Tim Key

The ten most memorable comedy gigs of 2014

Focussing on the positives, here are the ten shows of 2014 that made my entirely subjective cut.

Tim Key: Father Slutmas review - a convivial smut-fest

Key revels in puncturing the feelgood festive spirit in this baggy Christmas stocking of a show.

Buxton's back, and just in time for Christmas, with this one-off magazine show. Festivity aside, there isn't much of a unifying theme, with an itinerary that features the presenter riffing on some Christmassy internet comments, a Tim Key poetry recital, and a performance by former Supergrass frontman Gaz Coombes. Not that it really matters with Buxton behind the decks, a man who has mastered the art of turning a load of random items into consistently amusing television.

Radio Times review

Spend a magical Christmas with a jolly bearded man. In a shed. Comedian and multimediagician Adam Buxton brings his distinctive mix of songs, animation and internet flotsam to this festive special. If you have never heard his hilarious take on bug-eyed YouTube commenters then you're in for a treat, but even longtime Adam & Joe fans should find something new.

In the best tradition of telly Christmas specials Adam is joined by some old friends, including poet Tim Key and Buxton's five-year-old daughter Hope. There'll be music and laughter and a hefty dose of nostalgia provided by...well, us, as Adam flicks through old copies of Radio Times. It'll be the best Christmas you've ever spent in a shed.

The ten best comedy shows of 2014

Featuring John Kearns, James Acaster, What Does the Title Matter Anyway?, Bridget Christie, Anthony Jeselnik, Brian Gittins, Sara Pascoe, Funz and Gamez, Tim Key and Kraken.

We're now more than halfway through the second series of the ancient Rome-set sitcom, which follows the surprisingly still relevant sex and city-based trials and tribulations of Marcus (Tom Rosenthal) and Stylax (Joel Fry). Written by Sam Leifer and Tom Basden - with the latter's sporadic appearances as taunted office water-carrier Aurelius a definite highlight - the show boasts an impressive supporting cast, with this series' cameos including Rosenthal's sport commentator dad Jim and Basden's sometime comedy partner Tim Key.

Tim Key interview

If you hear the words 'performance poetry' you might think of arty performers wearing black polo necks and gazing mysteriously into the mic. But that's definitely not Tim Key's style.

This week's new live comedy

Previews of Luisa Omielan, Nish Kumar and Tim Key.