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Friday 19th July 2019 |
It's time for another round-up of comedy goodies, and this week we're featuring the very best new and upcoming BBC radio releases. It's a mix of stand-up, sitcom, panel, sketch and satire that offers something for all tastes, covering many decades of audio output from the BBC. As well as those we've selected below, there are a number of other titles coming out at the end of the year. See our website for the full list.
Don't forget, all these releases are available on Audible; sign up for a free month's trial and you'll be able to claim one title absolutely free.
Coming soon
It Sticks Out Half A Mile
The complete series of the Dad's Army radio sequel starring John Le Mesurier, Ian Lavender and Bill Pertwee - plus the pilot episode starring Arthur Lowe. Set in 1948, this spin-off sees Arthur Wilson now managing a bank in Frambourne-on-Sea, and the pilot episode sees him visited by his old Captain, George Mainwaring, requesting a loan to save the town's pier from demolition. Sadly, Lowe died shortly afterwards, but the series was revamped to feature Wilson, his clerk Pike, and ex-ARP Warden Bert Hodges as the man with the renovation plan. Can they restore Frambourne's pier to its former glory?
Dilemma - The Complete Series 1-4
All four series of the BBC Radio 4 comedy panel show about morality and ethics, hosted by Sue Perkins - plus a special episode recorded at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Described by the Radio Times as "a cross between QI and The Moral Maze", this thought-provoking panel show sees comedian Sue Perkins putting her guests through the moral and ethical wringer as she poses a series of tricky hypothetical questions - and cross-examines them on their answers.
Ed Reardon's Week - The Complete Thirteenth Radio 4 Series
Curmudgeonly author Ed Reardon is back - author, pipe smoker, consummate fare-dodger and master of the abusive email, attempts to survive in a world where the media seems to be run by idiots and lying charlatans. In these six episodes, Ed and Elgar return to London (from their failed jaunt living in a shepherd's hut in the country) destitute and on the lookout for a new roof over their respective heads, where he bumps into Geoff Daytona - a rich successful entrepreneur and motivational speaker Ed was at school with.
Lunch - Series 5
Stephen Mangan and Claire Skinner star in the final series of the popular BBC Radio 4 comedy drama. Bill works as an economist in a right-wing institute giving succour to bankers and businessmen. Bella teaches yoga, waters the plants in Canary Wharf and holds Proust seminars for retirees. Years ago they shared a flat before Bill got married and moved to America. Now he's back and feeling a little off-kilter, so he decides to rekindle his friendship with Bella. Once a month they get together for lunch, where they talk about everything from politics to Proust, parenting and the perils of online dating. The only thing they've never discussed is how much they love each other...
Party - The Complete Series 1-3
All three series of the critically acclaimed BBC Radio 4 sitcom about a group of young idealists who set up a new political party. Holding their meetings in a garden shed, budding politician Jared, ideas engine Simon, socialist firebrand Mel, image conscious materialist Phoebe and communications tsar Duncan wrangle with the modern political machine and attempt to lay the foundations of a new movement. Or they would, if only they had a pen. The team contend with the highs and lows of political life while trying to keep their ideals intact and soon find that changing the world is harder than they thought...
Tez Talks - The Complete Series 1-3
Tez Ilyas presents a show for everyone interested in - or interested in becoming - a British Muslim. Everything you need to know is here: the dos, don'ts, and avoid-or-you'll-be-arresteds. How can Muslims integrate better? And who says they don't at the moment? And more importantly, what's Marks & Spencer or hipster beards got to do with it? What is the mysterious organisation that is the 'Muslim Community'? Who runs it? What does it do? And does Nadiya from Bake Off speak for them all? All these questions and more, as well as a handy cut-out-and-keep guide on being a British Muslim are tackled by Tez. Simultaneously a funny, joyous celebration of British Muslim life - and a subversive one - Tez Talks is a thoughtful satire on society's attitudes to Islam.
The News Quiz - Classic Collection
Twelve rare archive editions of the humorous radio quiz show that gives a poke in the eye to the people and stories that make the news. For over 40 years The News Quiz has graced the Radio 4 airwaves with an irreverent sideways look at the headlines. Panellists include Alan Coren, Mark Steel, Jeremy Hardy, Boris Johnson, Nigella Lawson, John Sergeant, Linda Smith and Roy Hattersley.
Andy Hamilton Sort Of Remembers - Series 1 And 2
Andy Hamilton is a familiar and much-loved voice on Radio 4. With this collection he presents a collection of observations and reminiscences about both his personal life and his 40 years working in comedy. Andy looks at Childhood, Politics, The Human Body and Animals. Using comic observation and personal anecdotes he will explore each theme, examining how much (or how little) things have changed in the 60ish years he's been on this planet.
All Those Women - The Complete Series 1-4
Starring Sheila Hancock (Series 1) and Marcia Warren (Series 2-4) as Hetty, Lesley Manville as Maggie, Sinead Matthews as Jen and Lucy Hutchinson as Emily, this is a comedy series about four women living under the same roof. All Those Women explores familial relationships, ageing, marriages - it's about life and love and things not turning out quite the way that you'd expected them to. Here we join Hetty, Maggie, Jen and Emily as they struggle to resolve their own problems, and support one another. Written by Katherine Jakeaways.
I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue - 18
Another collection of extended episodes from the award-winning BBC Radio 4 series, specially compiled by producer Jon Naismith. Jack Dee challenges regular panellists Tim Brooke-Taylor, Barry Cryer and Graeme Garden with a series of silly games against which to pit their wits, along with special guests including the late Jeremy Hardy.
Just A Minute - A Vintage Collection
A new collection of 12 episodes of the ever-popular BBC Radio 4 panel game, chaired by Nicholas Parsons. In this collection the players are at their players at their cleverest and funniest. With episodes taken from the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s, this collection is a must have for old and new fans alike.
Delve Special - The Complete Series 1-4
Stephen Fry stars as spoof investigative journalist David Lander in all four series of the BBC radio comedy. Delve Special ran from 1984-1987, later transferring to TV as This Is David Lander. A parody of the popular genre of investigative reporting, it stars Stephen Fry as inept crusader David Lander, alongside some of the biggest names in comedy including Tony Robinson, Andrew Sachs, Jan Ravens, Felicity Montagu, Harry Enfield and Dawn French.
John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme - The Complete Series 8
John Finnemore, creator and star of Cabin Pressure and John Finnemore's Double Acts, is back with Series 8 of his highly acclaimed radio sketch show. In these six episodes, John cooks a particularly good lasagne, Noah gets some bad news about the ark, we hear a legendary swansong, and there's some helpful guidance on the etiquette of 'Thank Yous' - as well as a look into the devastating consequences of World Peace. Plus, there's some merry names, some handy mnemonics, an epiphany and a show that will make you feel like a princess - whether you want it to or not.
Like They've Never Been Gone
June Whitfield and Roy Hudd star as singing sweethearts who attempt a comeback in this popular Radio 4 sitcom. Tommy Franklin and Sheila Parr, winners of the 1962 Eurovision Song Contest, find themselves unexpectedly thrust back into the limelight. The trouble is, they can no longer stand the sight of one another. As fame beckons for a second time, they must put aside their differences to deal with publicity problems, a threat from Tommy's dodgy past and try to sort out their son Murray's career and love life. Will the showbiz couple make it big once more, and finally achieve the recognition they deserve?
Alex Edelman - Millennial And Peer Group
Alex Edelman, the 25-year-old Bostonian native and winner of the prestigious Best Newcomer Award at the 2014 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, brings his unique wit to a discussion of the issues that affect the millennial generation. This collection includes a comedy special and both series of his own comedy show. Millennial: Alex Edelman gives his take on the much misunderstood and ridiculed millennial generation and how he bites back. In the two series of Peer Group, Alex takes a look at what it means to be an adult in a millennial world, with help from his peers. Subjects include: social media, politics, materialism and growing up.
Parsley Sidings - The Complete Series 1 & 2
The complete first and second series of the charming railway station comedy starring Arthur Lowe, Ian Lavender and Kenneth Connor. Parsley Sidings ran for two highly successful series from 1971-1973, and was the only radio sitcom (other than Dad's Army) to star the much-loved Arthur Lowe. As Horace Hepplewhite, station master of a sleepy railway station, he spends his time dealing with small crises and supervising his errant staff - including his son, ticket clerk Bert; blonde bombshell Gloria the station announcer; crafty Cockney porter Percy and ancient signalman Bradshaw - not to mention his nemesis, Phineas Perkins, who manages the station one stop down the line. This collection includes all 21 episodes of the classic comedy, many of which were thought lost but were recently rediscovered and restored for fans to enjoy once more.
Beauty Of Britain - The Complete Series 1-3
The complete Series 1-3 of the BBC Radio 4 comedy featuring Beauty Oolonga's adventures as a care worker, starring Jocelyn Jee Esien. Beauty Of Britain breaks the embarrassed silence about what happens to us when we get old and start to lose our faculties. It shows the process in all its chaotic tragi-comedy but it does so from the point of view of a migrant worker, Beauty, whose Zimbabwean Shona background has taught her to respect age. Beauty sees Britain at its best, its worst and also sometimes without its clothes on running the wrong way down the M6 with a toy dog shouting 'Come on!'.
Bigipedia - Complete Series 1 & 2
Welcome to Bigipedia - the omniscient friend you know from your computer and laser watch takes over your PC for 30 minutes in a unique experiment in broadwebcasting.... This is the complete first and second series. Launched on an unsuspecting public, Bigipedia is a massive mash-up of Google, Microsoft, Apple, Wikipedia, My Space, Yahoo and Amazon, all vying for your attention, love, money and occasionally vital organs. Sponsored by Chianti, the world's worst-ever beverage with its series of ever more off-putting straplines ("Chianti - legally, wine").
Bird Island - The Complete Series 1-2
Ben, a young scientist working in the sub-Antarctic, tries to adapt to the loneliness by keeping a cheery audio diary on his dictaphone. On the one hand, Ben is on the trip of a lifetime to Sub-Antarctica. On the other, he's trapped in an icy hell with one other person, a dodgy internet connection and a dictaphone. Loneliness is something of a problem. His fellow travelling scientist Graham should alleviate this, but the tragi-comic fact is, they are nerdy blokes, so they can only stumble through yet another awkward exchange. Reece Shearsmith, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Alison Steadman and Katy Wix star.
Mae Martin - A Guide To 21st Century Addiction And Sexuality
Mae Martin is an award-winning Canadian comedian, writer and presenter of podcast GrownUp Land. In these two collected BBC Radio 4 series, she explores her generation's views on addiction and sexuality.
Clare In The Community - Series Twelve
The 12th and final series of the hit BBC Radio 4 sitcom starring Sally Phillips as a social worker with a dedicated social conscience (unless it's inconvenient for her). In today's Big Society there are plenty of challenges out there for an involved, caring social worker. Or even Clare. These six episodes see her once again indulging her control freakery as she interferes in other people's lives on both a professional and personal basis.
Harry Worth - The Comedy Collection
Highlights from Harry Worth's best-loved radio series, plus two profiles exploring the life and career of the influential comedian. A master of comic confusion, Harry Worth's genial, bumbling characterisations charmed the nation on radio and TV from the late 1950s until well into the 1980s. This collection includes all 13 episodes of his eponymous show, Harry Worth In Things Could Be Worse, in which Harry - playing himself - blunders his way through a catalogue of mishaps and misadventures. Also featured are a selection of episodes from sitcom Thirty Minutes Worth, which sees Harry confusing all and sundry once again; and eight of the surviving episodes from We're In Business, which stars Harry as the bewildered sidekick to Peter Jones's dodgy small-time businessman.
Life On Egg - Series 1 & 2
In this sitcom, Harry Hill stars as the governor of Britain's remotest prison. In Series 1 he has to contend with the prison inspectors, mysteriously malfunctioning CCTV cameras, escaping prisoners, and even the prison being attacked by a pair of mating whales. In Series 2 he and the team pitch a new invention to Dragon's Den, he tries to get his stomach around a food shortage, and a self-destruct button being found in the prison. Along with Harry Hill, Life On Egg also stars Gyles Brandreth who plays himself as Prisoner Brandreth.
For more, see our full list of new releases and products coming soon.
Out now
Goodness Gracious Me - The Complete BBC Radio Series 1-3
Nothing escaped the eye of the satirical eye of Britain's phenomenally successful all-Asian sketch show that was Goodness Gracious Me. This BBC radio series predated the award-winning TV series that ran in the late 1990s, featuring the same cast. Prepare for your heart to pound in the Indian recreation of Brief Encounter, sing along to the profound words of wisdom with Fifty Ways to Leave your Mother, and enjoy pop classics such as Hindi People and Punjabi Girl. Along with the discovery that The Royal Family are actually Indian, there are a ton of characters to enjoy: the Guru, Smeeta Smitten, the Coopers, Mrs I-Can-Make-it-at-Home and Mr Everything-Comes-from-India. If you don't like your comedy to be really, really bland (like a good English) then Goodness Gracious Me is the satirical series for you.
Joan Of Arc, And How She Became A Saint
Can a young country girl lead an army? Joan, guided by her guardian angels St Catherine and St Margaret, decides to wage war against the English. Starring Dawn French as Joan of Arc. The cast also includes Anne Reid, Maggie Steed, Kevin Eldon and Jim Broadbent.
The News Quiz - Series 99
The complete 99th series from the long-running topical BBC Radio 4 comedy panel show, and the last to be hosted by Miles Jupp. Eight more episodes featuring a panel of comedy guests who trawl through news stories big and small to provide comedy, commentary, irony and irreverence.
Alex Horne Presents The Horne Section - The Complete Series 1 - 3
Alex Horne and his special guests bring together stand-up and live music in a free-wheeling and spontaneous combination. Each episode sees Alex, his band and guests explore a different topic. These range from love to technology, the seasons to the body. In this collection of the complete Series 1 to 3 Alex is joined by comedians including David O'Doherty, Isy Suttie, Kevin Eldon, Phill Jupitus, Matt Lucas, Doc Brown, Sara Pascoe, James Acaster, Marcus Brigstocke and Adam Buxton.
One Foot In The Grave - The Collected BBC Radio Comedies
Crabby, crusty, and curmudgeonly he may be, but Victor Meldrew, played brilliantly by Richard Wilson, voices the exasperation of the once silent majority. Accompanied by his long-suffering wife, Margaret (Annette Crosbie), Victor's howlingly funny battles against what he perceives as modern-day ills have turned him into one of the great comic creations of our time. This collection gathers three of the best TV episodes from the well-known BBC One series and an additional four scripts that were specially adapted for radio by creator David Renwick, and fully re-recorded by the cast.
The Good Life - The Complete Collection
Meet Surbiton's most famous residents; Tom, Barbara, Margo and Jerry. It is Tom Good's 40th birthday and he feels thoroughly unfulfilled. If only he can discover what 'It' is, and if he can, will his wife Barbara agree to do 'It' with him? The subsequent and sudden transformation of the Goods' home into a smallholding causes consternation for Margo and Jerry next door, and they decide it's their duty to interfere.... So begins The Good Life, the much loved classic sitcom starring Richard Briers, Felicity Kendal, Paul Eddington and Penelope Keith. The escapades of the mismatched next-door neighbours whose friendship is constantly being tested to the limits are collected here with thirty episodes from the much loved BBC television series.
For more, see our full list of new releases and products coming soon.
Thanks for reading
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