BCG Daily Friday 5th August 2022

Code 404 review

A childish sitcom perfect for kids - if it weren't for all the swearing.

Code 404, series 3, review

A vintage comic double-act in search of a better script.

How dark humour is bringing light at Edinburgh Fringe

Being a comedian after pandemic lockdowns, political uncertainty and a cost of living crisis, is a tough gig - but Edinburgh's fringe performers are coming out smiling.

A better, healthier Edinburgh Fringe has emerged from the pandemic

The first Edinburgh Festival Fringe was established in 1947 alongside the International Festival. Seventy five years later, the broad community that underpins the biggest arts festival in the world is re-emerging following the pandemic.

Has the Edinburgh Fringe lost its edge?

This year, with performers facing hefty registration fees, rent more expensive than a luxury foreign holiday and exorbitant marketing campaigns, all in the midst of a cost of living crisis, more and more are asking: has the Fringe lost its edge?

Reuben Kaye: 'Anyone who thinks the arts aren't hard work needs to wake up'

Taking two shows to this year's Edinburgh Festival, outrageous cabaret star Reuben Kaye tells Fergus Morgan about the moments that have made up his theatre career - from losing a tooth on stage to making a four-wheeled entrance using an unlikely source of propulsion.

Who is Sandi Toksvig to lecture Justin Welby about sin?

Has Justin Welby met his match in Sandi Toksvig? The entertainer has sent an open letter to the Archbishop of Canterbury, complaining about his attempts to compromise with African bishops and avoid a showdown at the Lambeth Conference on the issue of same-sex marriage. The gist of it is: 'Even though I don't believe in God, I'm rarely going to attend my local church again'.

Arthur Bostrom shares his Perfect Playlist

"Lily Tomlin inspired my Edinburgh show."

Why are so many comedians left wing? It's quite simple, really.

The glee with which the Mock The Week cancellation was greeted forms part of a narrative that has proved extremely valuable to the right in recent years, writes Andrew Woodcock.

Esther Manito: #NotAllMen Q&A

We caught up with Esther to talk about looking after yourself at the Fringe and Nuts magazine...

Interviews: Chelsea Birkby, Rich Hardisty and Sikisa

Three stand-ups talk about finding therapy in stand-up.

Stand-up comedy has completely changed the way I view my body

It's extraordinary I have chosen to do something that requires people to make quick judgements on me while I perform on stage.

Emergency Question: When did you last have a meltdown?

Edinburgh Fringe comedians answer.

Interview with comedian Casey Balsham

"I was always told I was funny but had no idea it could be a career. The idea of making a living off of jokes was very intriguing to me."

Interview with writer and comedian Hannah Fairweather

"While clocking up stage time is important and putting in your 10,000 hours definitely has its value, I now appreciate how important it is to set smart goals so you get exactly what you want out of each gig."

The double-edged sword of being a comedian of colour

Being a comedian of colour in a mostly white industry is a wild experience.

In Conversation: Jim and Barb of The Anniversary

The otherworldly elderly couple have a chat ahead of their big anniversary party in Edinburgh.

Opinion: On the radio, no one can hear you mime

Physical comedy star Luke Rollason writes about why stand-up shouldn't be the only form deemed award-worthy at the Fringe.

Comedy newbie Q&A: Sikisa

The Edinburgh Fringe is right here, right now, and yet we're still throwing some questions at a bunch of comedy debutants.

Comedy newbie Q&A: Patrick Spicer

The Edinburgh Fringe is right on top of us now, and here we throw some questions at a comedy debutant.

Comedy newbie Q&A: Vidura Bandara Rajapaksa

I feel as though I learned early on that just about any advice from other comics is, with few exceptions, almost entirely useless. At least for me.

The Q&A with Stewart Lee

A household name in UK comedy takes his place in our regular Q&A hot seat to tell us about punchlines, impersonating Ed Gamble and his love of otters.

Terry Gilliam on cancel culture: 'Britain was nirvana for me. But now...'

The US-born director's Into The Woods was axed by the Old Vic - so the defiantly unwoke Python took it to Bath. Now he's ready to tell all.

Chris Gethard shares his Fringe cringe, binge and whinge

The prize-chasing at Edinburgh isn't pleasant.

Patti Harrison: 'Trans people are a micro-minority - opportunities to play those characters are limited'

The scene-stealing comedian on why she won't just play trans characters - and her frustration with 'social-media liberal self-back-patting'.

Jonathan Tipton Meyers: We Are Traffic - An Uber Adventure interview

I arranged a chat with Jonathan to find out more about the play and the creative behind it.

Vote Rosie Holt! The comedian who fooled Britain's MPs

She gets millions of views online for her videos spoofing politicians (including Liz Truss). Now she's set to perform live on stage in Edinburgh.

Jo Caulfield on return of Fringe buzz to capital and gigs at The Stand

The buzz of the festival is finally back - and for Jo Caulfield, it means a return to live shows in the heart of the city.

Randy FeltFace the puppet talks Mars bars, the weather and fashion

Katie Spencer is in Edinburgh for the return of the Fringe, and was joined by a very special guest.

Edinburgh police race to Pleasance after cyclist collides with taxi

Officers had been called out to the Pleasance on Friday August 5 after the black cab and bike had crashed into one another next to a busy junction shortly after 1.15pm.

Heather Milsted: Period Dramas interview

To find out more about the show, and its creator, I spoke to writer and performer Heather Milsted.

The 6 shows Binge Fringe reviewers are most excited to see at EdFringe 2022

Our ethos for this year is simple: Elevate unheard voices, Find unseen corners.

Jo Caulfield interview

I genuinely look forward to the taxi drivers.

Joe Lycett, Nish Kumar, Lou Sanders and more on the festival's best shows

The Edinburgh festival is back! Comedy's biggest names give us their guide to this year's hottest shows.

My Festival: Reuben Kaye

The Australian comedian on late-night encounters, his Fringe home and what he's looking forward to most about being back in Edinburgh.

My Festival: Dave Johns

Newcastle's favourite self-styled "sexy pensioner" talks lockdowns spent in his pants, bad reviews, juggling, and slo-mo combat with the late great Sean Lock.

New musical comedy Help! We Are Still Alive reveals cast

Casting is now set for the previously announced world premiere of new musical comedy Help! We Are Still Alive.

The piece follows Jass and Finn, a couple who survive the apocalypse only to struggle to keep their romance alive. It will star Elijah Ferreira as Finn and Jade Johnson as Jass.