Weekly Newsletter |
Monday 18th May 2020 |
The latest news and features. Don't miss our Eurovision-themed Comedy Chronicles - and a lot of new videos.
Latest comedy news
Breeders Series 2 confirmed
Breeders, the parenting comedy starring Martin Freeman and Daisy Haggard, will return for a second series.
Code 404 to return for Series 2
Sky has ordered a second series of Code 404, its new police sitcom starring Stephen Graham, Daniel Mays and Anna Maxwell Martin.
Drive-in comedy clubs planned
Comedian Tom Binns is planning to launch a touring drive-in comedy club, and has launched a crowdfunding drive to buy the technology required.
Romesh to present Misadventures highlights series
Romesh Ranganathan is to present a new highlights series compiled from his BBC Two Misadventures travelogues.
Mo Gilligan's show fails to air
The second episode of Mo Gilligan's new entertainment show failed to air last week to technical difficulties.
Features
Vic Reeves and Natasia Demetriou discuss The Big Flower Fight
Vic Reeves and Natasia Demetriou discuss presenting florist challenge show The Big Flower Fight on Netflix.
Online Purchase: Gaming and Gigging with Chris the Dragon Master
As life gets increasingly surreal, Chris Purchase is embracing the fantasy with live game-streaming. And he's making online stand-up work too.
Comedy Chronicles: Joan Turner's many songs for Europe
Joan Turner was once a multi-talented comic star, but alcohol and gambling lead to a sad decline in her fortunes - summarised in one not-so-succinct Eurovision endeavour...
Win Red Dwarf: The Promised Land
Win a copy of Red Dwarf's feature-length special The Promised Land on Blu-ray, with an hour of special features.
First Gig, Worst Gig: Tiernan Douieb - Kids Comedy Special
With Comedy Club 4 Kids now in our earholes, Tiernan Douieb gives us the highs and lows of joking for juniors.
Super Hard British Comedy Quiz
After 100 quizes, we thought we'd look back and re-publish the questions people really struggled with. Can you do any better this time? Statistically you should get a score of just 2 out of 10 on this one!
Sea, Streams and Sci-Fi, with Robin Ince
Surfing towards Sea Shambles at a virtual Royal Albert Hall, Robin Ince wades into indie bookshop pile-ups, evil algorithms, niche horror flicks and his SHIELD agent links.
Random 8: Anna Mann
Star of stage, screen and now cheese-fuelled self-isolation, Anna Mann talks massive tomes and vital tasers.
BCG Pro - online courses
Looking for something new to do? How about learning how to write comedy (or advancing your skills, if you already do)? We're now offering various online courses through BCG Pro.
Podcasts
British comedy legend Sir Michael Palin is the guest on the latest episode of Richard Herring's podcast interview series.
TV listings
Ricky & Ralf's Very Northern Road Trip
This week on their travel show, the duo explore the beauty of Cumbria's Lakes, taking in some of the most famously breath-taking scenery in the British Isles.
All Star Happy Hour With Mo Gilligan
As long as there aren't any further technical difficulties, Mo Gilligan should be live on Channel 4 at 10pm tonight for his game show, with guests including YouTuber KSI.
Rob And Romesh Vs
This time, in the first of a two-parter, Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan head off to Cape Town to follow the England cricket team.
Code 404
The pressure is on with Major and Carver's latest assignment: protecting Chalmers, the head of the A.I. Ethics Committee.
What's The Matter With Tony Slattery?
A one-off documentary in which former Whose Line Is It Anyway? star Tony Slattery looks at his mental health.
Brassic
Vinnie agrees to grow weed on an industrial scale for McCann and the lads get busy setting up a new grow shed.
Billy And Us
In this week's episode of the documentary, Billy opens up on what it meant to be a working man in post-war Scotland.
Joe Lycett's Got Your Back
Joe Lycett exposes a dubious-sounding moneymaking scheme and becomes a big nuisance to nuisance callers. Katherine Ryan is back as a guest.
Have I Got News For You
Charlie Brooker is due to host the satirical current affairs quiz this week, with guest panellists set to include Mark Steel.
The Last Leg
Alex Horne and The Horne Section are back with more music and tasks, whilst Sarah Millican joins the boys down-the-line from her home on this Friday's show.
Big Zuu's Big Eats
In the second episode, Big Zuu is off to Portsmouth to cook the perfect post-performance meal for comedian Rosie Jones. Head to our site for an interview with Rosie.
The Graham Norton Show
Alan Carr will appear this Friday, to promote his game show reboot series, coming soon to ITV. Also talking: Steve Carell; Katy Perry; Dakota Johnson; and John Legend.
Stand-Up Sesh
This quick-fire comedy showcase of some of the funniest young stand-ups will air in the Wales region on Friday night.
Reasons To Be Cheerful With Matt Lucas
This week's famous faces are due to include Tyson Fury, Kevin McCloud, Rachel Riley, Heston Blumenthal, Tom Allen, Jon Snow and Basil Brush.
Britain's Greatest Comedy Character
A one-off show in which a jury pick a list of the UK's best comedy characters. Our poll currently suggests they should put Blackadder top, but Alan Partridge and Basil Fawlty are just behind.
The Ranganation
Mel Giedroyc and Rob Beckett are the guests booked to join Romesh on Episode 3.
For a complete list of broadcasts, including repeats, see our full schedule.
Shop
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Chris & Rosie Ramsey - Sh**ged. Married. Annoyed.Whether you're sh**ged, married, annoyed, or, all of the above, Chris and Rosie Ramsey, hosts of the number one podcast of the same name, write about the universal highs and lows of life, dating, relationships, arguments, parenting and everything in between. |
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Looking On The Bright SideBeloved by the British public for her string of hit pre-war films, Gracie Fields's Lancastrian earthiness, impish humour and memorable songs have endeared her to many generations of fans. Looking On The Bright Side sees Gracie starring opposite romantic lead Richard Dolman in this joyous, early '30s musical romance. It is presented here as a brand-new high definition transfer from original film elements in its original theatrical aspect ratio. Gracie and Laurie are an item, both onstage and off - he writes the songs and she sings them. Then Laurie has a taste of fame when he gets his first song published and spurns Gracie in pursuit of a glamorous actress. |
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GreedInspired by Topshop boss Sir Philip Green, Greed, from the director of The Trip, tells the story of self-made billionaire Sir Richard McCreadie (Steve Coogan), whose retail empire is in crisis. For 30 years he has ruled the world of consumer fashion - bringing the high street to the catwalk and the catwalk to the high street - but after a damaging public inquiry, his image is tarnished. To save his reputation, he decides to bounce back with a highly publicised and extravagant party celebrating his 60th birthday on the Greek island of Mykonos. A satire on the inequality of wealth in the fashion industry, the film sees McCreadie's downfall through the eyes of his biographer, played by David Mitchell. Other stars include Isla Fisher, Asa Butterfield, Tim Key, Sarah Solemani, and Asim Chaudhry. |
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Julie Warren - It's All In The Mind: The Life And Legacy Of Larry StephensBritish popular culture would probably be very different had Larry Stephens not been born. We could now be living in a world without the Carry On films or Monty Python, and we may never have heard of Tony Hancock, Peter Sellers or Spike Milligan. Stephens's promising career as a jazz pianist was interrupted by the war, and after serving as an officer with the commandos he moved to London and struck up a friendship with Tony Hancock, becoming the sole writer of his stage material. Hancock introduced him to Peter Sellers, Harry Secombe, Spike Milligan and Michael Bentine, and together they created The Goon Show - arguably the world's most influential comedy programme. As one of the main writers throughout its nine-year run, Stephens's experiences and acquaintances became themes and characters within the show. For the first time, the life and work of this unsung hero of British comedy has been thoroughly explored. Using unrivalled access to Larry Stephens's personal archive of letters, photographs and artwork, plus interviews with Stephens's many notable friends, family members, comrades and colleagues, It's All In The Mind tells the story of a boy from the Black Country whose short life had an enduring impact. |
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Friday Night Dinner - Series 6Channel 4's hilarious sitcom returned for a sixth series earlier in the spring, and became a sudden overnight sensation. Boosted by scheduling and with lockdown imposed, it's now the broadcaster's most popular comedy on catch-up service All 4. Simon Bird and Tom Rosenthal star as brothers Adam and Jonny, returning to the family home each Friday night for a dinner of roast chicken, crimble-crumble and all-round craziness. In this series Dad (Paul Ritter) buys a grotty old caravan - and starts living in it, Mum (Tamsin Greig) almost has a heart attack when the boys both get 'females', Jonny buys the world's most disgusting coat, Adam gaffer-tapes Jonny's phone to the ceiling, Aunty Val takes up sexting, Horrible Grandma wreaks havoc in the Goodman household - and neighbour Jim (Mark Heap) gets a brand new dog. If you're one of those who've only just discovered the programme, Series 1 to 5 are also available on DVD. |
For more, see our full list of new releases and items coming soon.
Comedy videos
Nu Media
A comedy following a group of idiots who are trying to create their own internet news platform. Will Hislop and Ellie White are amongst the stars.
Pam Doove sings with Matt Lucas
Pam Doove (from The League Of Gentlemen) joins Matt Lucas to sing Thank You Baked Potato.
The Bare & Klare Show
A new web series in which characters Bare and Klare deliver various sketches, short films, animations and studio segments.
The History Of Hands
A short film about hands - what they are, where they come from, and why you shouldn't bother with the little five-fingered flesh spiders.
Luke Kempner: PE with Joe Wicks
Joe Wicks, the body coach, is now on to day 180 of PE With Joe. He's SOOOOO happy about it. But who exactly is talking to him in his ear-piece?
Comedians Solve World Problems
A web series from Comedy Central in which comedians aim to come up with solutions to various issues. First up: Joanne McNally and Seann Walsh tackle adult content.
The Home Invaders Trust appeal
This is an URGENT APPEAL from The Home Invaders Trust. Can you help out a burglar in need?
On Oxford Street
A parody of Part Of Your World from The Little Mermaid in the times of Covid-19.
Super Divas!
Join opera singer Arianna Uniboobolos (played by Judith Owen), who is in lockdown.
Katie Pritchard - Did I Ever Even Exist?
A surreal video from musical comedian Katie Pritchard, who may be struggling a little with lockdown.
Jokes That No Longer Work
Comedian and writer Paul Kerensa reveals which classic jokes - from walking into pubs to knock-knocking on doors to flying to the West Indies - no longer work under current conditions.
Fingerful Gloves
Jazz Emu says: "I am so excited to unveil my new invention. It has been months of work. This truly is a special moment."
Housebound - Episode Six
Miss Morris, the supply teacher, takes her first Zoom class; Geoff goes online with his DIY helpline; and Clive, who is shielding, gives his neighbour his first shopping list.
Covid Fun
Gillian Harker and Hannah Duncan are staying in for Covid-Fun.
Stath Lets Flats: Lockdowned
A new online special of the Channel 4 sitcom. With the country in lockdown, Stath and the Michael & Eagle team try to strategise a new way to let some flats!
Spotlight
The Thick Of It
Tomorrow marks - wait for it - the fifteenth anniversary of The Thick Of It's television debut. The biting satire of Blairite spin and soundbite-over-substance political messaging spearheaded by Alastair Campbell came from writer/director Armando Iannucci, and co-lead writers Jesse Armstrong, Simon Blackwell, Tony Roche and Sean Gray, running for four series to 2012 and making international stars of Peter Capaldi and Chris Addison in particular. The complete, foul-mouthed collection is available on DVD now.
Thanks for reading
Alan O'Brien has won the latest BCG Pro Gag-a-Week competition, which was on the topic of mobile phones:
I must say the Zoom app for my phone is a complete disappointment - I'm sticking with my telescope.
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