BCG Daily Tuesday 23rd February 2021

News

Features

Press clippings

Brass Eye. Chris Morris. Copyright: TalkbackThames

British comedy needs a new Brass Eye

Now, more than ever, we need the fierce intelligence of a Chris Morris to hold a mirror up to our fractured society. Imagine what delicious mincemeat he would make of the wearisome culture war or the limp ineptitude of our current batch of politicians. As for Covid and the whole vaccine palaver, he'd probably just shrug and say 'let them eat cake' in his best Ted Maul drawl.

James Innes-Smith, The Spectator, 23rd February 2021
Helen Duff. Copyright: Sophie Ansell

Helen Duff: I didn't orgasm until I was 30

I used to pride myself on being a good-time girl. Audaciously confident in my stand-up comedy career, smashing taboos in my award-nominated Edinburgh shows and shaking off the shackles of an eating disorder which had plagued my late teens and early 20s. Bold. Brazen. Brave. So why the flip couldn't I come?

Refinery 29, 23rd February 2021
Edinburgh Festival fireworks

Tips for attending the Edinburgh Festival Fringe

At the time of writing it has not been confirmed whether the Edinburgh Festival Fringe will take place this year. After a lot of people hoped that it would happen in 2020 but almost all of the shows were cancelled. Although I did go up there to see an open air comedy gig, which was the only actual gig that took place in the city during August 2020.

Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 23rd February 2021
Paul Vickers. Copyright: Steve Ullathorne

Paul Vickers (Mr Twonkey): making an album in lockdown

I was talking to musical one-off Paul Vickers (aka comedy one-off Mr Twonkey) a few weeks ago and we thought it might be interesting to do a blog about how, during the COVID lockdown, he had managed to write an entire album for his band Paul Vickers and The Leg.

John Fleming, John Fleming's Blog, 23rd February 2021
Microphone

The live comedy scene tries to see the funny side

Nick Mills, one of London's key comedy promoters, says the return will be 'easier' than before, but further support is still needed.

Marianka Swain, The Telegraph, 23rd February 2021
Richard Stott

Richard Stott: how being disabled informs my comedy

I've been a comedian for nearly four years now but I've been making jokes about myself and my condition my whole life.

Richard Stott, Chortle, 23rd February 2021
Mission: Accessible. Rosie Jones. Copyright: tomgphoto

Rosie Jones: 'I am proud to be a gay, disabled woman'

Less than five years ago, Rosie Jones made the leap from TV researcher (for panel shows like Would I Lie To You?) to comedian. Why did she quit a job she loved to become a little-known name on a competitive circuit? "Probably my own ego," she laughs.

Wedaeli Chibelushi, ITV, 23rd February 2021
Only Fools And Horses. Uncle Albert (Buster Merryfield). Copyright: BBC

The remarkable life of OFAH star Buster Merryfield

Before starring in Only Fools And Horses, Buster Merryfield had already packed a lot into his life.

My London, 23rd February 2021
Birds Of A Feather. Image shows from L to R: Sharon Theodopolopodous (Pauline Quirke), Dorien Green (Lesley Joseph), Tracey Stubbs (Linda Robson). Copyright: Alomo Productions / Retort

Pauline Quirke fell out with co-stars after toilet row

Birds Of A Feather star Pauline Quirke fell out with her castmates after an extraordinary row outside a toilet.

The actress, 61, is no longer speaking to former best pal Linda Robson or Lesley Joseph following several backstage barneys.

Clemmie Moodie, The Sun, 23rd February 2021

Videos

Podcasts

TV & radio

Radio 4
10:45am
15 min
Little Blue Lines

Little Blue Lines

Episode 2 - Smudge

Andy's away when Amy starts miscarrying again. Alone in hospital, she's faced with a series of heartbreaking decisions.

Radio 4
6:30pm
30 min
Henry Normal. Copyright: BBC

Henry Normal

Episode 1 - A Normal Communication

Through poetry, stories, jokes and quotes Henry will be looking at the way 'how' we communicate colours 'what' we communicate and exploring 'why' we communicate in the first place.

Radio 4
11pm
30 min
Fortunately... With Fi And Jane. Image shows from L to R: Fi Glover, Jane Garvey

Fortunately... With Fi And Jane

Series 1, Episode 7 - We're All Wanging On, With Nicky Campbell

Fi Glover and Jane Garvey are joined by presenter Nicky Campbell. The 5Live Breakfast Show and Long Lost Family presenter talks about his new book One of the Family, which explores his own life experiences and the importance of his dog Maxwell. There's also a special guest appearance from his wife, Radio 4's Tina Ritchie.

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