Weekly Newsletter |
Monday 1st August 2022 |
Latest comedy news
Daniel Lawrence Taylor creates comedy drama Boarders for BBC Three
Boarders, a BBC Three comedy drama series created by Timewasters writer Daniel Lawrence Taylor, will focus on five underprivileged black students who win scholarships to an elite boarding school.
Leigh Francis brings back Avid Merrion
Leigh Francis is piloting a sketch show in the guise of celebrity stalker Avid Merrion, more than 12 years after the character last appeared on television.
Bernard Cribbins dies aged 93
Comedian and actor Bernard Cribbins has died at the age of 93.
Eddie Izzard becomes patron of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society has announced that Eddie Izzard has been appointed their the first alumni patron.
Jon Richardson pilots Channel 4 travelogue Take My Mother-In-Law
Jon Richardson: Take My Mother-In-Law is a Channel 4 pilot in which the comedian and his mother-in-law, playwright Gill Adams, travel around Spain as she contemplates uprooting her life from England.
After Ever After returns to Sky with Little Red Riding Hood sequel
After Ever After will return to Sky Max this Christmas with a sequel to Little Red Riding Hood, starring David Walliams and Jack Carroll. Walliams's novel Gangsta Granny Strikes Again! is also being adapted into a television movie.
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Garry Starr: Greece Lightning at the Edinburgh Fringe
WINNER Adelaide Fringe Award 2022
An overzealous idiot attempts to perform all of Greek Mythology in less than 60 minutes in order to save his Hellenic homeland from economic ruin. Never before has Medusa been looser, Achilles more sillies or Uranus so heinous.
Having single handedly saved the performing arts in 2018 with his multi-award-winning debut show Garry Starr Performs Everything, comic wunderkind Garry returns with another anarchic masterclass not to be mythed.
4 - 28th August, Underbelly Cowgate 20:55 - Info & tickets
Features
Edinburgh Festival
Head to our Edinburgh Fringe website for lots of preview features. We asked Michael Akadiri whether preparing a debut show or working in the NHS was more stressful; Helen Bauer shares some confidence tips; Michael Spicer gives his Prime Minister wishlist; Glenn Moore ranks his show titles; and much more - including listings for all the comedy shows.
Absolutely Staggering, at Standon Calling
Can you still enjoy a boutique festival with a recently-broken toe?
Novelty Jukebox: George Formby - George Formby Souvenir (1961)
Britain's first pop star, wartime entertainment icon and silver screen legend George Formby is the subject of our latest Novelty Jukebox column, with a wide career as told through his 1961 greatest hits collection George Formby Souvenir.
Dad's Army Quiz
Dad's Army launched on television on 31st July 1968. To celebrate the anniversary, BCG member Hercules Grytpype Thynne wrote this quiz themed around the sitcom. How well do you know the show?
Random 8: Sh!t-Faced Shakespeare: Romeo & Juliet
Currently mounting Romeo and Juliet in London's West End, the cast of Sh!t-Faced Shakespeare recall crisp trauma and a gimp getaway.
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NextUp are bringing the Edinburgh Fringe experience live to their streaming platform for the first time ever this year; the biggest arts festival in the world will be beamed straight into people's living rooms in all its glory! From dank dark caves to the swanky big arts spaces, with 50+ shows throughout August, Edinburgh will finally be accessible to audiences who can't make it in person. You can get a one year pass to NextUp - which includes access to all the Fringe live streams - for just £30. Find out more
TV listings
Two Doors Down
Cathy and Colin are back from their Italian holiday and hosting a soiree... to show off how popular they are. But as the duty-free wine flows, tensions soon bubble to the surface.
Big Zuu's Big Eats
In this, the fifth episode of the new series, Big Zuu's Big Eats heads North to cook for the global icon Melanie B, better known as Scary Spice.
Norman Wisdom: A Life
Filmed in 2004 and never before broadcast on television, Paul Ross talks to the comedy legend about his Kent childhood and career.
Breeders
This week an ambitious Ally sets out to save the company. Paul wonders if he ever had any ambition to start with.
The Baby
Natasha, Bobbi, and Mrs Eaves find their plans to leave Jupiter House impeded by the chaos and destruction of the other suddenly-possessed children.
Code 404
Series 3 of the cop comedy launches with a double bill. Under investigation and stuck on limited duties, tensions are high between Carver and AI partner Major, but when a fellow copper is killed, it's back to action.
CelebAbility
Scarlett Moffat leads a group of three friends looking to win a host of fabulous prizes by defeating Verona Rose, Naughty Boy, Shaughna Phillips and Stephen Bailey.
Trying
Planning Tyler's birthday party proves trickier than Nikki and Jason expected - especially when Karen shares some difficult news.
8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown
The new series continues. Jimmy Carr hosts with Countdown regulars Rachel Riley and Susie Dent. Alan Carr and Harriet Kemsley play against Jonathan Ross and Maisie Adam. Huge Davies is in Dictionary Corner.
Secrets & Scandals Of Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em
At its peak, around half the UK population was watching the antics of hapless Frank Spencer (Michael Crawford) and his family. This documentary reveals the behind-the-scenes stories of how the 1970s sitcom was made.
The Last Leg
James Acaster and Clara Amfo are set to join the programme this Friday. We're guessing yesterday's football win will be a cause of celebration.
Ministry Of Offence
Week 17 of the current affairs panel game pitching right vs left. The Mash Report's Steve N Allen hosts.
Les Dawson: 30 Greatest Moments
This new strand of Greatest Moments documentaries are doing well for Channel 5, so here's another: this week an in-depth look at the work of comedy hero Les Dawson.
Micah Richards' Player Pranks
A new hidden camera show, and one you'll probably need to know football well to get the most out of. Filmed on location around the UK, Micah Richards oversees pranks on footballing stars.
For a complete list of TV and radio broadcasts, including repeats, see our full schedule.
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Cuffy - The Complete SeriesSpinning off from comedy drama Shillingbury Tales, this engaging sitcom from 1983 stars Bernard Cribbins as the scruffy, rather mischievous tinker who lives in discomfort in a shabby caravan in the fictional, picture-postcard Hertfordshire village. Cuffy is now the centre of attention as he mopes around Shillingbury with a permanently grubby coat, flat cap and stubble - although underneath it all, he has a heart of gold. Other Shillingbury Tales cast members reprising earlier roles include Jack Douglas as farmer Jake, Linda Hayden as his daughter Mandy, and Nigel Lambert as the Reverend Norris; and Diana King now features as local spinster Mrs. Simkins. Cuffy was written by the multi-talented producer/director/writer Francis Essex. This complete series, coincidentally rereleased on DVD just a few weeks ago, also features guest appearances from Gareth Hunt and Beryl Reid. |
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Steve Nallon - The Swidgers 1: The Time That Never WasHe can't lie, he can't harm - but he can save lives. William Arthur is no ordinary teenager. He is a Swidger, a person who can sense future catastrophes and hinder your timepath to certain peril. Only now he's discovering that his time-bending powers go far beyond mere accident prevention. After a mind-boggling incident leaves him confused and questioning his place in the world, William is rescued by a wise and bizarre lady by the name of 'Granny'. Together they embark on an epic journey of hilarity, danger and intrigue. Will he learn the true nature of his gift? And can he evade the dark forces that would use his powers for evil? ALL WILL BE REVEALED... IN TIME! From Spitting Image legend Steve Nallon, this comic childrens' novel is the first in a new series that's getting rave reviews from parents. |
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The Sandwich ManOriginal Goon Michael Bentine co-writes and gives a memorable performance as an amiable "Sandwich Man" in this gentle, whimsical comedy that features a who's who of British talent, including Norman Wisdom, Diana Dors, Harry H. Corbett, Dora Bryan, Bernard Cribbins and Terry-Thomas. Horace Quilby treads a perpetual odyssey through the London streets on behalf of Finklebaum and O'Casey - dealers in 'misfit clothing'. Resplendent in top hat, tails and sandwich board his is a unique angle from which to observe life. Today, however, he is preoccupied - Esmerelda, his racing pigeon, is taking part in the race of her life! The Sandwich Man is featured here as a brand new high definition remaster from original film elements in its original theatrical aspect ratio, plus a selection of new and archive bonus features. |
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Lucy Hancock, Tim Gibbons & Tim Elms - Tony Hancock: Inside His Life In Words & PicturesTony Hancock was one of our best loved comics and his legendary Hancock's Half Hour series for the BBC was the inspiration for many comedy shows that were to follow. With radio episodes regularly repeated on the BBC, it remains as popular today as ever. Now, for the first time, readers are able to look behind Hancock the comedian and tell his life story through the phenomenal archive amassed by his brother, Roger, combined with material held by the Tony Hancock Appreciation Society (THAS). Lucy Hancock (Tony's great niece) tells the story of his life through pictures, correspondence and much more, most of it never published before, in conjunction with THAS's Tim Gibbons and Tim Elms, and featuring a foreword from Kevin McNally. The book also includes a complete chronological timeline of Hancock's life featuring stage shows and broadcasts previously unpublished. This amazing collection of archive material is a must for all Hancock fans. |
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Somewhere In EnglandReleased cinematically in November 1940, this is the first in the Somewhere series of films staring northern entertainer Frank Randle. His other co-stars in this initial feature include felow northern comics Harry Korris, Dan Young and Robbie Vincent, in a showcase for the talent and hugely popular music hall acts of the region. When a lovestruck corporal is framed and then demoted, his friends rally round to help clear his name. |
For more, see our full list of new releases and items coming soon.
Comedy videos
Marriage - Trailer
The first look at a new BBC comedy drama that focuses on married couple Ian (Sean Bean) and Emma (Nicola Walker) and how they have negotiated the ups and downs of their 30-year marriage.
Comes In A Bowl
Burdened with the pressure of continuing the family fruit business, a boy decides to come out to his father, with unexpected results. A heart-warming tale of acceptance and bananas by comedy duo Mother.
Bad Sisters - Trailer
A trailer for the new Sharon Horgan series, launching on 19th August on Apple TV+. Bad blood runs in the Garvey family... get to know the sisters.
Magnum
Joe Lycett says: "I made this very stupid short film a few years back but never posted it. Feels appropriate today."
Comedy Central Live - Jodie Mitchell
Jodie Mitchell takes a look at religion and wonders if God is gay in the latest stand-up set from Comedy Central Live.
Dine Hard With Rosie Jones - Pete Wicks
Pete Wicks gets a dinner invite but Rosie Jones is more interested in grilling him for tips on getting laid. They chat about his reputation over the years and that time his mum was mistaken for his date.
Hep C, Ki?
Sukh Ojla, Eshaan Akbar and Ali Official have filmed a series of sketches to support a disease awareness programme that is calling on those who might be at risk to get tested for hepatitis C.
Creative Writing 2.1
A comedy short about modern dating.
Spotlight
Lord Tramp
Hugh Lloyd inhabits the titular role in this childrens' sitcom, which marks its 45th birthday today. Co-starring Joan Sims as housekeeper Miss Pratt and George Moon as butler Tipping, it follows a penniless tramp whose position in life undergoes a sudden and significant change when he unexpectedly inherits an aristocratic title and sizeable country estate from a distant relative. Written by Michael Pertwee and produced by Southern Television, a single series of six episodes was produced, and are available on DVD. Guest stars include the wonderful Alfie Bass, sitcom stalwart Tommy Godfrey, and a pre-Hi-De-Hi! Leslie Dwyer.
Thanks for reading
The Roman Empire was the topic for the most recent BCG Pro Gag-a-Week competition. Here is the submission by Alex Buchanan:
Looking at maps it's amazing how rapidly the Roman Empire expanded. They certainly had a lot of Gaul.
British Comedy Guide
www.comedy.co.uk
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