BCG Daily Monday 14th February 2022

Paul Black interview

Paul Black on his new BBC pilot and finding comedy inspiration in real life.

Simon Pegg's best Cornetto Trilogy character is in The World's End

There's a groundedness to Gary King, and I guarantee you've known someone like him, or maybe you've even been him. I know in my own life I've flirted with the mantle of the king, perhaps enjoying too many beers in an evening, living in the past, and sharing a penchant for long coats.

Filming begins on final series of Doc Martin

Filming begins in Cornwall this week on the 10th and final series of Doc Martin.

Henley Festival reveals line-up including lots of comedy

Performers include Jo Brand, Andy Parsons, Milton Jones, Russell Kane, Tom Houghton, Ivo Graham, Jonny Awsum, Maisie Adam, Lauren Pattison, Geoff Norcott, Alice Fraser, Aaron Simmonds, Holly Stars, Helen Bauer, Ria Lina and Glenn Moore.

West End Comedy Club expands

The West End Comedy Club, London's newest comedy club has announced they are doubling their number of shows - adding previews on a Monday as well as an early and late show on a Thursday from 24 March.

Baby for Sara Pascoe and Steen Raskopoulos

Comedian Sara Pascoe has had a baby. She revealed the news on Instagram posting a picture of her husband, fellow comedian Steen Raskopoulos, feeding the new arrival with their dog Mouse next to them on the bed. Pascoe didn't make public the gender of the baby or a name, simply posting: "Morning everyone from me and my valentines" plus a big red heart.

Jason Manford reveals his one demand for joining Starstruck

Sharing the stage with an all-star panel of judges, Jason Manford admitted to feeling uneasy.

The 40-year-old comic is firmly in the "Simon Cowell chair" for new ITV talent show Starstruck, alongside US singer Adam Lambert, soul star Beverley Knight and West End icon and TV darling Sheridan Smith.

Fringe urged to abandon 'open access' ethos to improve event

A shake-up of the way the world's biggest arts festival is overseen is being urged to help tackle long-standing concerns over what is described as its "pay-to-perform landscape". Independent research into the future of the Fringe, led by grassroots companies, organisations and producers, recommends official standards or "best practice" guidelines are put in place for the first time for all shows registering for the programme.

Obituary: Barry Cryer

Cryer was proudly an "old-fashioned" comedian in that he wrote gags and was an accomplished raconteur.

John Oliver's recipe for comedy in the Biden years

John Oliver isn't all that impressed with Joe Biden's performance as president. But he said the 45th president has helped with at least one thing: Restoring his US topical show Last Week Tonight's original purpose.

Ed Gamble review

Comedy's cool vicar milks his gags for all they're worth.