British Comedy Guide

Writing topical comedy in an ever-changing news landscape

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It's pretty hard to keep up with the news at the moment without feeling a small migraine coming on and suddenly wanting a long lie-down. One minute it's 'Keep Calm & Carry On', then it's 'Some of your loved ones will die', then all of a sudden we're locked inside with armed militia on the street arresting us if we jog too much.

But in this blink-and-you'll-miss-it social media world, where 'topical' seems to mean 'anything up to and including the last four minutes', it's our brave boys and girls in topical comedy who we should really be thinking of.

It can feel impossible trying to keep up with the news cycle. Trying to be funny about it at the same time is another matter altogether. But don't worry, BCG Pro is here to help.

So, whether you're firing off gags on Twitter, trying out new material on your family WhatsApp group, or even writing for virus-proof ongoing TV and radio shows such as The Mash Report (BBC Two) or The Now Show (BBC Radio 4), here's our top tips...

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Published: Wednesday 25th March 2020

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