Weekly Newsletter |
Monday 18th October 2021 |
Welcome to our latest update. There's lots on TV to look forward to - see our listings section.
Latest comedy news
Jennifer Saunders to guest star in Ghosts Christmas special
Jennifer Saunders is to guest star in the forthcoming Ghosts Christmas special, playing Lady Button's mother.
Spitting Image Halloween special coming to ITV
ITV is to broadcast a Halloween special of BritBox's Spitting Image on television.
Robert Webb quits Strictly Come Dancing
Robert Webb quit Strictly Come Dancing, due to ill health.
The John Bishop Show coming to ITV
ITV has confirmed Saturday night comedy format The John Bishop Show.
National Comedy Awards launched by Channel 4
Channel 4 has launched The National Comedy Awards, revealing a longlist featuring many TV shows and comedians.
Advert
The Musical Comedy Awards - the annual celebration of music-based comedy that has helped launch stars such Rachel Parris, Abandoman, Frisky & Mannish and Mae Martin - returns to the Bloomsbury Theatre in London this Saturday. Watch ten up-and-coming musical comedy acts compete for the prestigious award plus a headline set from Mawaan Rizwan (Live At The Apollo, Taskmaster, writer for Sex Education). Hosted by Josh Weller! See it live in London, or anywhere with the streaming option: Book tickets.
Features
David Renwick on resurrecting Victor Meldrew
As Victor Meldrew returns in a new novel, we chat to One Foot In The Grave creator David Renwick about why he has brought back the character, whether he is really retiring from TV writing, and more.
Comedy Chronicles: Comedy Rivalries
Graham McCann examines the feuds between four of the nation's favourite funnymen, Frankie Howerd and Larry Grayson; and Bruce Forsyth and Larry Grayson.
Musical Comedy Awards 2021 finalists
Christy Coysh, David Hoare, DING, Ed MacArthur, Edy Hurst, Flat & The Curves, Hel MacCormack, Orlando Gibbs, Rhiannon Hopkins and Simon David are set to take part in the Musical Comedy Awards 2021. Check out their profiles here.
First Gig, Worst Gig: Des Clarke
He's celebrating 200 editions of Breaking The News, but how did Des Clarke wind up gigging with Kylie, Usain and a field full of canines?
20 years of The Framley Examiner
As a new gag-packed Framley Examiner book is published, Joel Morris explains how the project started out, and why a new book is in much-demand. We've also got extracts from the joke-filled book to share with you.
British Comedy Quiz #175
Testing your memory this time: Ken Dodd, James Hacker, Alma Nuttall, Stephen Fry, Papa Lazarou, and more.
Random 8: Mr Twonkey
What do George Formby, Natalie Wood and Wojtek the soldier bear have in common? They all pop up in Mr Twonkey's rich tapestry.
BCG Pro
If you're a comedy creator, check out our BCG Pro Newsletter for a rundown of the latest opportunities and insights for writers and performers, including our first in-person meet-up, in Manchester on Tuesday 16th November, with guest speaker Phil Mealey.
TV listings
The Complaints Department
For the last episode in the series, Jason Manford is joined by Sarah Millican, Nick Helm, Daliso Chaponda and Catherine Bohart.
Alma's Not Normal
The much-praised sitcom concludes its first series. News that Alma will be leaving for a six month theatre tour looks like it might push her mum Lin over the edge.
British As Folk
At the end of their UK road trip, Darren Harriott, Fern Brady and Ivo Graham finish in Essex, arguably the most stereotyped region of all, and ask 'Is the South all style over substance?'.
Never Mind The Buzzcocks
Noel Fielding and Daisy May Cooper invite Joe Wilkinson, rapper Aitch and experimental pop-project Self Esteem to join series regular Jamali Maddix for another round of cacophonic comedy.
Question Team
Making up Richard Ayoade's self-quizzing collective are Katherine Ryan with a round on social media, Desiree Burch on astrology and Ivo Graham on music festivals. Richard's special guest this week is Nick Helm.
How We Forgot To Save The Planet
A one-off comedy in which Kieran Hodgson explains how it may be too late to save the planet, with the help of guests including Morgana Robinson.
BBC New Comedy Awards
Watch the heats from the BBC's stand-up competition for new acts. In recent years it has been on the radio, but now the contest has found its way to TV.
Rob Beckett's Undeniable
Rob Beckett invites guests Melvin Odoom, Ahir Shah, Josh Jones and Harriet Kemsley to tell him some interesting facts.
Brassic
Ashley's cousin Doolan has been kidnapped and his uncle Francis calls on Vinnie to be the bag drop man in his ransom.
Outsiders
David Mitchell is equipped with a hose pipe as he tests out whether the shelters he's asked the comedians to build are waterproof.
Taskmaster
In the 100th episode, Victoria celebrates with a flapjack, Morgana celebrates by slicing up some plastic balls, and Guz celebrates by barricading himself in the Taskmaster house.
QI
David Mitchell, Richard Osman and Zoe Lyons take part in an episode of the comic quiz that has been given the title 'Spooky'. We must be nearing the end of October already...
The Russell Howard Hour
More topical jokes from the comedy star, plus the show's usual segments, including interviews and a stand-up set from a comedian who may not be known to TV audiences yet.
The Emily Atack Show
This week's theme is relationships, and the sketches include Emily meeting a new partner's parents, pitching long-term relationship insurance and seeing an old schoolmate at the worst possible time.
Complaints Welcome
Tom Allen visits Midsomer and tries to not get murdered; Jessica Knappett looks at Rachel Riley's cleavage; and Munya Chawawa steps into a Naked Attraction pod.
Late Night Mash
The final proper episode of the topical comedy series. Given the appalling murder of Sir David Amess, it's going to be a hard week for shows such as this one to tackle the news in a light-hearted way.
Have I Got News For You
Victoria Coren Mitchell hosts as Ian Hislop and Paul Merton are joined by guests Rylan Clark-Neal and Robert Peston.
The Last Leg
Adam Hills, Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker continue the latest run of their topical comedy series. No news yet on this week's guests.
The Graham Norton Show
Stephen Merchant is on the show, to introduce his new comedy drama The Outlaws. Also appearing: Ian McKellen, Eddie Redmayne, Jessie Buckley, Motsi Mabuse, Elton John and Charlie Puth.
Spitting Image
Another episode of the puppet-based topical comedy show will be uploaded to the BritBox platform on Saturday morning.
Blankety Blank
Taking part this time around are Rachel Riley, Baga Chipz, Liza Tarbuck, Rhod Gilbert, Ore Oduba and Scarlett Moffatt.
The Jonathan Ross Show
The chat show returns for Series 18, with Jonathan set to be joined in this opening episode by by Joan Collins, Succession star Brian Cox and Rob Beckett. Duran Duran perform too.
The Larkins
Episode 3 of the ratings-winning comedy drama. Ma, worried that Pop is working too hard, books a weekend in Margate. See our website for more details, including cast interviews
Joe Lycett Climate Investigation
Ahead of the COP26 climate change summit, Joe Lycett takes on one of the world's most powerful companies - Shell - in this one-off one hour special. He investigates whether its eco-friendly advertising really paints the right picture of a corporation.
The Ranganation
Romesh will be joined in the studio this week by guest Richard Osman. Meanwhile the likes of Lord Dave and Technophobe will continue to entertain via their Skype connections.
The Deirdre O'Kane Show
Deirdre O'Kane is joined by Joanne McNally and Martin Angolo, as the new stand-up series continues.
Sorry, I Didn't Know
Kemah Bob, Sara Pascoe, Shazia Mirza and Verona Rose join team leaders Chizzy Akudolu and Judi Love to answer questions about black history.
The new series starting on the radio this week include The Museum Of Curiosity (Monday, 6:30pm), John Kearns and Tim Key series Lasties (Wednesday, 11pm) and comedy pilot Geoff Norcott: I Would Never Be Friends With... (Thursday, 11pm). For a complete list of TV and radio broadcasts, including repeats, see our full schedule.
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Harry Hill - Fight!: Thirty Years Not Quite At The TopIn this "highly entertaining memoir" from one of the nation's most popular comedians, Harry Hill takes an "honest and hilarious look back at his life and career through the lens of what didn't go right". We join him on the journey in childhood, and his starring role in the cub panto, through a short-lived career as a hospital doctor - where he was reprimanded for daydreaming during a life-saving operation - to slogging it out on the comedy circuit in the 90s alongside comics like Bill Bailey and Jo Brand - to becoming a national TV teatime favourite. He takes us behind the scenes of his ill-fated X-Factor musical I Can't Sing!, on a very strange car journey with Simon Cowell, and shares what he said to The Queen when he found himself alone with her backstage at The Royal Albert Hall. Harry's was a fight to not quite the top of the showbiz food chain. Full of truthful reflection and uproarious stories, he finds joy in failure, creativity in struggle and revels in the lessons to be learnt from a flop. |
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The WatchInspired by and based upon the characters of Sir Terry Pratchett, The Watch follows an unlikely group of misfits, The City Watch, who are forced to find the guts to save the world, surprising even themselves in the process. The comedic yet thrilling eight-part series pits trolls, werewolves and other improbable heroes against an evil plot to resurrect a great dragon which would lead to the destruction of life as they know it. A range of extras include behind the scenes features, art-cards, and a making-of documentary. |
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Calling All ForcesBroadcast on the BBC Light Programme from December 1950 until July 1952, Calling All Forces was the biggest show of its day, attracting the biggest names of the time. Written by a young Bob Monkhouse and Denis Goodwin, it became a showcase for aspiring young comedians including Peter Sellers, Tony Hancock, Jimmy Edwards, Cyril Fletcher, Benny Hill, Kenneth Horne, Bill Kerr and Bob Monkhouse himself. Brilliantly hosted by comedian Ted Ray, the show features a mix of stand-up comedy, music and sketches guest-starring well-known contemporary TV and film stars. Sellers tries out some early Goons characters, Hancock steps in to co-host with Charlie Chester, and Bob Monkhouse steps on stage to perform some of his own material at the age of just 23. This uproarious compilation also includes two bonus episodes of Fletcher's Fare, plus two episodes of The Forces Show - the successor to Calling All Forces, also written by Bob Monkhouse and Denis Goodwin. |
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Mrs. Brown's Boys - Festive Fancies!Hold on to your tinsel and baubles, Mrs Brown and her boys are back for even more antics and festive fun in these two episodes from Christmas 2020-1. Mammy Of The People: It's Christmas once again in the Brown household and Agnes and her family are getting used to "the new normal". Luckily, things haven't changed much. Mrs Brown has a new tree, Grandad has a new illness and Buster and Dermot have new jobs. There's much to distract them too, as Winnie and Agnes have entered a competition in the Radio Times to perform an alternative Queen's speech and are waiting to hear if they've won. Meanwhile, Father Damien is worried he's not getting his Christmas message across and comes to Agnes for advice. Mammy's Memories?: All's not well in Finglas. Winnie isn't sleeping, Cathy's depressed about a significant birthday coming up, and Mrs Brown has received a letter with some unsettling news. But Agnes must turn her attention elsewhere when Winnie's house is burgled and it turns out the thief has taken a cherished heirloom. She wastes no time getting the Gardai round so Winnie can give a statement. All they need is a proper description from Winnie. Easier said than done... |
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The Complete Penny Dreadfuls Present...All 10 of the Penny Dreadfuls' riotous revisionist radio plays, retelling famous fictional tales and historical events. Featuring unforgettable characters, from the face of British treason to the last of the Plantagenets, their "fresh, funny reimaginings" are full of suspense, rip-roaring entertainment and gags galore. In Guy Fawkes, they take a new look at the Gunpowder Plot; Revolution recounts the entire story of the French Revolution in just one hour (with jokes) and Hereward the Wake asks why this heroic Englishman, responsible for leading the fight against William the Conqueror's occupation, has been forgotten. Macbeth Rebothered tells an alternative tale of this noble King; and The Odyssey tackles Homer's epic journey home after the Trojan War. Other tales are The Voyage Of The Beagle, Le Carré On Spying, Don Quixote, Hadrian's Beard and Richard III Rebothered. With all 10 plays collected together here for the very first time, this release features brand new introductions to each of the episodes, in which The Penny Dreadfuls chat about the making of these hilarious histories. |
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Big Screen British ComedyThree of the most popular and long-running BBC comedy series hit the big screen in four film adaptations featuring the original casts: Dad's Army, Steptoe & Son, Steptoe And Son Ride Again and Are You Being Served? - with the latter three titles appearing on Blu-ray for the first time anywhere, in this region-free Australian-issued box set. In what promises to be a must-own collection for fans of the respective sitcoms, each title is presented with a stonking array of extra features: both new and archive commentaries and interviews; trailers; image galleries; separate music and SFX tracks; rare archive material featuring the stars, and much more. Click through for a full run-down of what's on offer so far - with more still to be announced. |
For more, see our full list of new releases and items coming soon.
Comedy videos
Sex Education recut as a horror
A recut of scenes from the comedy drama. One teenage boy. Many mummy issues. In Sex Education, no one can hear your scream...
SU2C: Bill Bailey pays tribute to Sean Lock
If you missed it, here is the tribute to Sean Lock that was broadcast as part of Friday's Stand Up 2 Cancer broadcast. Bill Bailey gives a lovely speech, celebrating Lock's many talents.
Sideshow - Trailer
The trailer for this new film starring Les Dennis and Anthony Head, in cinemas next month. After breaking into the home of a washed-up psychic, two criminals get much more than they bargained for...
Mum's acting advice
Holly Hall called her mum for a chat, and ended up with some killer career advice.
The Treason TV Show
The latest episode of the topical comedy show. Fuel shortages in the style of Madness, James Bond's new mission, a statement from the Police, and more.
Duke Lancer PI - The Catfish Case
When a Tinder match seems too good to be true, there's only one PI who can crack the case.
The Clean Up Guy
If you find yourself in a messy situation, you might need to call The Clean Up Guy.
No Time To...
Bond is face to face with Lyutsifer. The world needs saving and every second.... counts.
Spotlight
It's Your Move
Eric Sykes is joined once more by Tommy Cooper and an all-star ensemble in this dialogue-free comedy from 1982. Marking its anniversary today and coming off the back of renowned hits like The Plank and Rhubarb Rhubarb!, the half-hour programme for Thames also featured comedy legends such as Richard Briers, Bernard Cribbins, Irene Handl and Jimmy Edwards in the tale of a pair of removal men attempting to get a husband and wife into their new home. It's available on DVD as part of a splendid Eric Sykes collection, for only a little over £5 at the time of writing.
Thanks for reading
Graham Parry has won the latest BCG Pro Gag-a-Week competition on the topic of "protests":
When it comes to participating in Insulate Britain protests I tend to avoid public transport and stick to the roads.Have you entered our latest competitions yet? You can win a Taskmaster board game and both series of Code 404 on DVD.
British Comedy Guide
www.comedy.co.uk
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