BCG Daily Friday 27th March 2020
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Press clippings
Top 20 British sitcoms of 21st century: The IT Crowd
Although patchy at first, The IT Crowd was a rare sitcom which steadily improved as it went on.
Chris Hallam, Chris Hallam's World View, 27th March 2020Alice Marshall: comedy in a time of crisis
When it comes to finding humour in a globally deleterious situation such as the one we now find ourselves in, we must always be mindful of what we are laughing at.
Alice Fraser, Funny Women, 27th March 2020Tributes paid to late comedy writer John Langdon
Veteran comedy writer John Langdon has died. Langdon was one of the country's most experienced comedy writers, working on classic programmes including Not The Nine O'Clock News and with Kenny Everett. He also worked on The News Quiz and most regularly with Rory Bremner.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 27th March 2020Tony Robinson interview
He found fame as Baldrick in Blackadder but Tony Robinson is equally proud of his documentary work. With a new series celebrating global train travel, he reflects on lockdown, his socialist beliefs and why he doesn't miss acting.
Stephen Moss, The Guardian, 27th March 2020TV review: Hitmen, series 1 episode 1
They might not be that well known for their acting skills but both Mel and Sue convince in roles which aren't of the type they normally take on, the rest of the cast are damn superb, and it's a sitcom that not only has a very strong first episode but also which shows a great deal of potential too.
Alex Finch, Comedy To Watch, 27th March 2020RIP Bill Pearson, Red Dwarf model maker
We're extremely sorry this week to learn of the passing away of Bill Pearson, one of the most highly-reputed makers of visual model effects in British television and cinema. It was on Red Dwarf that Bill turned in some of his best-loved work.
Red Dwarf Website, 27th March 2020The great leveler
The net effect is communal fear and we can either get to grips with it, find solutions and explore new ways of working and collaborating together or it becomes weaponised as the vulnerable try to protect themselves.
Lynne Parker, Funny Women, 27th March 2020Comedians Indoors Getting Creative: part 2
Comedians aren't just at risk of cabin fever during this time of social distancing and self-isolation, gig cancellations have meant not just loss of earnings but also fewer chances to try out new material or build audiences. However, being a creative lot, comedians have been flexing their comedy muscles online, using YouTube, Twitch, Twitter and other sites to connect with audiences, new and established alike. To help you get your comedy fix, every week we'll be putting together a list of projects we've spotted online by funny women...
Funny Women, 27th March 2020TV review: Friday Night Dinner, C4
Is there a sitcom at the moment with a stronger cast than Friday Night Dinner?
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 27th March 2020Podcast review: Richard Herring meets Charlie Brooker
It helps that Herring and Brooker seem to get on well and being similar ages share so many references.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 27th March 2020Robert Popper: 'Comedy cannot survive bad decisions'
Friday Night Dinner creator on longevity in comedy and the state of the genre.
Joanna Tilley, Broadcast, 27th March 2020Friday Night Dinner review
This series, where the central joke is that the whole family is forced to spend time together in a confined space, is strangely triggering during the coronavirus crisis.
Ed Cumming, The Independent, 27th March 2020Friday Night Dinner, review
The menu hasn't changed - and nor would we want it to.
Michael Hogan, The Telegraph, 27th March 2020Laura Lexx interview
The award-winning comedian, actor and writer on the things that make her laugh the most.
The Guardian, 27th March 2020Matt Lucas confirms Little Britain talks with Netflix
Matt Lucas has confirmed secret Little Britain talks with Netflix for a £3 million return.
Stephanie Soteriou, The Sun, 27th March 2020Friday Night Dinner criticism is missing the point
Robert Popper's brilliant Channel 4 sitcom has been criticised over its run for the fact that every episode plays out the same, with Adam and Jonny arriving for a dinner they'll never eat due to a series of increasingly chaotic events. But that criticism is missing the point as it's exactly what makes Friday Night Dinner such a hit. The best sitcoms often work because fans know what to expect and the show gives it to them. While Friday Night Dinner might take this literally with its familiar beats, that's what gives Popper's sitcom its extra seasoning.
Ian Sandwell, Digital Spy, 27th March 2020Military Wives movie review
The true-life tale of the Military Wives choir gets the Pitch Perfect treatment in this feel-good drama that hits Early Access Premium Rental this week.
Casimir Harlow, AV Forums, 27th March 2020Videos
TV & radio
Class Dismissed
Series 5, Episode 10 - Sports DayQuayside Academy introduces a sports day with a difference!
Alfie Moore: It's A Fair Cop
Series 5, Episode 1 - Police ComplaintsThere were over 30,000 complaints against the police last year. Copper-turned-comedian Alfie Moore recalls being in charge of a station front desk as a procession of members of the public presented him with their pressing problems.
Breaking The News
Series 15, Episode 6Des Clarke presents the topical comedy news review show that takes a satirical slant on the week's headlines, with guests Stuart Mitchell, Elaine Malcolmson, Ray Bradshaw and Ashley Storrie.
The Now Show
Series 56, Episode 4More topical comedy from Punt and Dennis (via conference call), with special guests Ellie Taylor, Kai Samra, Dominic Frisby and Gemma Arrowsmith.
Peter Kay's Comedy Shuffle
Series 4, Episode 1A further collection of clips documenting the much-loved comedy star's best work from his decades in showbusiness. Featuring a special appearance by The One Show's Alex Jones.
The Central FM Comedy Hour
Episode 9In a 'self-isolation' special, the Kelpies play Scrabble, Kelly makes her own hand gel, while the Elaine the Supervisor tries to keep an eye on Aaron while stuck at home.
Friday Night Dinner
Series 6, Episode 1 - The CaravanThe boys have news: they've both got girlfriends. But it's probably best not to tell mum. Meanwhile, dad has a disgusting, old, battered caravan, propped up on bricks, parked in the driveway.