BCG Daily Wednesday 6th November 2019
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Features
BCG Pro
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Review: The End of the F***ing World
This series manages to hold onto everything that made the first such a breakout hit whilst also feeling fresh and exciting. I just hope this time it gets the credit it is so richly deserving of.
The Custard TV, 6th November 2019ITV rejected Gavin & Stacey because it was set in Wales
ITV turned down Gavin & Stacey - because it was set in Wales. Before taking their show to the BBC, Ruth Jones and James Corden pitched their idea to ITV's head of comedy who thought it was 'fantastic'. But her bosses vetoed it, fearing a show set in Barry and Essex would not appeal to a mainstream audience.
Jay Richardson, Chortle, 6th November 2019Death's no barrier for being interviewed for election
Mad inventor John Ward designed and makes the Malcolm Hardee Comedy Awards. He was also a valued member of the Monster Raving Loony Party under its late leader Screaming Lord Sutch and Minister for Inventions in The Eccentric Party under its late leader Lord Toby Jug. John Ward seems to loom large as a figure of impending death for the leaders of such parties. Anyway, yesterday John Ward received a phone call from an enthusiastic young BBC Radio 4 researcher.
John Fleming, John Fleming's Blog, 6th November 2019Dom Mackie talks taking his Poor Life Choices on tour
"Stupid decisions can bring you good stories, but not all stories should be shared."
Blizzard Comedy, 6th November 2019Susan Calman taking over BBC's Hogmanay coverage
Susan Calman is to take over from Jackie Bird as the host of BBC Scotland's Hogmanay coverage.
Brian Ferguson, The Scotsman, 6th November 2019Bristol Improv Theatre interview: Caitlin Campbell
This month we are celebrating the Improv scene in Bristol by talking to one of the founders, Caitlin Campbell of the Bristol Improv Theatre. In the first part of the interview we talk about beginnings, shows and much much more.
Holly, Phoenix Remix, 6th November 2019An Evening With Lenny Henry: Who Am I, Again? review
A lost opportunity as this national treasure bathes in the past rather than surging into the future.
Jay Richardson, The List, 6th November 2019Kenneth Williams letter going up for auction
Unpublished letters in which Kenneth Williams calls Alan Ayckbourn's plays "rubbish" will go up for auction later this month.
Ruth Comerford, The Stage, 6th November 2019Hannah Gadsby: Douglas review
The sequel to a global sensation that manages to go its own way.
Brian Donaldson, The List, 6th November 2019Emma Thompson's romcom is an overstuffed turkey
An attempt to pay tribute to the music of George Michael and the fandom of Love Actually fails on both counts and at many more things along the way.
Benjamin Lee, The Guardian, 6th November 2019The world according to Phoebe Waller-Bridge
An in-depth interview with the Fleabag, covering her work, upbringing and politics.
Lauren Collins, Vogue, 6th November 2019Last Christmas review
Everything about this Xmas-themed, George Michael-soundtracked rom-com seems great on paper. Absolutely nothing works on screen.
David Fear, Rolling Stone, 6th November 2019Last Christmas review
Last Christmas is a nostalgic rom-com that plays to Emilia Clarke's strengths. But when the actual romance fails, there's a problem.
David Crow, Den Of Geek, 6th November 2019Last Christmas review
Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding are the appealing stars of a fairy-tale London romantic comedy that's too precious and contrived to take wing.
Variety, 6th November 2019Last Christmas review
Emilia Clarke lifts a warm and enjoyable festive movie.
Ian Sandwell, Digital Spy, 6th November 2019Romesh Ranganathan pilots another sitcom about his life
Romesh Ranganathan is piloting a semi-autobiographical sitcom for BBC One. The pilot is adapted by writer and stand-up Max Davis from his 2017 Radio 2 pilot of the same name.
Jay Richardson, Chortle, 6th November 2019Videos
Podcasts
TV & radio
GiggleQuiz
Series 1, Episode 8 - Ann Teak's PaintingAnn Teak's skills are put to the test when she inspects an antique painting.
Daliso Chaponda: Citizen Of Nowhere
Series 2, Episode 3 - DiplomacyThe Malawian comedian looks at the relationship between the UK and Africa.
Your Face Or Mine
Series 6, Episode 6Social media influencers and YouTubers Tristan and Mettisse met on the TV show Survival Of The Fittest (which Mettisse went on to win), but can the couple survive the show's brutal comparisons?
Taskmaster
Series 9, Episode 10 - Think About The SpiritFive comedians had one dream: to become the Series 9 Taskmaster Champion. Now it's the Grand Final and after nine gruelling episodes that precious dream is still alive for all of them - bar one. Alex Horne has the stats handy as they ponder peas, teas and absent keys.
Doc Martin
Series 9, Episode 7 - Single White BevyCaroline Quentin guest stars in this episode as local vet Angela Sim, who has to consult Dr Martin Ellingham about a lump in her breast.
Comedy Legends
Series 2, Episode 4 - Madeline KahnBarry Cryer reflects on the life and career of American comedian and actress Madeline Kahn, who was nominated for Academy Awards for her roles in Paper Moon and Blazing Saddles.
Russell Howard & Mum
Globetrotters - Series 2, Episode 5 - Getting Cultural In KeralaRussell and Ninette are in Kerala in India, they're embracing the Southern states' traditions, both old and new. From climbing trees to get their hands on some booze, pouring oil on their heads to raise their IQ and trying out the ancient performance artform of Kathakali to tell the story of Star Wars.
Don't Hate The Playaz
Series 2, Episode 7Maya Jama, Michael Dapaah and London Hughes go up against Lady Leshurr, Natasia Demetriou and NSG as they go head to head in rap battles, dance-offs and freestyling challenges.
In The Long Run
Series 2, Episode 4Walter is struggling to resolve the strike until he stumbles upon a secret weapon - Rajesh!
The End Of The F***ing World
Series 2, Episode 5With the fallout from last night plaguing her, Alyssa's journey home is interrupted by an unforeseen stop-off at a desolate strip mall.
The End Of The F***ing World
Series 2, Episode 6Alyssa finally gets home to make amends, but nothing seems to be going as she'd hoped.
Twayna Mayne: Black Women
Series 1, Episode 1 - Transracial AdoptionTwayna Mayne explores the story of her identity as a black British woman and her upbringing as a trans-racial adoptee. Along with stand-up in front of a live audience she chats to other women about their shared experiences, with this episode featuring a contribution from Pauline Black, the lead singer of the two tone band The Selecter.