BCG Daily Wednesday 6th November 2019

News

Features

BCG Pro

Press clippings

The End Of The F***ing World. Image shows from L to R: Alyssa (Jessica Barden), James (Alex Lawther)

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 2019
Gavin & Stacey. Image shows from L to R: Nessa (Ruth Jones), Gavin (Mathew Horne), Stacey (Joanna Page), Smithy (James Corden). Copyright: Baby Cow Productions

ITV 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 2019
The Monster Raving Loony Party

Death'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 2019
Dom Mackie

Dom 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 2019
Susan Calman's Fringe Benefits. Susan Calman. Copyright: BBC

Susan 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 2019

Bristol 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 2019
The Lenny Henry Birthday Show. Lenny Henry

An 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 2019
Kenneth Williams

Kenneth 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 2019
Hannah Gadsby

Hannah Gadsby: Douglas review

The sequel to a global sensation that manages to go its own way.

Brian Donaldson, The List, 6th November 2019
Last Christmas. Kate (Emilia Clarke). Copyright: Calamity Films

Emma 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 2019
Fleabag. Fleabag (Phoebe Waller-Bridge). Copyright: Two Brothers Pictures

The world according to Phoebe Waller-Bridge

An in-depth interview with the Fleabag, covering her work, upbringing and politics.

Lauren Collins, Vogue, 6th November 2019

Last 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 2019

Last 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 2019

Last 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 2019

Last Christmas review

Emilia Clarke lifts a warm and enjoyable festive movie.

Ian Sandwell, Digital Spy, 6th November 2019

Romesh 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 2019

Videos

Podcasts

TV & radio

GiggleQuiz. Justin Fletcher. Copyright: BBC

GiggleQuiz

Series 1, Episode 8 - Ann Teak's Painting

Ann Teak's skills are put to the test when she inspects an antique painting.

Radio 4
6:30pm
30 min
Daliso Chaponda: Citizen Of Nowhere. Daliso Chaponda

Daliso Chaponda: Citizen Of Nowhere

Series 2, Episode 3 - Diplomacy

The Malawian comedian looks at the relationship between the UK and Africa.

Comedy Central
8pm
30 min
Your Face Or Mine. Image shows from L to R: Tristan Jones, Mettisse Campbell. Copyright: Talkback

Your Face Or Mine

Series 6, Episode 6

Social 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. Image shows from L to R: David Baddiel, Ed Gamble, Jo Brand, Katy Wix, Rose Matafeo. Copyright: Avalon Television

Taskmaster

Series 9, Episode 10 - Think About The Spirit

Five 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. Image shows from L to R: Angela Sim (Caroline Quentin), Dr Martin Ellingham (Martin Clunes)

Doc Martin

Series 9, Episode 7 - Single White Bevy

Caroline Quentin guest stars in this episode as local vet Angela Sim, who has to consult Dr Martin Ellingham about a lump in her breast.

Gene Wilder and Madeline Kahn. Copyright: 3DD

Comedy Legends

Series 2, Episode 4 - Madeline Kahn

Barry 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.

Comedy Central
10pm
60 min
Russell Howard & Mum. Image shows from L to R: Ninette Howard, Russell Howard

Russell Howard & Mum

Globetrotters - Series 2, Episode 5 - Getting Cultural In Kerala

Russell 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.

In The Long Run. Bagpipes (Bill Bailey)

In The Long Run

Series 2, Episode 4

Walter is struggling to resolve the strike until he stumbles upon a secret weapon - Rajesh!

The End Of The F***ing World. Alyssa (Jessica Barden)

The End Of The F***ing World

Series 2, Episode 5

With the fallout from last night plaguing her, Alyssa's journey home is interrupted by an unforeseen stop-off at a desolate strip mall.

Radio 4
11pm
15 min
Twayna Mayne

Twayna Mayne: Black Women

Series 1, Episode 1 - Transracial Adoption

Twayna 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.

Share this page