Never After
"Each show is different, of course, but they all have dark comedy, improvised music and songs and, quite regularly, a number of improvised deaths."
Dan Lentell, Edinburgh49, 31st July 2017+3 interview: 1 Woman, a High-Flyer and a Flat Bottom
"Expect facts, puns and a whiskey bottle attached to an ear trumpet."
Dan Lentell, Edinburgh49, 31st July 2017An interview with Rick & Sully
The Mumble managed to catch up with them or a wee chit-chat...
Mumble Comedy, 31st July 2017Fringe 2017 - SHIPS: Dr. Audrey's Fatal Mistake
English National Opera star, Cathy Young, and Second City graduate, Michelle Fahrenheim, aka SHIPS, make their much-anticipated Edinburgh debut this summer with a comedy that brings new meaning to the phrase 'license to kill'.
The Edinburgh Reporter, 31st July 2017Sam Garlepp - Edinburgh Fringe
After years selling out shows in Australia's biggest festivals, Sam Garlepp is probably still a comedian you haven't heard of. Until now.
The Edinburgh Reporter, 31st July 2017London Hughes: racism and sexism still exist in comedy
Stand-up comedian London Hughes says she still faces racism and sexism when she does comedy gigs.
Lindsay Brown, BBC, 31st July 2017Force everyone to try standup comedy to mend our world
The benefits to society would be profound - not least that people would learn the difference between a joke and a threat.
Jack Bernhardt, The Guardian, 31st July 2017Why are medical shows turning up at the Fringe?
While mental health has been a hot topic at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe recently, shows dealing with physical ailments are coming to the fore this year. Writers and performers tell Emily Jupp about depicting their conditions on stage, as well as putting the well-being of the National Health Service in the spotlight.
Emily Jupp, The Stage, 31st July 2017Donal Coonan interview
Donal Coonan's debut solo show sees him play a struggling supply teacher.
Robert Dex, Evening Standard, 31st July 2017BWW Q&A- Improv Actually
Improv Actually interview.
Natalie O'Donoghue, Broadway World, 31st July 2017BWW Q&A- Hambone: enobmaH
Hambone interview.
Natalie O'Donoghue, Broadway World, 31st July 2017Festival tensions are rising ahead of Fringe
For all the changes Edinburgh's festivals have undergone in the last decade or so, their staggered starts seem the most striking.
Brian Ferguson, The Scotsman, 31st July 2017Edinburgh Festival spotlight: Elsa
I caught up with writer and actor Isobel Rogers.
Daniel Perks, Daniel Perks, 31st July 2017Comedians on ethics: Louise Reay on surveillance
Comedian Louise Reay writes a powerful and compelling ethics column on why we should all care about surveillance.
Louise Reay, The Skinny, 31st July 2017Jonny Pelham on politics, comedy and jam
Risk-averse Jonny Pelham is learning to live in the moment, and brings his third hour of intelligent and thoughtful stand-up to the Gilded Balloon.
Ben Venables, The Skinny, 31st July 2017Andy Daly on his Edinburgh Fringe show
Criminally underseen in the UK despite appearing in some of the finest television comedies of the last five years, sketch comic and improviser Andy Daly is one of America's best character comedians and he's heading to Edinburgh Fringe.
Tony Makos, The Skinny, 31st July 2017Interview with Casa Kim
Casa Kim, the art director for GrueJarm Productions takes some time to talk to Voice about SNAP!, inspirations, and to give advice to young people.
Tom Inniss, Voice Magazine, 31st July 2017Interview with Sofie Hagen
Sofie Hagen takes some time to talk to Voice about the show, inspirations, and to give advice to young people.
Tom Inniss, Voice Magazine, 31st July 2017Interview with Caroline Mabey
Caroline Mabey takes some time to talk to Voice about the show, inspirations, and to give advice to young people.
Tom Inniss, Voice Magazine, 31st July 2017Interview with Ben Norris
Ben Norris takes some time to talk to Voice about The Choir of Man inspirations, and to give advice to young people.
Tom Inniss, Voice Magazine, 31st July 2017Interview with Sophie Willan
Sophie Willan takes some time to talk to Voice about the show, inspirations, and to give advice to young people.
Tom Inniss, Voice Magazine, 31st July 2017Festival spotlight: When The Going Gets Duff
I caught up with writer and actor Helen Duff.
Daniel Perks, Daniel Perks, 31st July 2017Finalists announced for Amused Moose New Comic Award
They are Helen Duff, Huge Davies, Jack Gleadow, Joseph Emslie, Michael Clarke, Olga Koch, Rob Oldham, Rosie Jones, and Sam Whyte.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 31st July 2017Catriona Knox picks her perfect playlist
The breathtaking audacity is bloody funny.
Chortle, 31st July 2017What's the weirdest thing you've seen at the Fringe?
Edinburgh comedians answer...
Chortle, 31st July 2017Why 2017 is a great year to be Canadian
Canadians are often seen as America's polite, apologetic sister who easily goes unnoticed. But lately, as the world looks away in shock from the US, we're standing proudly off to the side and the world is paying attention.
Rachelle Elie, Funny Women, 31st July 2017Why I became the Singing Psychic
As a City bond dealer my job was to fathom the mysteries of the financial markets. Nowadays I go on stage as a comic character, The Singing Psychic, to read the hidden songs in people's hearts and reveal their secret desires.
Marysia Trembecka, Funny Women, 31st July 2017Conor Drum: Edinburgh Fringe 2017 interview
An Irish comic with a show about being the only remaining singleton in a world full of weddings, mortgages, children, security and a lack thereof.
Laugh Out London, 31st July 2017Rob Auton: Edinburgh Fringe 2017 interview
With Daniel Kitson and Scroobius Pip among his fans, Rob Auton has built up a cult following in Edinburgh for his shows that take an unnaturally deep focus on specific subjects. Themes of previous year's include water and sleep. This year it's hair.
Laugh Out London, 31st July 2017The Edinburgh interviews 2017: Helen Duff
Helen Duff is a comedian who specialises in clowning, and she has a lot of exciting things going on this year, from getting to the final of Amused Moose New Act Awards 2017 to starring in the film Holmes and Watson, due to be released next year. Helen will be performing her new show When The Going Gets Duff at Assembly Roxy throughout August.
Becca Moody, Moody Comedy, 31st July 2017I talk to: Nick Helm
This year, Nick Helm is celebrating 20 years at the Fringe with his new work-in-progress show, Masterworks In Progress '17.
Elliot Gonzalez, I Talk Telly, 31st July 2017You have to be joking? Annie McGrath
Annie McGrath interview.
Short Com, 31st July 2017You have to be joking? Steve Bugeja
Steve Bugeja interview.
Short Com, 31st July 2017You have to be joking? Will Duggan
Will Duggan interview.
Short Com, 31st July 2017You have to be joking? Loyiso Gola
Loyiso Gola interview.
Short Com, 31st July 2017You have to be joking? Sleeping Trees
Sleeping Trees interview.
Short Com, 31st July 2017The Late Show with Craig Ferguson interview
If you've ever wanted proof that the Fringe changes lives, take a look at Craig Ferguson.
Steven Armstrong, Edinburgh Festivals, 31st July 2017Hannah Gadsby interview
Hannah Gadsby made waves this year after rejecting the Barry Award for her raw, fearless show Nanette in a stand against homophobia.
Claire Smith, Edinburgh Festivals, 31st July 2017Larry Dean: Amused Moose Comedy Award 2016
Larry Dean interview.
Edinburgh Festivals, 31st July 2017Mark Thomas: First Fringe award
Mark Thomas interview.
Jane Hobson, Edinburgh Festivals, 31st July 2017Pippa Evans interview
Pippa Evans interview.
Edinburgh Festivals, 31st July 2017Richard Gadd interview
Interview with Richard Gadd
Edinburgh Festivals, 31st July 2017Scott Gibson interview
Interview with Scott Gibson.
Edinburgh Festivals, 31st July 2017Tom Ward: Chortle Award 2016
Tom Ward interview.
Edinburgh Festivals, 31st July 2017Simon Morley on society's problem with his penis
20 years ago, Simon Morley contorted his cock into such skillful shapes it led to the famous hit show Puppetry of the Penis. On tour, he found different countries respond to dicks in different ways...
Simon Morley, The Skinny, 31st July 2017Jay Lafferty & Gareth Waugh: Sleep in September
As they're good friends and not short of opinions, we asked local heroes Jay Lafferty and Gareth Waugh to speak to each other before their respective Gilded Balloon debut hours.
Jay Lafferty and Gareth Waugh, The Skinny, 31st July 2017Sarah Kendall on story-telling and the Fringe
Australian comic and wordsmith Sarah Kendall on why we tell stories.
Jenni Ajderian, The Skinny, 31st July 2017Caroline Mabey: Getting Lost in my Memory Palace
The unforgettable Caroline Mabey makes a note about trying to remember her show on memory and scrabble.
Caroline Mabey, The Skinny, 31st July 2017Jessica Fostekew on Voyaging into Choppy Waters
As Jessica Fostekew cruises into The Caves with a story about a maritime misadventure, she writes how heavenly idealism can turn into a horror story...
Jessica Fostekew, The Skinny, 31st July 201710 comedians on the careers they gave up for stand-up
We asked ten comedians appearing at this month's Edinburgh Fringe for their stories.
i Newspaper, 31st July 2017Fringe 2017 - Lucy Hopkins Powerful Women are About
Welcome to a vibrational revolution of being, channelled by a goddess.
The Edinburgh Reporter, 31st July 2017Quick quiz: Mike McShane
To kick us off, the cast of the iconic improv show Whose Line Is It Anyway? get all nostalgic as they return to the Edinburgh stage once again. Today, Mike McShane.
Caro Moses, ThreeWeeks, 31st July 2017Three To See 2017: Three bits of theatrical comedy
This time three bits of theatrical comedy.
Caro Moses, ThreeWeeks, 31st July 2017Three To See 2017: Three spoken word shows
This time three highly recommended spoken word shows.
Rob Auton, ThreeWeeks, 31st July 2017Three To See 2017: Three helpings of dystopian theatre
This time three helpings of dystopian theatre.
Caro Moses, ThreeWeeks, 31st July 2017Top 10 immersive shows at the Edinburgh Festival
Ten shows we can't wait to get swallowed up by when the Festival opens this week.
Alex Wood, What's On Stage, 31st July 2017Steve Bugeja's Unforgettable Five gigs
I owe my career to a dodgy prawn.
Chortle, 31st July 2017The serious business of comedy training
Can you learn to be funny? Maybe not, but courses, workshops and drama schools can teach prospective comedians how to hone their craft. John Byrne talks to tutors helping comic hopefuls the tricks of the trade and how to engage an audience.
John Byrne, The Stage, 31st July 2017Rachel Jackson interview
Rachel Jackson on bad boyfriends, playing Keira Knightley and becoming a comedian.
Teddy Jamieson, The Herald, 31st July 2017Daniel Sloss interview
Ahead of his Fringe show Daniel Sloss on pushing the boundaries of stand-up.
Teddy Jamieson, The Herald, 31st July 2017Salmond's Edinburgh Fringe show sells out
Alex Salmond's two-week stint at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe has completely sold out.
BBC, 31st July 2017Tez Ilyas talks comedy, 'Teztify' and the Fringe
British Asian comedian Tez Ilyas returns to Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2017 with a new stand-up, Teztify. He tells DESIblitz about his comedy aspirations.
Daljinder Johal, DESIbiltz, 31st July 2017BWW Q&A- Death Part 7: The Last Word
Death Part 7: The Last Word
Natalie O'Donoghue, Broadway World, 31st July 2017BWW Q&A- Bubble show for Adults Only
Bubble show for Adults Only interview.
Natalie O'Donoghue, Broadway World, 31st July 2017Review: Great Yorkshire Fringe, Alice Fraser
Bad news, daydreaming princesses: Alice Fraser is here to prove that life is a lot less like a Disney flick and a lot more like quantum physics.
Louise Jones, The York Press, 31st July 2017BWW Q&A- Seymour Mace
Seymour Mace interview.
Natalie O'Donoghue, Broadway World, 31st July 2017Edinburgh Festival Spotlight: Good Girl
I caught up with writer and actor Naomi Sheldon.
Daniel Perks, Daniel Perks, 31st July 2017Malcolm Hardee and John Stonehouse
This blog is mostly just an excuse to run an extract from the late comedian Malcolm Hardee's autobiography I Stole Freddie Mercury's Birthday Cake. Malcolm drowned in London in 2005.
John Fleming, John Fleming's Blog, 31st July 2017Interview: rarely asked questions - Jenny Bede
It is often said that the best comedians make you see the world in a fresh way. Well, Jenny Bede has certainly done that with her answer to my first question.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 31st July 2017Mark Thomas - The Liar's Quartet review
The campaigning stand-up releases scripts to his memorable last three stage shows.
Brian Donaldson, The List, 31st July 2017Shows that place a focus on migration at the Fringe
A look at the productions that aim to tell personal stories of migration, beyond the headlines.
Irina Glinski, The List, 31st July 2017Fringe shows to see on your lunch hour
Make the most of August with a midday dose of comedy, theatre or magic.
Rowena McIntosh, The List, 31st July 2017Butt Kapinski interview
'The deeper I go into my own shame, the more laughs I get'
Gareth K Vile, The List, 31st July 2017Coming of Age
There's a certain child like spirit that drives the imagination and creativity of comedians, who are more curious than most to find the silliness in everyday objects and behaviours to embellish them out on a stage to near perfect strangers, that makes one think are these people grown up in comparison to their audiences?
Short Com, 31st July 2017Geoff Norcott: Right Leaning But Well Meaning preview
In recent years, Geoff Norcott has become the media's go-to right-wing comedian for a soundbite, with hardly a week going by without him popping up on a radio show to explain his Conservative-voting record.
Jay Richardson, Edinburgh Festivals, 31st July 2017In the hot seat: Steen Raskopoulos
Last year Steen got Punchline's Rosalind up on stage for a rap battle. Ever terrified of audience participation, surprisingly she left victorious and elated... and now we can't wait to go back for more!
Punchline UK, 31st July 2017Ten ways comedians will ruin their own Fringe
To all my fellow comedians heading to the Edinburgh Fringe - you're about to ruin it for yourself.
Ashley Frieze, Chortle, 31st July 2017Ruby Wax's offspring - two Siblings on the Fringe
Maddy and Marina Bye are real-life sisters performing their show Siblings at the Edinburgh Fringe. They are the daughters of comedy actress Ruby Wax and legendary TV comedy director Ed Bye.
John Fleming, John Fleming's Blog, 31st July 2017Ayesha Hazarika interview
Stand-up and former Westminster insider takes our Q&A.
Robert Peacock, The Wee Review, 31st July 2017Andrew Maxwell: Showtime
The garrulous Irishman is always one of the most reliably funny and informative observers on current events.
Jay Richardson, Edinburgh Festivals, 31st July 2017The Amazing Bubble Man
Expect to be beguiled and amazed.
Mark Fisher, Edinburgh Festivals, 31st July 2017An interview with Rebecca Norris
Rebecca Norris interview.
Mumble Comedy, 31st July 2017An interview with Bob Graham
Bob Graham interview.
Mumble Comedy, 31st July 2017Fringe 2017 - Miserably Happy
Tiernan Douieb transports his carefully-cultivated echo chamber to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, bringing with it a new hour of satirical gags and nonsense musings - if ignorance is bliss should we even know that? Can we learn to understand people we don't agree with?
The Edinburgh Reporter, 31st July 2017Great Yorkshire Fringe new comedian of the Year result
Jack Gleadow has won the New Comedian Of the Year Final at the Great Yorkshire Fringe.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 31st July 2017#EdFringe17: Terry Alderton is All Crazy Now
Enjoy 10 minutes of chat with one of On the Mic's comedy heroes, comedian and actor Terry Alderton. Terry chats about his friendship with Malcolm Hardee, the state of the current comedy circuit, appearing in EastEnders and his Edinburgh show with long-term collaborator Johnny Spurling.
Martin Walker, Broadway Baby, 31st July 2017#EdFringe17: Shazia Mirza With Love from St Tropez
Enjoy 10 minutes of stand up and chat with Shazia. Alongside comedian Mark Watson, she was among ten luminaries in this year's series of The Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls. When she returned, the world had changed.
Martin Walker, Broadway Baby, 31st July 2017#EdFringe17: Jenny Bede on Eggtime
Enjoy 15 minutes of music and chat with the brilliant Jenny Bede. Through a mixture of song, stand-up and sass, Jenny explores what it means to find yourself as a childless woman in your 30s. She tackles modern gender politics, love, sex and parents.
Martin Walker, Broadway Baby, 31st July 2017#EdFringe17: Ayesha Hazarika on the State of the Nation
Enjoy 15 minutes of stand up and chat with comedian, turned political spokesperson, turned comedian, Ayesha Hazarika. How does the former special adviser to Ed Miliband and Harriet Harman feel about the rise of Jeremy Corbyn? What's Westminster really like on the inside?
Martin Walker, Broadway Baby, 31st July 2017#EdFringe17: Elliot Steel's Near Life Experience
Elliot feels that he has changed enormously in the last twelve months and that his material is beginning to reflect that. But what's his beef with Paul Fleckney of comedy industry website Chortle? Featuring stand up recorded live at the Comedy Store in 2016.
Martin Walker, Broadway Baby, 31st July 2017The forecast: Cairan's Picks
Still reeling from the colossal size of this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe guide? Not to worry, Fringebiscuit is here for you!
Cairan McLaggan, Fringe Biscuit, 31st July 2017Seven Edinburgh survival tips from Fringe performers
Here is your Edinburgh Fringe survival guide so don't panic.
Samantha Baines, The Huffington Post, 31st July 2017BWW Q&A- Daniel Muggleton
Daniel Muggleton interview.
Natalie O'Donoghue, Broadway World, 31st July 2017Dominic Holland at Chortle's Fast Fringe
Dominic Holland speaks about meeting rower James Cracknell in a new stand-up clip.
Chortle, 31st July 2017Videos
Podcasts
TV & radio
The Infinite Monkey Cage
Series 16, Episode 5 - Are We Living In A Simulation?With Phill Jupitus, Nick Bostrom, Anil Seth.
Horrible Histories
Series 7, Episode 3 - Ridiculous RomanticsThis week Horrible Histories charts the path towards true love - and some of history's biggest and most ridiculous romantics are in the spotlight.
I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue
Series 67, Episode 6A return visit to New Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham. Barry Cryer and Tim Brooke-Taylor are joined by Jeremy Hardy and Jan Ravens. Jack Dee is in the chair.