BCG Daily Friday 22nd October 2021
News
Press clippings
Big names added to the Slapstick Festival 2022
Armando Iannucci, David Mitchell, Barry Cryer, Sally Phillips, Richard Herring, Tim Vine and more...
Chortle, 22nd October 2021The Shark Is Broken review
Do the figures at the centre of a major cultural phenomenon know that they're involved in something epoch-making right from the start? Judging by Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon's utterly splendid new comedy, the answer would be a resounding no, at least as far as the 1970s cinematic blockbuster Jaws is concerned.
Alun Hood, What's On Stage, 22nd October 2021Christopher Walken interview
He started out working with big cats before becoming Hollywood's go-to guy for menacing oddballs. He talks about The Deer Hunter, the perils of being a world-class dancer - and doing community service with Stephen Merchant.
Stuart Jeffries, The Guardian, 22nd October 2021I talk to Gamba Cole
"I was so grateful to Stephen (Merchant) for writing a character with so much colour and variety because sometimes, only the stereotypes play out. We've got many different types of people that look like me."
Elliot Gonzalez, I Talk Telly, 22nd October 2021How to hit that deadline with a script you're proud of
Since I started blogging about writing sitcoms ten years ago, and more recently podcasting, I've spoken to lots of writers who have sent scripts into competitions like the BBC Writersroom or the BAFTA Rocliffe. A surprising number say things like, "The script wasn't any good, but I sent it anyway."
James Cary, Sitcom Geek, 22nd October 2021Mash had to censor PM quote as it breached Dave rules
We can't tell you exactly what was said, but there was definitely a homophobic slur, some more than casual racism and a sizeable portion of misogyny. Nish Kumar put it in a sarcastic nutshell: "Pretty cool that we aren't allowed to broadcast things the Prime Minister has said because they're too racist."
The Poke, 22nd October 2021Why anaesthetist Ed Patrick became a stand-up
Anaesthetist Ed Patrick is injecting some humour into his profession by releasing a comedy book about becoming a doctor.
Stuart Pink, Daily Mail, 22nd October 2021The Shark Is Broken review
There is no shortage of West End shows based on familiar movies, but this must be the first based on the making of a film.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 22nd October 2021The Shark Is Broken review
How Spielberg's first blockbuster almost didn't happen.
Rachel Halliburton, The Arts Desk, 22nd October 2021Review: The Shark Is Broken, Ambassadors Theatre
The Shark Is Broken is that rare find, a marvellous example of how a production becomes so much more than the sum of its parts; even when - creatively - everyone is punching above their weight.
Ray Rackham, BritishTheatre.com, 22nd October 2021The Shark Is Broken review
Entertaining and occasionally revelatory slice of backstage movie history.
Paul Vale, The Stage, 22nd October 2021The Chortle Comedy Book Festival is back for 2021
This year's event features 19 separate events at the British Library and the nearby 2Northdown venue in the Kings Cross-St Pancras area of London over the weekend of November 26 to 28.
Chortle, 22nd October 2021Steve Coogan has apparently paid back furlough cash
Steve Coogan has apparently paid back furlough cash after being named and shamed. The Sun revealed that the Alan Partridge comic, 56, used the scheme to keep on a gardener and housekeeper at his £4million mansion. He also furloughed nine staff at Baby Cow Productions.
Rod McPhee, The Sun, 22nd October 2021Review - Beano: The Art Of Breaking The Rules
There is a conspicuous lack of Viz material; but maybe we can forgive that, given its NSFW nature.
Will Noble, Londonist, 22nd October 2021Videos
Podcasts
TV & radio
Charlotte And Lillian
Series 3, Episode 4 - The JumpDetermined not to waste her life, Charlotte signs up for a bungee jump. Lillian wonders out loud if feeling dead inside is what makes someone need an adrenaline rush.
Breaking The News
Series 20, Episode 2Des Clarke is this week joined by Josie Long, Susie McCabe, Alun Cochrane & Chris Thorburn.
The News Quiz
Series 106, Episode 8Andy Zaltzman is joined by Matt Winning, Geoff Norcott, Elis James and Ayesha Hazarika to discuss the upcoming COP26 summit, Southend's city status and whether we need a plan C.
Have I Got News For You
Series 62, Episode 3Jo Brand hosts as Ian Hislop and Paul Merton are joined by guests Rylan Clark-Neal and Robert Peston.
The Cleaner
Series 1, Episode 6 - The OneWicky heads to the country to clean up a nasty mess in a holiday home, and bumps into his first 'proper' girlfriend.
The Last Leg
Series 23, Episode 4Stephen Merchant joins the boys in the studio with his own news story, alongside fellow guest, actor Ruth Madeley.
The Graham Norton Show
Series 29, Episode 5 - Eddie Redmayne, Jessie Buckley, Stephen Merchant, Motsi Mabuse, Ian McKellen, Elton John, Charlie PuthEddie Redmayne talks about performing Karaoke, Jessie Buckley admits she shared more rosé than lines with Olivia Colman, Motsi Mabuse jokes about her sister winning Strictly, Stephen Merchant says working with Christopher Walken was surreal, Ian McKellen reveals Extras cheers him up, plus Elton John and Charlie Puth perform their new single.