BCG Daily Monday 7th August 2017
News
Features
Press clippings
What's going to happen in the next series of Cold Feet?
Adam, Pete, Jenny, David and Karen are back on screens this autumn.
Susanna Lazarus, Radio Times, 7th August 2017Harry and Chris: Edinburgh Fringe 2017 interview
After a debut sell-out run of The Harry and Chris Show at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2016, this duo are bringing their brand of poetry, music, love and laughter back to Scotland.
Laugh Out London, 7th August 2017What happened to the comedy trademark?
Comedians once embraced a signature quip or look, so why have such tropes fallen out of favour?
James Kettle, The Guardian, 7th August 2017Tez Ilyas interview
His show Made in Britain debunked myths about Muslims in the UK. As he returns to Edinburgh, Tez Ilyas talks about the cut and thrust of panel shows and why the fringe is like a freshers' week for standups.
Paul Fleckney, The Guardian, 7th August 2017Elis James & John Robins star in adult colouring book
Comedians Elis James and John Robins have become the subject of a new adult colouring-in book.
Chortle, 7th August 2017+3 interview: Victim
"It stars Louise Beresford who is a fantastically versatile actress giving the role the perfect blend of comedy and menace."
Dan Lentell, Edinburgh49, 7th August 2017+3 interview: Maria Shehata: Wisdomless
"I was in the Arches that year, and they were doing construction on the site. My first show had to be postponed because they dug up human remains."
Dan Lentell, Edinburgh49, 7th August 2017+3 interview: Christopher Macarthur-Boyd
"...has one joke about Morrissey and then a couple dozen about the end of the world. I'm really proud of it."
Dan Lentell, Edinburgh49, 7th August 2017+3 interview: Tony Cowards: Punderdog
"The show is debuting in Edinburgh and then I'm performing it at various other festivals around the UK."
Dan Lentell, Edinburgh49, 7th August 2017In the hot seat: Abigoliah Schamaun
Abigoliah Schamaun interview.
Punchline UK, 7th August 2017Has comedy become too PC?
They say that much of the right-wing backlash being observed in the political mainstream across the world stems from how overly PC society has become. And if that's true, comedy may have a lot to answer for.
Jack Peat, The London Economic, 7th August 2017John Bishop on switching to 'dramatic' acting
John Bishop has opened up about trying his hand at dramatic roles, after gaining huge popularity with his stand-up comedy.
Shaun Kitchener, The Daily Express, 7th August 2017Old Fart's festival guide to the Fringe: dream big
You have to feel for them: the performers here for the first time believing that this will be the beginning of a glorious, glittering career in the theatre and television. Chris Bratt tells their stories.
Chris Bratt, The Independent, 7th August 2017BWW Q&A- Fag/Stag
Fag/Stag interview.
Natalie O'Donoghue, Broadway World, 7th August 2017EdFringe70 interview: Olivia Gibbs-Fairley
Date night: the time when friends, family and lovers come together (though not all together) to spend time, catch up and share stories. Welcome to Date Night with Bristol Improv.
The New Current, 7th August 2017EdFringe70 interview: Danny Lobell
Comedian Danny Lobell (This American Life, WTF, Modern Day Philosophers) has always been broke. But he's never given up hope. He's bred designer hairless cats for money and worked alongside a geriatric hawking Jackie Mason's merchandise at his Broadway show.
The New Current, 7th August 2017EdFringe70 interview: Elliot Douglas
One hotel room. One impossible scandal. Two men who don't know what they want. Through the story of Marcus and Sam, watch the machinations of both a complex political satire and an emotionally fraught love story.
The New Current, 7th August 2017EdFringe70 interview: Malene Cathrine Pedersen
Travel back to the 1920s to examine the beautiful art of failing. Don and Gnu throw themselves into the iconic universe of silent films from a time with specks of white dust on the screen and Charlie Chaplin on the loose - but can they manage to stay within the frame?
The New Current, 7th August 2017Trump gives Fringe performers a shot in the arm
"Things are embarrassing, sad, awful, cruel, stupid, bigoted, violent and shameful in America at the moment," says Barry Crimmins, the veteran comic from upstate New York whose latest Fringe show promises a passionate political experience fuelled by his dismay at our times.
David Pollock, The Scotsman, 7th August 2017Irvine Welsh on his three Fringe shows
Perhaps more than any other author you can think of, people tend to confuse Irvine Welsh with one of his characters. Mention his name, especially in the streets of Edinburgh, and most people will think of someone out caning it in a club till the small hours, or at least mouthing off drunk in a pub somewhere down in Leith.
The Scotsman, 7th August 2017Grant O'Rourke is so proud to play Jocky Wilson
Grant O'Rourke used to play the Jocky Wilson computer game when he was a youngster - and now he's playing the Scottish darts legend in a one-man show.
Murray Scougall, The Sunday Post, 7th August 2017Maria Shehata picks her Perfect Playlist
'Sometimes you just want to watch someone cry because life has beaten them down'
Maria Shehata, Chortle, 7th August 2017What's the oddest Fringe prop you've bought or made?
Comedians recall the strange looks...
Chortle, 7th August 2017When comedy is just not comedy
...and does that add or subtract from the humour, asks Alice Fraser.
Alice Fraser, Chortle, 7th August 2017Ellyn Daniels: Emotional Terrorism Q&A
We caught up with Ellyn to talk about her show and her many careers!
Funny Women, 7th August 2017Thunderbards: Edinburgh Fringe 2017 interview
The acclaimed sketch duo return with an hour of gag laden comedy, filled with their trademark off-beat jokes, fast paced sketches and overwhelming politeness.
Laugh Out London, 7th August 2017Naz Osmanoglu: Edinburgh Fringe 2017 interview
Naz is a veteran of the stand-up circuit and has sketch experience as part of the acclaimed WitTank, but this is his first solo sketch hour.
Laugh Out London, 7th August 2017Adam Hess: Edinburgh Fringe 2017 interview
No act at the Fringe this year will provide more laughs per minute than Hess. Relentless and hilarious.
Laugh Out London, 7th August 2017The Edinburgh Interviews 2017: Twayna Mayne
Twayna Mayne is a stand up comedian hailed for being highly original with her downbeat comic delivery and honest, anecdotal material. This year Twayna will be performing her debut Edinburgh show, Black Girl, at the Pleasance Courtyard throughout August.
Becca Moody, Moody Comedy, 7th August 2017The Edinburgh interviews 2017: Michael Stranney
Michael Stranney is an innovative character comic from Northern Ireland who is performing his latest inventively surreal show Welcome to Ballybeg as his character Daniel Duffy. Stranney will be performing at the Pleasance Courtyard throughout August.
Becca Moody, Moody Comedy, 7th August 2017The Edinburgh interviews 2017: Andy Daly
Andy Daly is an American sketch comic and improviser who is bringing his most popular monstrous comedy characters to this year's Edinburgh Festival. Daly's show, Monsters Take Your Questions, will be at the Gilded Balloon's Wine Bar throughout August.
Becca Moody, Moody Comedy, 7th August 2017Festival City #3 | Bunny Boiler seeks love
Don't accuse us of fake news, but this episode may or may not include acting advice from director Graham Eatough and relationship advice from comedian Rachel Jackson.
Scott Henderson, The List, 7th August 2017Brian Conley signs up to Strictly Come Dancing
Brian Conley has reportedly signed up to Strictly Come Dancing.
Female First, 7th August 2017Irvine Welsh: Creatives about rich domination of arts
'I think now you get a lot of rich kids going into the arts who wouldn't have bothered before because they had different career paths. But all these professions are drying up now'
Clarisse Loughrey, The Independent, 7th August 2017An LGBTQ+ guide to the Fringe
At its root, the Edinburgh Fringe was forged out of rejection.
Liam Taft, The Huffington Post, 7th August 2017In the hot seat: Edd Hedges
Edd Hedges interview.
Punchline UK, 7th August 2017Three To See on 8 Aug
Three to see at the Edinburgh Festival on Monday 8 Aug...
ThreeWeeks, 7th August 2017Die Roten Punkte get their instruments back
German duo Die Roten Punkte has been reunited with their musical instruments. They were left stranded on the opening night of their Edinburgh Fringe run at the weekend after British Airways lost their musical equipment.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 7th August 2017Chris Washington makes first-class Fringe performance
A Wigan postman-turned-comedian is in high spirits after performing his debut hour at one of the world's largest arts festivals....
Liam Soutar, Wigan Today, 7th August 2017Bruce Dessau on 30 years attending the Fringe
The Edinburgh Fringe is 70 years old this year. Veteran comedy critic Bruce Dessau remembers 3/7ths of it. At least, he remembers the really odd stuff.
Bruce Dessau, FringePig, 7th August 2017Circuit Bunny: Parking Palaver
A photo comic strip.
FringePig, 7th August 2017The comedians
A comic strip by Christian Talbot and Rob Bonham.
Christian Talbot and Rob Bonham, FringePig, 7th August 2017#LetsSellThisGigOut 4-15
Michael Legge will be bloody cross if you don't go to THESE shows at THESE times. Follow #LetsSellThisGigOut. Listen if you want to live.
Michael Legge, FringePig, 7th August 2017EdFringe70 interview: Charlie Dupré, McBlair
It is 1994. Returning from a successful parliamentary meeting, Macblair and Macbrown meet three weird hacks on a stairwell in the House of Commons. They prophesy that Macblair will become leader of the Labour party, then Prime Minister, and eventually... King of the World.
The New Current, 7th August 2017Interview with Nick Cody
Nick Cody takes some time to talk to Voice about the show, inspirations, and to give advice to young people.
Tom Inniss, Voice Magazine, 7th August 2017Interview with Naz Osmanoglu
Naz Osmanoglu takes some time to talk to Voice about the show, inspirations, and to give advice to young people.
Tom Inniss, Voice Magazine, 7th August 2017Interview with Glenn Moore
Glenn Moore takes some time to talk to Voice about the show, inspirations, and to give advice to young people.
Tom Inniss, Voice Magazine, 7th August 2017Interview with Gillian Cosgriff
Gillian Cosgriff takes some time to talk to Voice about the show, inspirations, and to give advice to young people.
Tom Inniss, Voice Magazine, 7th August 2017Interview with George Egg
George Egg takes some time to talk to Voice about the show, inspirations, and to give advice to young people.
Tom Inniss, Voice Magazine, 7th August 2017Interview with Flo & Joan
Flo & Joan take some time to talk to Voice about the show, their inspirations, and to give advice to young people.
Tom Inniss, Voice Magazine, 7th August 2017Michael Barrymore to be subject of new musical
A new musical project about comedian Michael Barrymore is in development.
Giverny Masso, The Stage, 7th August 2017Loyiso Gola five Unforgettable Gigs
"Never take a date to a gig"
Loyiso Gola, Chortle, 7th August 2017Helen Duff: Edinburgh Fringe 2017 interview
A gloriously silly clown who can do a great brummie accent. Her show's blurb also says doughnuts may be shared. So get a ticket.
Laugh Out London, 7th August 2017Christopher Macarthur-Boyd interview
"Never do admin while drunk on coconut rum."
Robert Peacock, The Wee Review, 7th August 2017Fringe 2017 - Zach Zucker
Fresh off a run of SOLD OUT shows in Los Angeles, London and Berlin, award-winning comedian Zach Zucker makes his solo debut with Human Person!
The Edinburgh Reporter, 7th August 2017Fringe 2017 - Jonny & The Baptists
The musical comedy stars celebrate five years of silly songs and satirical anthems for one week only at the Edinburgh Fringe .
Mike Smith, The Edinburgh Reporter, 7th August 2017Interview: Eva Price on Rise and Fall of Marcus Monroe
This August, Eva is swapping the bright lights of Broadway for the Scottish Summer, bringing The Rise and Fall of Marcus Monroe to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for its worldwide premiere.
Theatre Weekly, 7th August 2017My first Edinburgh: my agent told me I was terrible
Shazia Mirza remembers the lows of her first Fringe and how returning to the city feels far more refreshing.
Shazia Mirza, What's On Stage, 7th August 2017Eshaan Akbar talks stand-up comedy & Fringe
Not For Prophet will be the first unmissable solo show from the Piccadilly Comedian of the Year 2016, Eshaan Akbar, at Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2017.
Daljinder Johal, DESIbiltz, 7th August 2017Craig Ferguson on his return to the Fringe
What, I inquire, is Craig Ferguson doing in Ayrshire. "I live here," he says. He likes Ayrshire.
Kate Copstick, The Scotsman, 7th August 2017BBW Q&A- Bruce
Bruce interview.
Natalie O'Donoghue, Broadway World, 7th August 2017BWW Q&A- Demi Lardner
Demi Lardner interview.
Natalie O'Donoghue, Broadway World, 7th August 2017Reviewer review: Eve Livingstone, The Skinny
There's no affectation to Eve Livingstone's reviews; they're straight as an arrow hewn out at the Rolls Royce machineworks. The quality isn't far off either.
Becky Walker's Panda, FringePig, 7th August 2017EdFringe70 interview: Megan Gogerty
When comedian Megan Gogerty is told that she hasn't got the part of Lady Macbeth, a tragic figure of powerful darkness, because Megan is the human equivalent of a golden retriever, she sets out to prove them all wrong.
The New Current, 7th August 2017EdFringe70 interview: Johnny Kingshott, Alternative 2
Britain Does Variety 2016 finalist Johnny Kingshott brings his stand-up comedy show to Edinburgh.
The New Current, 7th August 2017EdFringe70 interview: Bill Larkin
Comedian, musician and award-winning actor Bill Larkin from Chicago performs songs at the piano that the Los Angeles Times call 'bitingly satirical'. Songs performed from his new live album, Knowing Your Audience.
The New Current, 7th August 2017Courtney Act is changing the world one selfie at a time
From the moment she hurtles on to the stage on ruby red rollerskates, Courtney Act gives it all she's got - taking us from ballads to disco to rock, with three sensational costume changes along the way.
Claire Smith, The Scotsman, 7th August 2017Al Murray at the Fringe & supporting Farm Safety Week
Al Murray interview.
Andrew Williams, Metro, 7th August 2017Edinburgh Fringe day 6
Yesterday's blog ended with a mention of believable and unbelievable anecdotes.
John Fleming, John Fleming's Blog, 7th August 2017Absent friends at this year's Fringe
This year, Edinburgh will miss some of its favourite stalwarts.
Kate Copstick, The Scotsman, 7th August 2017Rose Matafeo on alternative Christmas crackers
New Zealand comic Rose Matafeo has suggested some alternatives to the traditional Christmas cracker jokes.
Chortle, 7th August 2017EdFringe70 interview: The Intimate Strangers
Hot eggs! The Intimate Strangers bring you dark, absurd and hilarious sketch comedy with a grand James Bond finale.
The New Current, 7th August 2017Little did we know Alan Partridge heralded Donald Trump
In the first part of our week celebrating 90s comedy, we take a look back at the Nostradamus of Norwich.
Daniel Curtis, The New Statesman, 7th August 2017You know comedians don't have job interviews?
Why should comedians get away with never having job interviews? We made Tessa Coates, Lloyd Griffith, Evelyn Mok and Katy Brand experience this rite of passage.
The Pool, 7th August 2017CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation review
Fast-paced, engaging improv by the Chandeliers.
Ariane Branigan, The Wee Review, 7th August 2017Podcasts
TV & radio
The Infinite Monkey Cage
Series 16, Episode 6 - The Mind V The Brain?With Katy Brand, Uta Frith, Sophie Scott.
Horrible Histories
Series 7, Episode 4 - Atrocious ArtistsDiscover the most stolen painting in history and how Picasso and Dali found innovative ways of paying for things without using money.
Just A Minute
Series 79, Episode 1Nicholas Parsons kicks off the first episode of the new series with a cracking line-up: Paul Merton, Gyles Brandreth, Andy Hamilton and Sue Perkins.