BCG Daily Friday 19th August 2022

Should parents take their babies to a comedy show?

Comedians are no strangers to controversy, but stand-up Matt Forde is surprised to find himself at the centre of the latest Edinburgh Fringe row.

Why comedian Grace Campbell refuses to be silenced about sex

Comedian Grace Campbell on why after being raped last year, she worried that her openness about her sex life would be used against her.

Comedians rejoice at the return of crowds

After lockdowns kept them out of touch with audiences, stand-ups explain their exhilaration at coming together to raise laughs at Edinburgh Fringe.

Fringe Firsts: six more winners of our Edinburgh Fringe new writing awards revealed

Themes from climate change to mental health are explored by this week's Scotsman award-winners.

James Purefoy: "Fisherman's Friends is the only good thing that came out of Brexit"

As the sequel to the Cornish fishing film is released, its star discusses his 30-year mission to avoid fame, being caught up in a racism row and dealing with bullies - himself included.

Lynn Ferguson interview

"Driving up the Mound, bagpipe music blaring."

LGBTQ+ comedians on how transphobia poisoned comedy - and how they're moving on from the bigots

In recent years comedians like Ricky Gervais and Dave Chappelle have become the spearheads of the "anti-woke" comedy movement, particularly targeting trans and non-binary comedians.

Joe Lycett bamboozles commuters again with Joe Pasquale poster

Comedian/prankster Joe Lycett has bamboozled commuters on the London Underground again. Last year he advertised his upcoming gigs with a picture of James Acaster. This time he has opted for Joe Pasquale.

Grace Campbell picks her comedy favourites

"I worried I'd have to do comedy that was perfectly feminist."

Paul Sinha puts down 'moronic' Fringe audience member who disrupted show

The chaser and comedian didn't hold back on social media when complaining about one audience member in particular who apparently disrupted the show when their phone ringtone went off.

Emergency Question: Have you ever been fired? What for?

Edinburgh Fringe comedians answer.

The backlash against Sadowitz is no laughing matter

It's an extremely clever sales and publicity trick that Jerry himself would have been proud to conjure up, if only it had been deliberate. It wasn't; but it's proof, if any were needed, that there is still a huge public demand for his outrageous brand of dark comedy and unsettling social satire.

Soho Theatre appoints Mumbai-based comedy producer

Sumit Naganath has joined Soho Theatre as its first Mumbai-based Comedy Producer, part of our ongoing work in bringing the best Indian comedy to the UK and the best UK comedy to India, in partnership with Mumbai arts organisation G5A Foundation for Contemporary Culture.

Alison Spittle interview

"A graveyard tour guide accused me of shoplifting."

Yuriko Kotani interview

"We couldn't do this during lockdown."

Kate Copstick: "This is a frightened Fringe. And that is unacceptable."

The Scotsman comedy critic on the Jerry Sadowitz controversy and why the Fringe shouldn't be aligning itself with corporate values.

Baby row comic Matt Forde defended by fellow comedian

Katie Mulgrew spoke out in support of Matt Forde, who is at the centre of a viral online row following his Edinburgh Fringe show.

Rosco McClelland shocked after spotting man performing sex act during show

A top Scots comedian has told how he spotted an audience member masturbating during his Fringe show. Rosco McClelland's show, Goblin Mode, is currently running at The Hive as part of Edinburgh's famous festival.

Matt Winning's Fringe winge, cringe and binge

Edinburgh's a glorious city, full of my favourite memories ...but I will be spending the Fringe living in Glasgow.

Ed Gamble launches charity beer

Ed Gamble has teamed up with Edinburgh brewery Vault City on a new beer, which lists laughter as one of the key ingredients.

Dr Kaboom interview

"Make friends wherever you go."

TV legend Stephen Tompkinson 'battered dad so badly he was left with a double skull fracture'

Stephen Tompkinson allegedly battered a dad so badly he was left with a double skull fracture.

The actor, 56, is facing a crown court trial accused of inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Bad Sisters review

Sharon Horgan's pitch-black comedy is murderously good.