The Secret Reviewer #44: Oh, You Are Awful

Every month our clandestine critic reveals the murky truths behind that infamous trade, and live comedy generally. This month: The Corden controversy is a lesson for everyone.

It's always tricky when an honest mistake affects someone's life or career, so you'd think there'd be lots of industry sympathy for James Corden right now, accused of joke theft just a few weeks after being absolutely monstered for his behaviour to staff at the New York restaurant Balthazar. But no, it's an absolute pile-on.

I'd imagine BCG users might be more positive towards Corden than most, as the co-creator of one of...