British Comedy Guide Newsletter
Shop Newsletter Christmas Gift Guide
It's already that time of year again - our annual Christmas Gift Guide! We've a fresh selection of comedy treats for every comedy fan in your life. We've picked out the best releases of the year, including books, films, stand-up shows, and TV and radio shows. We hope you'll find plenty to inspire - and maybe something for yourself, too!

Don't forget you can also check out our page of recommended owns if you need some more ideas - and many of the complete box sets you can find there are currently available at great prices, often in the £10 - £20 region.
Coming Soon
Living The Dream Living The Dream - Series 1 DVD

Philip Glenister and Lesley Sharp star as a middle-aged married couple in this new Sky One comedy drama, which sees the pair and their late-teenage children up-sticks from Yorkshire and move to Florida. US comedy actor Leslie Jordan is a fantastic addition to the regular cast as a resident of the caravan park that the family are attempting to run. Series 2 comes next year. Details
Mark Thomas Live - Bravo Figaro! / Cuckooed / The Red Shed Mark Thomas Live - Bravo Figaro! / Cuckooed / The Red Shed DVD

Three of comedian and left-wing activist Mark Thomas's recent live shows on DVD: Bravo Figaro, about his father and love of opera; Cuckooed, about Mark's discovery that a friend was spying on him for an arms dealer; and The Red Shed, about a socialist community venue where Mark first started performing. Details
The Ken Dodd Laughter Show The Ken Dodd Laughter Show DVD

Broadcast in 1979, The Ken Dodd Laughter Show is six episodes of trademark hilarity from Knotty Ash's most famous son, living comedy legend Ken Dodd. Previously released, this new reissue now includes - for the very first time - Dodd's Christmas Day special from 1990, Ken Dodd At The London Palladium. A great Christmas gift, and hitting shelves on the 18th. Details
Detectorists - Series Three Detectorists - Series Three DVD

The award-winning Detectorists returns for a third series, following Andy (Mackenzie Crook) and Lance (Toby Jones) face the destruction of the farm and their much-loved detecting ground, to make way for a huge solar power plant. A complete Series 1-3 box set is also available to order. Details

For more, see our full list of new releases and items coming soon.
Live Comedy
Micky Flanagan - An' Another Fing... Live Micky Flanagan - An' Another Fing... Live

Micky's sell-out An' Another Fing tour is the biggest comedy event of 2017. Experience the master of comedy at the top of his game as he explores subjects including money, the French, his relationship with his new dog, marriage and much, much more all performed in Micky's typical 'man of the people' cockney-charm style. A triple-show collection is also out now. Details
Henning Wehn - Westphalia Is Not An Option Henning Wehn - Westphalia Is Not An Option DVD

Henning takes an unbiased, inconclusive but highly amusing look at immigration. Indeed, it wasn't until he was asked to present Channel 4's An Immigrant's Guide To Britain that he had even considered himself to be an immigrant ... two years and more than 150 shows later he's still not completely sure! Time for you to make up your mind. Details
Miles Jupp - Songs Of Freedom Miles Jupp - Songs Of Freedom DVD

Astronauts. Regrets. The sexes. Rage. Medicine. Manners. Identity. Lost stuff. Other stuff. Miles Jupp (stand-up, actor, writer, thinker, father, husband, worrier, fool, star of Rev. and host of The News Quiz) hits the road in a freshly-ironed shirt and some robust trousers and tries to make some bloody sense of it all. Details
Dawn French Live - Thirty Million Minutes Dawn French Live - Thirty Million Minutes DVD

Dawn French in her critically acclaimed one-woman show, filmed during its final West End run. It takes the audience on a journey through various delights and riches. Details
Paul Foot - 'Tis A Pity She's A Piglet - Live Paul Foot - 'Tis A Pity She's A Piglet - Live DVD

For the very first time a Paul Foot live performance has been captured on DVD so you can now enjoy the musings, rants and mountings of one of the world's most original comedians. Details
Adam Hills - Clown Heart Adam Hills - Clown Heart DVD, CD, audiobook & download

Live stand-up performance by Australian comedian and TV presenter Adam Hills. Recorded at London's Eventim Apollo, Adam shares his views on marriage, the joys of fatherhood and discusses the importance of laughing in the face of disaster. Details
Festival Of The Spoken Nerd - Just For Graphs Festival Of The Spoken Nerd - Just For Graphs DVD & download

A brand new live show from comedy trio, maths, physics and general geeks Festival Of The Spoken Nerd, focussing on the joys of all forms of graphs, charts and plots. Details
Adam Buxton - Old Bits Adam Buxton - Old Bits DVD & download

A brand new show from Adam recorded in the BFI in London in 2017. A best-of compilation of Adam's favourite routines from the past few years. He talks about real life struggles that we can all relate to - working from home whilst trying to avoid the internet. Luckily for us he doesn't manage to keep away from it for too long. Details
Ruby Wax - Sane New World Ruby Wax - Sane New World DVD

Ruby has been on a tough but enlightening journey through depression which has taken her from The Priory through to an MA from Oxford University in Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy. This show helps us all understand why we sabotage our sanity, how our brains work and how we can rewire our thinking to find calm in a frenetic world. Details

Count Arthur Strong Brings You: The Sound Of Mucus Count Arthur Strong Brings You: The Sound Of Mucus DVD

Steve Delaney stars as the befuddled, malapropism-dropping former variety star Count Arthur Strong in this live stage performance. Details
Roy Chubby Brown - The Second Coming! Roy Chubby Brown - The Second Coming! DVD & download

Brand new stand-up from the master of blue comedy, Roy Chubby Brown. With all-new, side-splittingly filthy material and songs, this is vintage Chubbs and the perfect antidote to the madness and political correctness of the modern world. Details
Sean Lock - Keep It Light - Live 2017 Sean Lock - Keep It Light - Live 2017 DVD & download

Live stand-up performance by English comedian Sean Lock, recorded in April 2017 at the Theatre Royal in Margate. The show includes the comic's mischievous views on parenting, old age and immigration. Details

For more, see our full list of new releases and items coming soon.
Film Comedy
The Goose Steps Out - 75th Anniversary Edition The Goose Steps Out - 75th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray & DVD

Early British cinema star Will Hay takes the lead in this joyous wartime propaganda film, newly and beautifully restored for its 75th anniversary, and released for the first time in its original complete and uncut form. Extras include an interview, radio documentary, and another wartime short. Thoroughly joyous and highly recommended. Details
The Hornet's Nest The Hornet's Nest DVD

1950s Rank comedy starring the glamorous duo June Thorburn and Marla Landi. In this adventure, a jewel thief hides his latest goods in a deserted barge, but ends up in jail. Two young models, Thorburn and Landi, then rent the barge, and with the help of two little old ladies, find them and claim the reward. Details
A Fish Called Wanda A Fish Called Wanda Blu-ray

Another brand new 4K restoration, this is John Cleese's Oscar-winning 1988 masterwork. A plethora of extras include new interviews, documentaries, photo gallery and trailer, commentary from Cleese, and much more. A must-own for fans of the film. Details
The Peter Sellers Movie Collection The Peter Sellers Movie Collection DVD

This new box set collects 4 Peter Sellers films together in one: The Great McGonagall (1974); The Magic Christian (1969); Ghost In The Noonday Sun (1973); and The Prisoner Of Zenda (1979). Details
Mindhorn Mindhorn Blu-ray & DVD

Julian Barratt and Simon Farnaby star in their film, Spring hit Mindhorn, about a washed-up actor who returns to the character that mad him famous in the 1980s - Isle of Man detective Bruce Mindhorn - in order to catch a deranged killer. Along the way, actor Richard Thorncroft (Barratt) must confront multiple demons. Details
Electric Dreams Electric Dreams Blu-ray

A 1984 film, Electric Dreams was released on Blu-ray for the first time earlier this year, presented as a brand new high-definition restoration, alongside new interviews and subtitles. The sci-fi rom-com depicts a love triangle between man, woman and computer. Details
There Was A Crooked Man There Was A Crooked Man DVD

Norman Wisdom stars in this 1960 film, one of only two he starred in independently of his acclaimed Rank comedies. Here he plays an unwitting crook who finds a unique outlet for his wartime-learned explosives expertise after uncovering a crooked businessman and politician's plans for his beloved seaside town. Details
The Renown Comedy Collection - Volume Two The Renown Comedy Collection - Volume Two DVD

Following Volume One, this collection of comedy films from the proprietors of hit free TV channel Talking Pictures TV includes eight comedy gems starring the likes of The Goons, Sid James, Brian Rix and Gert & Daisy, plus an exclusive interview and a short of Chaplin highlights. Details
Rita, Sue And Bob Too - Dual Format Edition Rita, Sue And Bob Too Blu-ray/DVD

A new BFI release of the 1980s comedy classic from director Alan Clarke, starring Siobhan Finneran, Michelle Holmes, George Costigan and Lesley Sharpe. This dual-format edition includes both DVD and Blu-ray editions of the film about a burgeoning menage a trois. Details
Jabberwocky - The Criterion Collection Jabberwocky - The Criterion Collection Blu-ray

Terry Gilliam's solo-directing debut is set amidst the filth and muck of England in the Dark Ages. A fearsome dragon stalks the land, casting a shadow of terror upon the kingdom of Bruno the Questionable. Who should emerge as the town's only possible saviour but Dennis Cooper (Michael Palin), an endearingly witless bumpkin. This is a brand new restoration overseen by Gilliam. Details

For more, see our full list of new releases and items coming soon.
Books
Richard Herring - Christmas Emergency Questions Richard Herring - Christmas Emergency Questions Paperback

Would you prefer to have eyes that were literally mince pies (and thus be blind) or feet made of Quality Street (but only the horrible green ones)? Does Santa's sleigh come fitted with a toilet? Or does he just wee in his pants or down people's chimneys? Comic Richard Herring has published this new book just in time for the festive season, with lots of comical discussion starters. Details
No Such Thing As A Fish Presents The Book Of The Year No Such Thing As A Fish Presents The Book Of The Year Hardback & ebook

The No Such Thing As team follow up their hit podcast and satirical news series with this book collecting up the odder points of the past 12 months. The Book Of The Year will prove the perfect Christmas gift, the ideal conversation starter (and stopper), and the ultimate source of wisdom for all lovers of trivia. There's also an audiobook edition. Details
Stephen Fry - Mythos Stephen Fry - Mythos Hardback, paperback, ebook, audiobook & CD

The Greek myths are some of the greatest stories ever told, and now comic personality, actor, writer and wit Stephen Fry has reinterpreted and retold them in this new collection. Fall in love with Zeus, marvel at the birth of Athena, weep with King Midas and hunt with the beautiful and ferocious Artemis. Mythos perfectly captures these stories for the modern age. Details
David Jason - Only Fools And Stories David Jason - Only Fools And Stories Hardback, ebook, audiobook & CD

In his second autobiogrpahy, TV icon Sir David Jason tells the stories of the characters he's played, from Del to Frost, with behind-the-scenes stories, anecdotes from his working life, and plenty more fascinate any fan of this comedy legend. Details
Robert Webb - How Not To Be A Boy Robert Webb - How Not To Be A Boy Hardback, ebook & audiobook

Society has certain expectations of men. Don't cry, don't talk about feelings, love sports. But are these, nevermind correct, but actually remotely useful? Robert Webb reminisces on his life, exploring the relationships that have made him who he is today. Video trailers are on our info page: Details
Sarah Millican - How To Be Champion Sarah Millican - How To Be Champion Hardback, paperback, ebook, CD & audiobook

Part autobiography, part self help, part confession, part celebration of being a common-or-garden woman, part collection of synonyms for nunny, Sarah Millican's debut book How To Be Champion delves into her super normal life with daft stories, funny tales and proper advice on how to get past life's blips. Click through for lots of lovely video clips with Sarah introducing the book. Details
Eddie Izzard - Believe Me: A Memoir of Love, Death and Jazz Chickens Eddie Izzard - Believe Me Hardback, paperback, ebook, CD & audiobook

In Believe Me, Eddie takes us on a journey which begins in Yemen, taking in Northern Ireland, England and Wales, then across the seas to Europe and America. In a story jam-packed with incident he tells of teddy bear shows on boarding school beds, renouncing accountancy for swordfighting on the streets of London and becoming an Action Transvestite. Details
Michael Whitehall - Backing Into The Spotlight Michael Whitehall - Backing Into The Spotlight Hardback, ebook & audiobook

Michael Whitehall, former theatrical agent to the likes of Dame Judi Dench, recounts his life and his unplanned second career, as the grumpy foil to stand-up comedian son Jack's increasing variety of escapades, and now finding himself in a position of fame. Details

For more, see our full list of new releases and items coming soon.
TV & Radio Comedy
Inside No. 9 - Series Three Inside No. 9 - Series Three Blu-ray, DVD & download

Shearsmith & Pemberton's comic-horror anthology series returns for a fourth run on 2nd January. Until then, the highly acclaimed, cult-hit first three series are available to own and re-watch at your leisure, both in standard definition and for the full effect, in the true beauty of Blu-ray for a crisp audio and visual experience. Also see Series 1 and Series 2. Details
The Navy Lark - Volume 32 The Navy Lark - Volume 32 CD & audiobook

Jon Pertwee, Leslie Phillips and Stephen Murray star in four more episodes of the hit nautical comedy, two each from 1967 and 1972. Details
Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads - The Complete BBC Radio Series Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads - The Complete BBC Radio Series CD & audiobook

Adapted from the well-loved TV series, this collection features all thirteen episodes from the BBC radio comedy, first broadcast in 1975. Starring Rodney Bewes and James Bolam. Details
Yonderland - The Christmas Special Yonderland - The Christmas Special DVD

It's the night before 'Thanktival', Yonderland's version of Christmas. But amid the joy lurks a monster called Chompus, who eats all the presents in the realm. The people on both sides of the portal celebrate the holiday season. The elders and their children sing to save the realm, but Negatus hatches a plan to steal everyone's presents... Details
Last Of The Summer Wine - The Complete Collection Last Of The Summer Wine - The Complete Collection DVD

The collection that many fans have long been waiting for: every single episode - all 31 series - of Last Of The Summer Wine. The world's longest-running sitcom, it clocked up a stonking 295 episodes between 1973 and 2010, and this 54-disc set includes each and every one of them. There's also a Series 1 to 10 'Early Years' set, if you want to ease in a bit more gently. Details
Minder - The Complete Collection Minder - The Complete Collection DVD

George Cole and Dennis Waterman star in all 10 original series of Minder, the long-running ITV comedy drama about a south London businessman with some rather dodgy interests, and his right-hand man. Running from 1979 to 1994, the show spans some 33 discs. Details
I Bought A Vampire Motorcycle I Bought A Vampire Motorcycle Blu-ray & DVD

Birmingham biker Nick (Neil Morrissey) thinks he's got a bargain when he buys a discounted second-hand motorcycle. But it eventually transpires that he is in fact the owner of a monstrous vampire motorbike, feasting upon Hells Angels, streetwalkers and traffic wardens. A priest (Anthony Daniels) and police inspector Cleaver (Michael Elphick) are brought in to help. Details
John Bishop's Australia

John Bishop's Australia DVD & download

This slightly older series has just been released on DVD for the first time. Comic John Bishop returns to Australia for a new adventure, 22 years after he first cycled along the country's Gold Coast as part of a year long trip. Using his 1992 diary as a guidebook, John is back on his bike, reflecting on his own personal journey as he reconnects with his 25 year old self. Details

Tell Me Another - Series 1 & 2 Tell Me Another - Series 1 & 2 DVD

Comedy writer Dick Hills discusses a range of topics with some fantastic guest stars. Those featured include Michael Bentine, Jon Pertwee, Diana Dors, Jim Dale, Norman Vaughan, Jimmy Jewel, Barbara Windsor, Jimmy Logan, Arthur Askey, Bill Maynard, Ted Ray, Bernard Cribbins, Jack Warner, Roy Hudd, Thora Hird, Millicent Martin, Reg Varney, Beryl Reid and Spike Milligan. Details
The Goon Show - Compendium Volume Thirteen - Early Shows: Series 4 - Part 1 & More The Goon Show - Compendium Volume Thirteen - Early Shows: Series 4 - Part 1 & More CD & audiobook

A must-own for Goon fans: a new collection of restored episodes; booklets; documentaries and other extras featuring Spike Milligan, Harry Secombe and Peter Sellers. Details
Mrs. Brown's Boys - Really Big Box Mrs. Brown's Boys - Really Big Box DVD

Ahead of another two Christmas/New Year specials this season, enjoy every single episode of the riotous sitcom broadcast to date (click through to our Shop for Blu-ray options). You can also get separate sets of all the Christmas episodes to date; and update an existing collection with the 2016 specials. Details
Cold Feet - The Complete Series One - Seven Cold Feet - The Complete Series One - Seven DVD

Watch the nation's favourite couples in the complete collection of the BAFTA award winning comedy drama series as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. Series 8 will be on screens next year, so catch-up or relive the gang's adventures now. The recent Series 7 is also available separately. Details
Black Mirror - The Complete Third Series Black Mirror - The Complete Third Series Blu-ray, DVD & download

The complete third series of Charlie Brooker's dark technological drama Black Mirror. Now having moved further from comedy into dark drama, the show - now at home on Netflix - will be back again next year. Details
Sykes - The Complete Series Sykes - The Complete Series DVD

Comedy genius Eric Sykes stars alongside Hattie Jacques, Richard Wattis and Deryck Guyler in the complete run of this classic sitcom, which he also wrote. The show's seven series cover 12 discs, and many hours of domestic jollity, disharmony, oneupmanship and snobbery. This will be a great gift for any fan of great, traditional comedy. Details
The Prince Of Denmark The Prince Of Denmark DVD

Ronnie Corbett and Rosemary Leach star in Barry Cryer & Graham Chapman's single series sitcom from 1974, a sequel to both the original ITV comedy No - That's Me Over Here! and its BBC prequel, Now Look Here.... This sitcom sees the couple inherit and attempt to run a pub. Ronnie's efforts, in-between pompous bluff and bluster, leave a fair bit to be desired. Details
Red Dwarf XII Red Dwarf XII Blu-ray & DVD

Red Dwarf XII sees the rest of the crew discover just how it feels to be Kryten when they're arrested by the Mechanoid Intergalactic Liberation Front. The Dwarfers also come across a ship where criticism is illegal, and a space station where the crew have developed a cure for evil. There's likely to be a 13th series, but for now this is is the most recent one produced. Details
The Almost Complete Q The Almost Complete Q DVD

Spike Milligan's anarchic and surreal comedy sketch show Q5 was first shown on BBC Two in March 1969. Q6 followed in 1975, with Qs 7, 8 and 9 over the next five years. This 5-disc set collects all the surviving shows together for the first time. Four episodes of Q5 - aka Q Series 1 - were wiped, but everything else is included. A great gift for Spike and surrealist fans. Details
Birds Of A Feather - The Christmas Collection Birds Of A Feather - The Christmas Collection DVD

The much-loved sitcom is back for a brand new special on Monday 18th, but over its near-thirty-year run, Birds Of A Feather has already clocked up 10 ratings-winning Christmas specials. This new set has them all, including the previously unreleased 2016 episode. There's also a complete collection of the original BBC and revived ITV series available to buy. Details
Doc Martin - Complete Series One To Eight Doc Martin - Complete Series One To Eight

The complete collected first eight series of ITV's comedy drama Doc Martin, starring Martin Clunes, Caroline Catz and co. The recent Series 8 is available separately. Details
Stella - Series 6 Stella - Series 6 DVD

Ruth Jones stars in the concluding, sixth series of her Sky One comedy drama set in the Welsh valleys. As happiness finally appears within grasp, a big secret could be set to rip Pontyberry - and Stella's family - apart once more. All 6 series are avaialable to buy in a complete box set. Details
Peter Kay's Car Share - Series 1 & 2 Peter Kay's Car Share - Series 1 & 2 Blu-ray & DVD

Includes all 10 episodes from the multi BAFTA award-winning series brodcast so far. Peter Kay and Sian Gibson star. Fans shouldn't miss out on the upcoming improvised and concluding specials. If you've already got Series 1, Series 2 is out on its own. Details
Shelley - The Complete Series 7 - 10 Shelley - Series 1 - 6 and Series 7 - 10 DVD

Hywel Bennett stars as the eponymous workshy philospher of life James Shelley in Peter Tilbury's acclaimed sitcom classic, running from 1979 to 1992. The original six series have been available separately for a number of years and are collected in one box set, whilst 'The Return Of Shelley' revival series are brand newly released, only available in this new collection. Series 7-10 Details
The Best Of Only An Excuse? - 10 Classic Hogmanay Specials! The Best Of Only An Excuse? - 10 Classic Hogmanay Specials! DVD

The last 10 editions of Scottish TV's Hogmanay institution, Only An Excuse?, are collected together in this first ever DVD release from the show's archive. Jonathan Watson stars in 2 discs of laughs charting Scottish culture, football, politics and entertainment. Details
Horrible Histories - Series Seven Horrible Histories - Series Seven DVD

The fantastic kids' sketch show Horrible Histories returned for a seventh series this year, and for our money it may just have been the best yet. With only 10 episodes broadcast of the series so far, this DVD includes all 15 produced - a real treat for adults and children alike. Genuine laugh-out-loud comedy that's factually accurate and suitable for the whole family. Details
Hancock's Half Hour Collectibles - Volume One Hancock's Half Hour Collectibles - Volume One CD & audiobook

A new collection of rare and remastered material from the landmark radio sitcom Hancock's Half Hour. Also included are interviews and episodes of Variety Bandbox, Calling All Forces and Educating Archie. Details
Terry & June - The Complete Collection Terry & June - The Complete Collection DVD

Terry Scott and June Whitfield star in 9 series of their hugely successful, ratings-winning domestic sitcom, which ran for 65 episodes from 1979 to 1987. 10 discs of fabulous laughs. The series from which Terry & June was borne, Happy Ever After, is also available to own. Details
The Complete QI H To J QI Series A To D, E To G, H To J & K To M DVD

All 13 Stephen Fry-fronted series of QI are now available to own, split into these four box set collections: a stonking 45 discs. Jam-packed with extras such as interviews, cut scenes, behind the scenes footage and more, these collections will make any QI fan's Christmas. Details
The Rag Trade - Series 1 & 2 The Rag Trade - Series 1 & 2 DVD

The fantastic female-led workplace sitcom The Rag Trade ran for 5 series between 1961 and 1978, three on the BBC and later revived for another two by LWT. Miriam Karlin stars with Peter Jones, Reg Varney and Christopher Beeny, plus the likes of Sheila Hancock, and the fabulous Esma Cannon. Series 3 is all wiped, but almost all of Series 1 and 2 survive. Details
All Round To Mrs. Brown's - Series One All Round To Mrs. Brown's - Series One DVD

All six episodes from the first series of the comedy chat show featuring the mischievous Mrs Agnes Brown (Brendan O'Carroll) and her unruly brood. Guests include Holly Willoughby, Kevin Bridges, Steve Backshall and Pamela Anderson. Details
W1A - The Complete Series 1 - 3 W1A - The Complete Series 1 - 3 DVD

Recently having concluded its third - and likely final - series, John Morton's precisely-observed comedy of middle-management and office politics is out now on DVD. Hugh Bonneville, Sarah Parish, Jessica Hynes and Jason Watkins are amongst the wickedly funny ensemble cast in this superior sequel to Twenty Twelve. Details
Here's Harry - The Complete Surviving Episodes Here's Harry - The Complete Surviving Episodes DVD

Now often overlooked, Harry Worth was a true star in the post-war period, with a range of sitcoms and sketch shows to his name - often literally, as in this case. Sadly, only 11 of the original 60 episodes are currently known to survive, but they are now all available in this delicious double-disc set. Details
The Windsors - Complete Series One & Two The Windsors - Complete Series One & Two DVD

This hilarious spoof, reimagining the lives and loves of the British Royal family as if the characters in a TV soap opera, is reportedly a favourite of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge. This set includes both series produced so far, including the outrageous 2016 Christmas special. Stars include Harry Enfield, Hugh Skinner, Louise Ford, Morgana Robinson, and Richard Goulding & Kathryn Drysdal as Harry and Meghan Markle. Details

For more, see our full list of new releases and items coming soon.
That's all, folks!
Don't forget, you can find our full comedy shop on our website at any time, and some of the best new release news, competitions and bargains on Twitter: @BritComedyShop.

We'll be back in 2018 with our first newsletter of the year on Friday 5th January. Until then, we'd like to wish you a very happy Christmas and a wonderful new year. Have a fantastic time and - we hope - lots of laughs!

British Comedy Guide
www.comedy.co.uk

Twitter   Facebook   Google+