Always Be Comedy always has the Nerf guns

It takes energy, enthusiasm and gusto to keep a comedy night going, and they don't get much more energetic, enthusiastic or gustorific than James Gill, the brains behind Always Be Comedy.

There will be bashful murmurs of agreement when Marcus Brigstocke admits he's no longer able to help his nine-year-old son with his maths. Luckily for him and fellow comic Josh Widdicombe, maths professor Marcus du Sautoy is on hand to guide them through some tricky teasers, as they test their amateur problem-solving against finely tuned maths bod Dara O'Briain.

The challenges are surprisingly difficult, but there is a relatively comprehensible explanation of the most efficient way to wrap a present. Here's a clue: the key is in the width of the strips, and not, as Marcus quips, to take it to the fifth floor of John Lewis.

"What we have to offer you will change your life!" nurse receptionist Scott declares in his best impression of a Dragons' Den pitch. Then he remembers what he's selling. Death. Specifically, an assisted suicide machine to a stomach cancer patient.

The initial shock factor of this black comedy may set nerves jangling. However, watch it and you'll find a straightforward sitcom that has managed to engineer an unusual situation for its incompetent yet well-meaning characters.

Alan Davies: Jonathan Creek not defeated by snow

Actor Alan Davies has revealed that the recent snow has put a dampner on filming of the one-off special return of Jonathan Creek, but that they're still aiming for an Easter air date.

Scott's life is in freefall: his girlfriend has just left him, he's dropped out of studying medicine and has ended up in a dead end job as a receptionist in a veterinary practice. Then out of the blue his terminally ill neighbour comes to him with a favour - to help him commit suicide.

This black comedy aims to mine humour out of the darkest of circumstances and, in this first episode at least, it seems to have worked. Inbetweeners star Blake Harrison manages to deliver some edgy gags while still keeping hold of our sympathies. But as his ingenious suicide machine - nicknamed the "McFlurry of Death" - turns from a favour to a promising business proposal, will the series maintain its balance?

Peter Mitchell interview

The star of Channel 4's controversial new comedy talks about missing out on footballing glory, pranking the public, and why he still gets dirty looks for parking in disabled spaces.

The best of Channel 4's Funny Fortnight

Brand new shows, classic episodes from archives and the hottest stand up acts - here's what to look out for over the next two weeks of Channel 4 comedy...

Challenging Radio 4's satirical stalwarts The Now Show and The News Quiz must be an intimidating prospect. However, impressionist Rory Bremner has been given the chance to go toe-to-toe with Toksvig and Co with the return of his late-night topical satire series.

The programme includes Bremner quizzing a number of "informed guest commentators", offering the incisive satirist the chance to prove he is so much more than a one-line impressions jukebox.