BCG Daily Tuesday 1st August 2017
News
Press clippings
Spotlight: Graham Dickson Is The Narcissist
I caught up with writer and actor Graham Dickson.
Daniel Perks, Daniel Perks, 1st August 2017Interview: rarely asked questions - Tom Ward
Tom Ward has been on my radar for a few years now.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 1st August 2017Rachel Parris: Edinburgh Fringe 2017 interview
Rachel Parris one of the best, most talented musical comedians and improvisers out there. In addition to her starring role in Austentatious (the improvised Jane Austen novel), she tackles inspirational speeches in her solo hour.
Laugh Out London, 1st August 20178 reasons to be worried about Joz Norris' Fringe show
Just as 2016's Batman v Superman, intended as the launching point of an ambitious cinematic universe, failed to impress fans and critics, there's every reason to be cautious approaching 2017's Fringe and reserving judgement on the much-mooted Joz Norris Expanded Universe before really investing. Here are 8 reasons why Norris's 2017 outing could crash and burn.
Laugh Out London, 1st August 2017World speed record for leg amputation in BBC's Quacks
The packed operating theatre falls silent as Rory Kinnear's showman surgeon announces that he will now break the world speed record of 92 seconds for a leg amputation.
Adam Sherwin, i Newspaper, 1st August 2017+3 interview: Carmen Lynch: Lynched
"Is this what runners feel when they sign up for a marathon?"
Dan Lentell, Edinburgh49, 1st August 2017+3 interview: Gary Tro
"I love the fringe. It's like puberty but with more Berocca."
Dan Lentell, Edinburgh49, 1st August 2017+3 interview: Kate Butch
"My show comes from the vast number of shows I have seen, at many different Fringes, as I attempt to distill them down and create the most gimmick-filled show ever seen."
Dan Lentell, Edinburgh49, 1st August 2017+3 interview: Good Girl
"I've come many years as a punter but this is my first time on the other side of the stage and with my own work."
Dan Lentell, Edinburgh49, 1st August 2017Irvine Welsh interview
As a novelist, Irvine Welsh needs no introduction.
Mark Fisher, Edinburgh Festivals, 1st August 2017John Kearns: Don't Worry They're Here preview
To date, the only act to have followed the best newcomer with the full Edinburgh Comedy Award, and in consecutive years no less, John Kearns' absurd persona is at once familiar, preoccupied with life's mundanities, and defiantly off-beat, exemplified by his decision to sport a daft wig and ill-fitting teeth.
Jay Richardson, Edinburgh Festivals, 1st August 2017Tez Ilyas interview
"The greatest thing about the British isn't our sense of humour. It's that if you can make us laugh we'll think, 'ah, they must be alright'," Tez Ilyas believes.
Stephen Armstrong, Edinburgh Festivals, 1st August 2017Tutu interview
Philippe Lafeuille is sitting in a stylish Parisian brasserie making funny noises into my recording device. "You see," he says with a smile, "I can't be serious, I'm always a clown."
Kelly Apter, Edinburgh Festivals, 1st August 2017John Robins: The Darkness of Robins preview
Listeners to John Robins' Radio X show with Elis James will be familiar with his regular feature, The Shame Well, in which he absolves people of humiliating memories they've carried with them for years.
Jay Richardson, Edinburgh Festivals, 1st August 2017Mark Steel: preview
Few comics mine the personal or political as effectively as Mark Steel and even fewer can marry the two together.
Jay Richardson, Edinburgh Festivals, 1st August 2017Mark Thomas: A Show that Gambles on the Future preview
Recently returned from Palestine, the campaigning Mark Thomas likes to put himself at the centre of events, speaking truth to power and challenging orthodoxies.
Jay Richardson, Edinburgh Festivals, 1st August 2017Preview - Fringe 2017 - five to look out for
Includes Richard Gadd and Rob Auton.
Cormac Rae, The Edinburgh Reporter, 1st August 2017Fringe 2017 - The Death Hilarious
Welsh, working-class firebrands The Death Hilarious bring their debut hour to the Edinburgh Fringe.
The Edinburgh Reporter, 1st August 2017Edinburgh Festival spotlight: DuBois Entendre
I caught up with writer and actor Myra DuBois.
Daniel Perks, Daniel Perks, 1st August 2017Spotlight: Itty Bitty Little Titty Piece
I caught up with writer and actor Patrick Turpin
Daniel Perks, Daniel Perks, 1st August 2017BWW Q&A- Siren
Siren interview.
Natalie O'Donoghue, Broadway World, 1st August 2017Fringe interview: comedian Sara Pascoe
From breaking up with her partner to adapting Pride And Prejudice for the stage and embarking on a six-month solo hen party, Sara Pascoe admits she is having 'a bit of a year'.
Jay Richardson, The Scotsman, 1st August 2017Playwright and actor Monsay Whitney: interview
Monsay Whitney took up playwriting after Simon Stephens encouraged her to give it a go. With a play showing at this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe, she tells Giverny Masso about how writing helped her combat anxiety...
Giverny Masso, The Stage, 1st August 2017Grant Stott's Fringe experiences
He has always loved the Fringe, but the thrill - and fear - of his own show has taken the experience to a new level for Grant Stott.
Grant Stott, The Scotsman, 1st August 2017Betty Grumble and Aisha Josiah on their Fringe shows
One-woman shows, identity and the power of storytelling with Betty Grumble and Aisha Josiah.
Alice Lannon, The Skinny, 1st August 2017Fringe Q&A's: Rosie Wilby
Rosie Wilby on how we behave in the aftermath of a separation, synchronised comedy swimming and the clean air of Scotland.
Linda Howard, The Herald, 1st August 2017Spotlight: How To Not Kill Yourself For 30 Days...
I caught up with writer and actor Annie Sertich.
Daniel Perks, Daniel Perks, 1st August 2017Andy Field picks his Perfect Playlist
"I went to school dressed as Groucho..."
Andy Field, Chortle, 1st August 2017The one thing Fringe performers wish they knew first
Edinburgh veterans share their wisdom.
Chortle, 1st August 2017The best Edinburgh shows we've seen already
Fringe-bound comics reviewed before the festival.
Chortle, 1st August 2017Johnny White Really-Really: interview
Part of an impressive roster of performers from Liam Williams' production company Fight in the Dog, Johnny White Really-Really is an exciting young performer tackling the big questions.
Laugh Out London, 1st August 2017Phil Wang: Edinburgh Fringe 2017 interview
With multiple panel show appearances, Phil's star is well on the rise. Expect big things from this show.
Laugh Out London, 1st August 2017The Edinburgh interviews 2017: Kae Kurd
Kae Kurd's debut show centres around the comic's personal history, being part of a family of political refugees who fled Saddam Hussein's brutal regime and settled in the UK. The show, entitled Kurd Your Enthusiasm, will be at the Pleasance Courtyard throughout August.
Becca Moody, Moody Comedy, 1st August 2017David Trent - interview
As the multimedia comedian heads for the Edinburgh Fringe, he picks his five favourite bits of tech from the movies.
Brian Donaldson, The List, 1st August 2017Luke McQueen interview
Prankster comic takes on a 'new' identity and raises the stakes on mischief-making comedy at the Fringe.
Jay Richardson, The List, 1st August 2017Dominic Holland interview
Former Fringe favourite and father to the new Spider-Man returns to Edinburgh with a tale of familial rivalry.
Brian Donaldson, The List, 1st August 2017David Walliams: leaving his Little Britain days behind
Comedian and writer David Walliams talks about writing children's books and why he has to pinch himself every day.
BBC, 1st August 2017Peter Kay won't bring back Car Share
Peter Kay is adamant Car Share is over and done with because he wants to let it rest on a high.
Female First, 1st August 2017Lenny Henry on Ofcom and diversity
The BBC is failing to meet its own targets on diversity. To change things we need to look beyond our TV screens at who commissions and makes the programmes.
Lenny Henry, The Guardian, 1st August 2017Steve Bugeja: Summer Camp preview
Expect cringe comedy leavened with an endearing, try-hard mentality to try to do the right thing.
Jay Richardson, Edinburgh Festivals, 1st August 2017Rhys James: Wiseboy preview
After recently recording his debut Radio 4 series, the cocksure wordsmith with the propensity for raps returns with a show exploring what made him the man he is today.
Jay Richardson, Edinburgh Festivals, 1st August 2017You have to be joking? Two Plus Ones
Two Plus Ones interview.
Short Com, 1st August 2017John Robins: The Darkness of Robins, Edinburgh preview
In the third of our Edinburgh Fringe previews, Ian Cater speaks to comedian, broadcaster and Queen fanatic John Robins about recovering from post-breakup despair to find humour in his painful and funny new show, The Darkness of Robins.
Ian Cater, What's On London, 1st August 2017Alex Kealy: Edinburgh Fringe 2017 interview
A sharp, likable young act who has board games and tennis on the Fringe agenda.
Laugh Out London, 1st August 2017John Robins recalls his Unforgettable Five gigs
'I've been asked to perform in a toilet'
John Robins, Chortle, 1st August 2017Tom Ballard: Problematic preview
Nominated for best newcomer at last year's Fringe, Tom Ballard's show Problematic has already been a hit at this year's Melbourne Festival.
Jay Richardson, Edinburgh Festivals, 1st August 2017Tommy Tiernan: Under the Influence preview
Returning to sitcom for the first time in 16 years with Channel 4's forthcoming Derry Girls, and hosting a brilliantly innovative Irish chat show, where he doesn't know who his guests are before they appear on set, Tommy Tiernan remains one of the most gifted comedians of his generation.
Jay Richardson, Edinburgh Festivals, 1st August 2017Tom Walker: Bee Boo preview
Fiercely inventive prop comic Tom Walker is wilfully odd for oddity's sake, dragging you into his anarchic world with his irresistible personality.
Jay Richardson, Edinburgh Festivals, 1st August 2017Tony Law: Absurdity for the Common People preview
After a much publicised battle with alcohol, the acclaimed Tony Law returns with a show that continues to champion buffoonery as a bulwark against the horrors of life.
Jay Richardson, Edinburgh Festivals, 1st August 2017Wild Bore interview
The gloves - and all the rest - are off as Adrienne Truscott, Zoe Coombs Marr and Ursula Martinez bare their behinds to the critics in absurdist satire, Wild Bore.
Claire Smith, Edinburgh Festivals, 1st August 2017Trygve vs A Baby preview
Incredibly, Trygve Wakenshaw's double-act partner in his latest clown show is his one-year-old son Phineas.
Jay Richardson, Edinburgh Festivals, 1st August 2017Shappi Khorsandi: Mistress and Misfit preview
The invariably excellent Shappi Khorsandi had a great show on Britishness last year.
Jay Richardson, Edinburgh Festivals, 1st August 2017Brexit the Musical preview
Well, of course, there'd be a show called Brexit the Musical on the Fringe in 2017, but this one should at least be well informed.
Mark Fisher, Edinburgh Festivals, 1st August 2017In the hot seat: Sofie Hagen
Sofie Hagen interview.
Punchline UK, 1st August 2017Fringe at The Circus Hub - Elixir
Three members of award winning Australian company, Head First Acrobats, performed some world-class circus and physical theatre skills, including mind boggling new school death defying acrobatics, all in one of Edinburgh's most iconic and visually unique attractions, Camera Obscura and World of Illusions.
John Preece, The Edinburgh Reporter, 1st August 2017Pick of the Edinburgh Fringe - issue 7
Have a wonderful 70th Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Theatre Weekly, 1st August 2017Quick quiz: Colin Mochrie
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, Colin Mochrie.
ThreeWeeks, 1st August 2017Three to see 2017: Three US imports
This time three of our favourite American comedians.
Caro Moses, ThreeWeeks, 1st August 2017Three To See 2017: Three sets of cursed theatre
This time three sets of cursed theatre.
Caro Moses, ThreeWeeks, 1st August 2017What's the maximum number of Fringe shows you can see?
Visitors to the Edinburgh Fringe could feasibly see a total of 314 shows over the festival's 25 days.
Chortle, 1st August 2017Ten circus shows not to miss in Edinburgh
From tightrope walkers to mad jugglers, here's the circus shows that will have you in a spin this August.
Daisy Bowie-Sell, What's On Stage, 1st August 2017Fringe 2017 - Tom Stade - I Swear at Gilded Balloon
Who is Tom Stade - are we any closer to the real Tom now that we have met him? Will the real Tom Stade stand up?
Phyllis Stephen, The Edinburgh Reporter, 1st August 2017The show time series with Tom Houghton
Tom Houghton interview.
Comedy Blogedy, 1st August 2017The show time series with Twayna Mayne
Twayna Mayne interview.
Comedy Blogedy, 1st August 2017Glenn Moore interview
The rising star of stand-up and one-half of Thünderbards chats about his new Fringe show which has absolutely nothing to do with Belinda Carlisle whatsoever.
Brian Donaldson, The List, 1st August 2017Angela Barnes interview
The 2011 BBC New Comedy Award winner is making up for lost time having come to stand-up relatively late in life.
Marissa Burgess, The List, 1st August 2017You have to be joking? Andrew Maxwell
Andrew Maxwell interview.
Short Com, 1st August 2017You have to be joking? Dane Baptiste
Dane Baptiste interview.
Short Com, 1st August 2017You have to be joking? Rachel Jackson
Rachel Jackson interview.
Short Com, 1st August 2017What to watch: Edinburgh 2017
We''e off to the Fringe! Here's what's top of our list at this year's theatrical extravaganza.
The Peg, 1st August 2017Are two heads better than one?
The Fringe is an intense place for comics (I know, get the violin out) and taking a solo comedy show up is arguably the most stressful way to do it. The pressure is on you to write, perform, promote and accept critique and compliments humbly all by yourself.
Kat Bond, Chortle, 1st August 2017How to... do physical comedy
A guide to physical comedy.
John Byrne, The Stage, 1st August 2017The Old Fart's Festival guide part 2
Fringe veteran Chris Bratt has some top tips for fellow 60-somethings: travel light, pack a waterproof, and avoid wool - there's nothing worse than gently steaming in a portacabin.
Chris Bratt, The Independent, 1st August 2017What can the UK learn from Italian politics?
Italian comedian and journalist Francesco De Carlo pens our latest Comedians on Ethics column, asking what the UK can learn from Italian politics.
Francesco De Carlo, The Skinny, 1st August 2017Adelaide comes to Edinburgh Fringe 2017
How to enjoy a summer Fringe Festival during Edinburgh's winter months.
The Skinny, 1st August 2017Interview with Darren Harriott
Darren Harriott takes some time to talk to Voice about the show, inspirations, and to give advice to young people.
Tom Inniss, Voice Magazine, 1st August 2017Interview with Richard Todd
Richard Todd takes some time to talk to Voice about the show, inspirations, and to give advice to young people.
Tom Inniss, Voice Magazine, 1st August 2017Interview with Richard Sparks
Richard Sparks takes some time to talk to Voice about the Margarita Dreams, inspirations, and to give advice to young people.
Tom Inniss, Voice Magazine, 1st August 2017Interview with Joshua Bond
Joshua Bond takes some time to talk to Voice about the Djuki Mala, inspirations, and to give advice to young people.
Tom Inniss, Voice Magazine, 1st August 2017Interview with Eliot Salt and Jude Mack
Eliot Salt and Jude Mack from Deadpan Theatre take some time to talk to Voice about their show, inspirations, and give advice to young people.
Tom Inniss, Voice Magazine, 1st August 2017Eddie Izzard: I reclaimed the word 'transvestite'
Eddie Izzard on coming out as as transvestite in the 1980s - and why he failed to impress the girls in his school days.
Jane Graham, The Big Issue, 1st August 2017Sara Pascoe: LadsLadsLadsLadsLads
An autodidactic workaholic, she's also just adapted Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice for the stage.
Jay Richardson, Edinburgh Festivals, 1st August 2017Steen Raskopoulos preview
Confirming Steen Raskopoulos' classy take on character and sketch comedy, the Australian returns with his patented brand of audience participation, improvising around the unpredictable involvement of punters in his pre-prepared skits.
Jay Richardson, Edinburgh Festivals, 1st August 2017Kat Bond: Loo Roll, Edinburgh preview, Centre17
In Centre17, London's newest performance space - a hall with a small stage near Walthamstow Central tube station - Kat Bond delivered her particular brand of zany comedy to an attentive audience on Friday night.
Antonia Windsor, Theatre Bubble, 1st August 2017Terry Alderton on performing his new show at the Fringe
Terry Alderton interview.
Andrew Williams, Metro, 1st August 2017BWW Q&A- Jon and Nath Like to Party
Jon and Nath Like to Party interview.
Natalie O'Donoghue, Broadway World, 1st August 2017Maths at the Edinburgh Fringe
This year pickings are slim - quite a few mathematical Fringe regulars are having the year off - but there are a couple of shows which have maths as a definite theme.
Katie Steckles, The Aperiodical, 1st August 2017Ari Shaffir's Skeptic Tank #299: But... But You're Blek
Loyiso Gola met me in Montreal to give me a bit of an introduction to South Africa.
Ari Shaffir, Ari Shaffir, 1st August 2017BWW Q&A- Daniel Cainer
Daniel Cainer interview.
Natalie O'Donoghue, Broadway World, 1st August 201712 last minute Fringe festival picks
If you're still deciding what to see, here are twelve last minute recommendations.
J. Waygood, Grumpy Gay Critic, 1st August 2017Mozart meets the Kardashians - it can only be Leoe&Hyde
Sian Bayley speaks to librettist Leo Mercer, to find out more about this modern and ambitious rewrite of Mozart's Marriage of Figaro.
Sian Bayley, EdFringe Review, 1st August 2017Pierre Novellie at Chortle's Fast Fringe
Pierre Novellie speaks about how children are forced to learn a useless amount of French language in this new clip from Chortle's Fast Fringe.
Chortle, 1st August 2017Podcasts
TV & radio
Meet David Sedaris
Series 6, Episode 5David presents his essay A Number of Reasons I've Been Depressed, Lately and reads some recent diary extracts.