BCG Daily Monday 28th December 2020
Press clippings
Habits of highly effective writers #1: reading
If you want the year ahead to be a better year writing-wise, consider changing some of your habits.
James Cary, Sitcom Geek, 28th December 2020David Mitchell and Robert Webb interview
As Back returns for a second series, the comedy duo play career 'Top Trumps' and fear for the future of the great British pub.
Chris Harvey, The Telegraph, 28th December 2020Spitting Image co-creator Lambie-Nairn dies
While most famous as the designer of BBC idents and the Channel 4 block logo, Spitting Image was also, "based on the original lunch with Martin Lambie-Nairn."
BBC, 28th December 2020Interview: Asian Dub Foundation & Stewart Lee
We caught up with ADF's Steve Chandra Savale to find out more about the track and the campaign for Brexit Number One. (Please note that this interview was conducted before the Christmas Eve announcement of an EU-UK agreement).
Paul Maps, Joyzine, 28th December 2020Billy Connolly: It's Been A Pleasure review
A superficial but well-made tribute to the comedy god.
Sarah Hughes, i Newspaper, 28th December 2020Frankie Boyle turned down US due to fear of flying
Frankie Boyle revealed he missed his chance to crack America because he has a fear of flying. The comic, 48, was offered writing jobs in the US but couldn't go as he's terrified of dying in a plane crash.
Stuart McDonald, The Scottish Sun, 28th December 2020Two Doors Down review
Overall, it's a pretty slight special - at 30 minutes there's barely enough time to assemble the cast and have the usual banter before wrapping things up, and if possible it seems even less eventful than the usual low-key storylines - but it's a warm one that is sure to bring some comfort to those whose own Christmases have been anything but normal.
Huw Fullerton, Radio Times, 28th December 2020Two Doors Down review
This Scottish sitcom's Christmas special is one of the unsung gems of the festive season.
Anita Singh, The Telegraph, 28th December 2020Two Doors Down review
A painfully funny portrait of a Covid Christmas.
Rebecca Nicholson, The Guardian, 28th December 2020Death To 2020 is a failure of imagination
The special assumes viewers will be invested enough in its premise (phew, 2020!) that character development can start and end with a job title and a goofy name.
Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 28th December 2020Death To 2020 review
Now we know what a 2020 Wipe would look like if you threw lots of cash at it.
Dan Stubbs, NME, 28th December 2020Stewart Lee on his campaign to get to No 1
Let's show we don't all subscribe to the worst racist rhetoric of Brexit.
Stewart Lee, Chortle, 28th December 2020Obituary: David Johnson
A theatre producer who stormed the barricades of the cosy world of showbiz.
Neil Cooper, The Herald, 28th December 2020Videos
TV & radio
The Rubbish World Of Dave Spud
Series 2, Episode 1 - Moth GranGran sits in front of the television for so long that she turns into a cocoon, and with a little help from Dave - who wants his favourite seat back - she hatches into a moth. When Moth-Gran sets her sights on the moon, it's up to the Spuds to find a way to entice her back.
Comedy Map Of Scotland
Episode 1In this episode Chris talks to stand-up comedian and farmer Jim Smith, writer Moray Hunter, and to tries and discover exactly where Stoneybridge is!
Excuse Me, Are You John Shuttleworth?
Episode 2Part Two finds Graham following the death of his mother and ready to quit showbusiness. After some counselling, he decides that what he really wants to do with his life is become a milkman! But after three months with not a single glimpse of a housewife in a nightie, he's offered an acting job in the theatre. This renews his love of performing and he returns to John Shuttleworth, honing the character so that he's shortlisted for the Perrier Awards and has his first series on Radio 4.
I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue
Series 73, Episode 5A special lockdown recording of the programme to feature Tony Hawks, Pippa Evans, Harry Hill, Sandi Toksvig, Barry Cryer and Graeme Garden with Jack Dee in the chair.
Two Doors Down
Christmas SpecialTwo Doors Down takes viewers on a Christmas getaway as the neighbours head off on a rare trip away from Latimer Crescent. But a Christmas holiday break at Colin and Cathy's luxury lodge in the Scottish Highlands threatens to derail the neighbours' friendship when Cathy pushes Beth too far.
Billy Connolly: It's Been A Pleasure
Celebration of the comedian's greatest performances, made to mark his retirement from stand-up. Featuring interviews with Billy and his wife Pamela Stephenson at their home in the Florida Keys, and contributions from famous fans including Paul McCartney, Elton John, Lenny Henry, Dustin Hoffman, Russell Brand, Whoopi Goldberg, Aisling Bea, Armando Iannucci and Sheridan Smith.
Secrets Of The Apollo
An hour-long celebration of 16 years of Britain's greatest stand-up show, Live At The Apollo.