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Friday 24th May 2019

Friday again! How did that happen?! And another Bank Holiday weekend too - this really is the best time of year. Whilst you prepare for a few days of down time, browse the below and see what tantalises your comedy tastebuds: there's definitely a lot that excites us!

Meanwhile, we've got an exclusive Bank Holiday weekend offer from audiobook company Audible to share: sign up before Wednesday and you'll pay only £3.99 for each of your first 4 months. That's a whopping 50% off.

Coming soon

Lenny Henry - Who Am I, Again?

Lenny Henry - Who Am I, Again?

Pre-order. Hardback, eBook

In 1975, a gangly black 16-year-old from Dudley, decked out in floppy bow tie and Frank Spencer beret, appeared on our TV screens for the first time. So began the transformation from apprentice factory worker to future national treasure, Sir Lenny Henry. In his long-awaited autobiography, Lenny tells the extraordinary story of his early years and sudden rise to fame. Born soon after his Jamaican parents had arrived in the Midlands, Lenny was raised as one of seven siblings in a boisterous, hilarious, complicated working household, and sent out into the world with his mum's mantra of "H'integration! H'integration! H'integration!" echoing in his ears. A natural ability to make people laugh came in handy. At school it helped subdue the daily racist bullying. In the park, it led to lifelong friendships and occasional snogs. Soon, it would put him on stage at working men's clubs.

At Last The 1948 Show

At Last The 1948 Show

Pre-order. DVD

This ground-breaking, splendidly silly and surreal comedy sketch series, written and performed by John Cleese, Graham Chapman, Tim Brooke-Taylor and Marty Feldman - also starring the lovely Aimi MacDonald - was a major milestone on the road to Monty Python's Flying Circus, The Goodies and everything that came after.

This lovingly curated new deluxe three-disc set restores all the existing episodes from both series of the programme in the correct order, and is as complete as is currently possible to achieve with known surviving material. Of the 13 editions originally broadcast, it includes all ten surviving episodes, two almost completely reconstructed episodes, and the complete audio of a further episode with fragments of film restored; all drawn from the vaults of the BFI National Archive, and proudly presented alongside an array of newly-filmed and archive extras.

Tony Hawks - The A To Z Of Skateboarding

Tony Hawks - The A To Z Of Skateboarding

Pre-order. Hardback, eBook

For more than twenty years, Tony Hawks has been mistaken for Tony Hawk, the American skateboarder. Even though it is abundantly clear on his website that he is an English comedian and author, people still write to him asking the best way to do a kickflip or land a melon. One mischievous day he started writing back in a pompous tone, goading his correspondents for their spelling mistakes and poor grammar, while offering bogus or downright silly advice on how to improve their skateboarding. Featuring entries on parents' pain, disappointment, underachievers, Quorn and the Vatican, this is his A to Z guide to the world of skateboarding, as seen through the eyes of someone who knows absolutely nothing about it.

Ghosts

Ghosts

Pre-order. DVD

Ghosts is a multi-character sitcom created by the lead cast of writer-performers from the award winning Horrible Histories, Yonderland and the feature film Bill. The crumbling country pile of Button Hall is home to numerous restless spirits who have died there over the centuries - each ghost very much a product of their time, resigned to squabble with each other for eternity over the most inane of daily gripes. But their lives - or rather, afterlives - are thrown into turmoil when a young urban couple - Alison and Mike - surprisingly inherit the peaceful derelict house and make plans to turn it into a bustling family hotel. As the ghosts attempt to oust the newcomers from their home, and Mike and Alison discover the true scale of the project they've taken on, fate conspires to trap both sides in an impossible house share where every day is, literally, a matter of life and death.

Smart money is on a second series following after this first run concluded on Monday - order a copy now, or enter for your chance to win one of 3 we have to give away.

Gonks Go Beat

Gonks Go Beat

Pre-order. Blu-ray, DVD

Kenneth Connor, Terry Scott and Frank Thornton star in this groovy comedy-musical-sci-fi mash-up straight from the swinging sixties. Featuring performances from Lulu and the Luvvers, The Nashville Teens and The Graham Bond Organisation, Gonks Go Beat is presented here as a new high definition transfer from the original film elements in its original theatrical aspect ratio. In the far future, Earth has split into two musically-opposing factions: Beatland - where all the cool cats live - and Balladisle, where it's customary to sport smart jumpers and trouser creases. Perturbed at this squabbling The Great Galaxian decides to send an ambassador to bring harmony to these unruly Earthlings. Unfortunately, the only one available is a rather unorthodox chap with a disgraceful record of incompetence!

Released on Monday, we have three copies of the remastered Blu-ray to give away.

Kind Hearts & Coronets

Kind Hearts & Coronets

Pre-order. Blu-ray, DVD

From a brand new 4K remaster and restoration to mark the film's 70th anniversary, comes the Ealing Studios classic comedy Kind Hearts And Coronets. Dennis Price stars as the debonair yet impoverished Louis Mazzini, the would-be Duke of Chalfont whose mother was disinherited by her noble family, the D'Ascoynes, for marrying beneath her. When her dying wish to be buried in the family crypt is refused, Louis vows to avenge his mother and work his way up the family tree, by engaging in the gentle art of murder. One by one he attempts to kill off the eight successors that stand in the way of his becoming Duke - all played by Alec Guinness in an unforgettable tour-de-force performance. A special Collector's Edition - but weirdly, neither featuring a 4K (UHD) Blu-ray - is also available to order.

Fisherman's Friends

Fisherman's Friends

Pre-order. Blu-ray, DVD

Cinema's latest hit British comedy. A fast-living, cynical London music executive (Daniel Mays) heads to a remote Cornish village on a stag weekend where he's pranked by his boss (Noel Clarke) into trying to sign a group of shanty singing fishermen (led by James Purefoy). He becomes the ultimate fish out of water as he struggles to gain the respect or enthusiasm of the unlikely boy band and their families (including Tuppence Middleton) who value friendship and community over fame and fortune. As he's drawn deeper into the traditional way of life he's forced to re-evaluate his own integrity and ultimately question what success really means. Starring Daniel Mays, James Purefoy, Tuppence Middleton, David Hayman, Dave Johns, and Noel Clarke, Fisherman's Friends is based on a true story and was shot on location in Cornwall.

Do Not Adjust Your Set

Do Not Adjust Your Set

Pre-order. DVD

Innovative and influential, and originally broadcast as children's show, Do Not Adjust Your Set was a madcap early-evening comedy sketch show that quickly acquired a cult following with Swinging Sixties adults, who rushed home from work to see it.

Together with At Last The 1948 Show (see above), it is a key step on the road to Monty Python's Flying Circus and all that followed: written by and starring Michael Palin, Terry Jones and Eric Idle, with great performances and additional material by David Jason and Denise Coffey, it also provided an early showcase for the hilarious animations of Terry Gilliam, and the brilliantly bizarre musical antics of the legendary Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band. For the first time anywhere, all 14 fully existing (of 29) episodes from the Rediffusion and Thames series of the show are brought together in one place for a deluxe package that includes five episodes new to DVD, at least two of which were previously thought lost, alongside a selection of brand new extra features.

Mum - Series One, Two & Three

Mum - Series One, Two & Three

Pre-order. DVD

Critically acclaimed comedy Mum stars Academy Award nominee Lesley Manville as Cathy, a woman rebuilding her life after her husband's death. In each of the first two series, we follow Cathy and the unpredictable affairs of her family across one single year. Series 1 begins with her husband's funeral, as the family pulls together around her in their own unique way. Starting with her sixtieth birthday, Series 2 sees Cathy's relationship with her friend Michael grow. In the third series, set over one single week, the entire family decamps to a country mansion for a birthday celebration. Amid a week of awkwardness, clashes and life-changing events, is it finally time for Cathy and Michael to get together? Offering a refreshingly funny perspective on an often-overlooked stage in our lives, Mum is the story of a woman discovering who she is again and maybe, if she could only see... Series 3, on air now, follows the wider family across a single week's holiday in the country, and is confirmed as the very last series of this comedy.

If you've already got Series 1 and 2, you can order Series 3 separately.

The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy - Quintessential Phase

The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy - Quintessential Phase

Pre-order. Vinyl

Don't panic! Tomorrow is Towel Day, so a perfect opportunity to order this deluxe new release. This startling conclusion to the original 'trilogy in five parts' features not one but two versions of Tricia McMillan, the woman who would/would not take off with a two-headed alien and become Zaphod's girlfriend, Trillian. Arthur's search for his lost love takes him to the planet Lamuella, home of the Perfectly Normal Beast, whilst Ford's visit to the Hitchhiker's Guide HQ reunites him with an old acquaintance. Soon they are all involved in a frantic race to save Earth...again!

Back To Life

Back To Life

Pre-order. Blu-ray, DVD

BBC Three's latest acclaimed comedy hit, created, starring and co-written by Daisy Haggard. She leads the cast as Miri, released from almost two decades in prison following a terrible crime. Now in her late thirties, with no job, no friends and no choice but to move back in with her parents. Miri is desperate to move on, put the past behind her and get back to her life; but, in a small town where her crime is the most dramatic thing that has ever happened, will anyone let her?

This gripping tale had us on the edge of our seats across all six episodes.

Fighting With My Family

Fighting With My Family

Pre-order. Blu-ray, DVD

Based on a true story, Fighting With My Family follows reformed gangster Ricky, wife Julia, daughter Paige and son Zak as they make a living wrestling together in tiny venues. When Paige and Zak get the opportunity to try out for WWE, the family grabs a once-in-a-lifetime chance to turn their wildest dreams into a dazzling future. However, brother and sister quickly discover that to become superstars, both their talent and their relationship will be put to the test. Fighting With My Family is a heart-warming and smart comedy that proves everything is worth fighting for when it comes to family. This hit recent film is written and directed by Stephen Merchant.

Old Boys

Old Boys

Pre-order. DVD

Survival of the fittest is the philosophy at all-boys boarding school Caldermount. If you're not a champion on the sports field, you're a nobody. No one knows this better than bookworm Amberson (Alex Lawther), who's been at the bottom of the social ladder since he can remember. When the French teacher's fiery daughter Agnes arrives, Amberson's life is turned upside down. He suddenly finds himself playing matchmaker for Winchester, the school's handsome but spectacularly dim school-hero. Winchester definitely has the looks to win over Agnes but it's Amberson who has the wits. Will Amberson have the courage to reveal himself to her and stand up for who he really is? This independent British comedy feature is out next month on DVD.

A Kid For Two Farthings - Dual Format Edition

A Kid For Two Farthings - Dual Format Edition

Pre-order. Blu-ray/DVD

Director Carol Reed's last film for the legendary producer Alexander Korda - and his first in colour - is the whimsical tale of a young boy, Joe, who buys a small goat in the belief that it's a magical unicorn that will grant him and his friends' wishes. Counter-balancing this is the equally childlike romance of Sonia (Diana Dors) and her body-building boyfriend Sam (Joe Robinson), and the latter's misguided involvement with crooked wrestling promoter Blackie Isaacs (Lou Jacobi). A very rare example of an Anglo-Jewish film, it was partly shot on location in Petticoat Lane in London's East End, at the heart of what was still a thriving Jewish community. This brand new BFI dual-format release will be available to own in August. Pre-order your copy now.

David Mitchell - Dishonesty Is The Second-Best Policy: And Other Rules To Live By

David Mitchell - Dishonesty Is The Second-Best Policy: And Other Rules To Live By

Pre-order. Hardback, eBook

David Mitchell's best-selling Thinking About It Only Makes It Worse, published back in 2014, must really have made people think - because everything's got worse. We've gone from UKIP surge to Brexit shambles, from digging up Richard III to breaking up fatbergs, from Big Society to food banks, from twerking to stabbing. It's probably socially irresponsible even to try to cheer up. But if you're up for it all the same, why not dive into this brilliantly observed and witty analysis of the farce of recent years? As facts are downgraded to opinions, as customers are preyed upon by algorithm-wielding websites, voters by targeted lies, cinema-goers by superheroes and children by measles, David Mitchell negotiates a path between the commercialisation of Christmas and the true spirit of Halloween. Incisive, hilarious and disappointingly truthful, no other writer is better placed to take on the dumbfounding times we live in.

For more, see our full list of new releases and products coming soon.

Out now

No Kidding

No Kidding

Out now. Blu-ray, DVD

Leslie Phillips and Geraldine McEwan star as a married couple embarking on a potentially unwise business venture in this light-hearted comedy gem from Carry On producer/director team Peter Rogers and Gerald Thomas. Co-starring Julia Lockwood, Noel Purcell and Irene Handl, No Kidding is presented here as a brand-new high definition transfer from the original film elements in its original theatrical aspect ratio. Bequeathed a rundown country house by a late aunt, the Robinsons are persuaded to turn it into a holiday home for the children of rich parents. They soon come into conflict with the local alderman - but that aggravation pales into insignificance when the children start to arrive!

We have 3 copies of the film on Blu-ray to give away.

The Nice and Accurate Good Omens TV Companion

The Nice and Accurate Good Omens TV Companion

Out now. Hardback, eBook

The ultimate TV companion book to Good Omens, a massive new television launch on Amazon Prime Video next week, and coming to BBC TV later in the year. The series is written and show-run by Neil Gaiman, adapted from the internationally beloved novel he co-wrote with Terry Pratchett. "It was absurdly good fun... Terry charged Neil with getting it made, almost as his deathbed wish, so it's a real labour of love," says star David Tennant.

Cuckoo - Complete Series 5

Cuckoo - Complete Series 5

Out now. DVD

Greg Davies and Helen Baxendale return as uptight parents Ken and Lorna Thompson in the complete fifth series of Cuckoo. This BAFTA-nominated comedy co-stars Esther Smith as their flighty, self-sabotaging daughter Rachel, and Tyger Drew Honey as Dylan, their indolent liability of a son. Series 5 also features Andie MacDowell as Ken's scheming, long-lost sister, Ivy. Ken is really excited to meet this newly discovered member of the family, but it turns out that billionaire Ivy doesn't really want to get to know her brother at all - she just wants to buy his corpse to help her live forever. As you do! Ken is piqued but ultimately decides to take the money. Then Ivy receives a phone call: her husband has been arrested and all her money and possessions have been seized by the FBI. Ivy now has nothing in the world to call her own and is herself liable to some very searching questions...

How I Won The War - Dual Format Edition

How I Won The War - Dual Format Edition

Out now. Blu-ray/DVD

Hapless British commander Lieutenant Goodbody (Michael Crawford) enthusiastically leads his troops on a series of debacles on the battlefields of the Second World War - including the calamitous installation of a cricket pitch behind enemy lines... Featuring John Lennon in his only non-musical screen performance, How I Won The War is a biting satire not just on war, but also the concept of the war movie. A surreal farce fantastically brought to life by Richard Lester's stylised direction, it remains a unique and innovative cult comedy, which is presented here on Blu-ray (and DVD) for the very first time in the UK.

Warren

Warren

Out now. DVD

The news came earlier this week that BBC One has decided not to renew this recent sitcom for a second series. It received a warm - although not overwhelming - reception from the viewing public, but critics hated it. Martin Clunes stars in the show as Warren, a pedantic, irascible driving instructor who thinks the world is against him. Finding himself in his mid-50s, he's recently been forced to up sticks from the south to Preston when his partner Anne's (Lisa Millett) father falls ill. Not blessed with patience, empathy, or any kind of paternal instinct whatsoever, the cantankerous, blunt and grumpy tutor is ever bickering with his students, not to mention the two teenage stepsons he never wanted. To put it delicately, Warren's naturally difficult personality means he's constantly finding himself in sticky situations. Set in his ways, he's happy with a clean house, a neat garden, and a nice cup of tea...but always seems to end up on the verge of absolutely losing it....

If you're one of those who loved the show, we have 3 copies of the DVD up for grabs.

Mr. Topaze - Dual Format Edition

Mr. Topaze - Dual Format Edition

Out now. Blu-ray/DVD

Chosen by the British public to be digitised by the BFI in 2016, Peter Sellers directs and stars in this bittersweet character comedy based on a Marcel Pagnol short story. Described by Sellers's biographer, Roger Lewis, as a lost classic, Mr. Topaze was the comic's official directorial debut. He plays the eponymous Mr Topaze, a poor, provincial French schoolteacher, initially naive and himself exploited, including by the woman he loves, Topaze ends up corrupted by big business and wildly rich. Unseen for decades, this is available for the first time on Blu-ray and DVD and is essential viewing for fans of Sellers's unique brand of humour.

Andrew Ross - Everything I Ever Wanted: The Life And Career Of Peggy Mount

Andrew Ross - Everything I Ever Wanted: The Life And Career Of Peggy Mount

Out now. Hardback

Born in Southend on Sea in 1915, Peggy Mount rose from humble beginnings to become one of Britain's best-known and best-loved actresses. After achieving overnight stardom in the smash-hit play Sailor, Beware!, Peggy's talent and unmistakable voice would secure her a place in entertainment history as the ultimate "battle-axe" on stage and in a succession of television series including The Larkins, George And The Dragon and You're Only Young Twice. From critically acclaimed performances with the RSC to annual pantomime appearances, Peggy Mount's career spanned more than fifty years and indomitably she remained a working actress into her eighties. In the first ever biography of Peggy Mount's life, Andrew Ross charts the story of an intensely private lady who consistently shunned the spotlight and rarely gave interviews.

Stan & Ollie

Stan & Ollie

Out now. Download

Stan & Ollie, the exceptional UK box office smash-hit, tells the untold story of the world's greatest comedy double act on their last ever work together: touring the UK and Ireland in 1953. Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly deliver stunning and uncanny performances as the legendary Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy in this acclaimed feature. It's out now as a download, and will be available on DVD and Blu-ray in a couple of weeks' time.

Anna And The Apocalypse

Anna And The Apocalypse

Out now. DVD

A zombie apocalypse threatens the sleepy Scottish town of Little Haven, forcing Anna (Ella Hunt) and her friends to fight, slash and sing their way to survival, facing the undead in a desperate race to reach their loved ones. But they soon discover that no one is safe in this new world, and with civilisation falling apart around them, the only people they can truly rely on are each other. We can't recommend this film highly enough: a musical, Christmas-set, zombie comedy, it ticks many boxes and oozes fun, with a fantastic young cast and some supporting greats (Mark Benton and Paul Kaye in particular). We defy anyone to watch it and not come away singing.

White Gold - Series 2

White Gold - Series 2

Out now. DVD

1985. Eight months have passed since Vincent Swan - Essex's most amoral double-glazing salesman - teamed up with gangster Ronnie and forced his boss to sell Cachet Windows. Now he's realised that working for a dangerous criminal isn't much fun. But business is booming, until a new rival salesman appears, stealing most of Cachet's business. But to their surprise, the team discover this salesman is actually a saleswoman. Meet Jo Field. She's ruthless in her pursuit of success. And there's one prize she values above all - Vincent Swan himself.

Chris Neill - What Is This Thing Called Love?

Chris Neill - What Is This Thing Called Love?

Out now. Audiobook

Welcome to the uproarious, brazen, plaintive and acerbic world of BBC Radio 4 regular Chris Neill. In What Is This Thing Called Love? Neill subverts our age's obsession with introspective memoir and drills down into the fertile landscape of not only his own life but the lives of his neighbours and friends, too. Through a hilarious, keen-eyed exploration of his own abundant failings and cock-ups, you'll be introduced to his distinctive worldview - simultaneously take-no-prisoners yet benign and benevolent... An elderly woman complains about her husband's failed suicide preparations; a small boy falls in love with a donkey; a secondary school's dirty magazine lending library stumbles at the arrival of video; for a brokenhearted man is a dog an improvement on a boyfriend? Through it all is Neill's distinctive voice. Fearless, fecund and fresh.

For more, see our full list of new releases and products coming soon.

Thanks for reading

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.

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