Weekly Newsletter |
Monday 19th December 2022 |
Latest comedy news
Micky Flanagan working on autobiographical BBC comedy
Micky Flanagan has been developing an autobiographical comedy for the BBC called 'Til It Shines.
The National Comedy Awards to return to Channel 4 in 2023
The National Comedy Awards are returning to Channel 4 in February. Hosted again by Tom Allen, this time they will be broadcast live. Longlist voting is now open.
Judi Love announces debut tour
Judi Love is to head out on her first ever stand-up tour in March 2023, with her show The One Like.
Rhys Nicholson to embark on debut UK tour
Award-winning Australian comedian Rhys Nicholson is embarking on a debut UK tour. Rhys, Rhys, Rhys will run between June and July 2023.
Will Owen wins Leicester Square Theatre New Comedian Of The Year 2022
Will Owen has been crowned the winner of the Leicester Square Theatre New Comedian Of The Year 2022 competition. Vidura Bandara Rajapaksa and Viggo Venn were the runners up, with Sarah Roberts third.
Paul Zerdin announces Puppetman tour for 2023
Ventriloquist Paul Zerdin will tour his new show Puppetman between September and November 2023.
Leicester Comedy Festival announces 2023 shortlists
The Leicester Comedy Festival has announced the shortlists for the Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year, UK Pun Championships and Silver Stand Up contests, plus the Circuit Breakers development programme.
Mike Bubbins to tour in 2023
Mike Bubbins will embark on his first ever solo stand-up tour in 2023. He'll perform Throwback between February and April 2023.
Michelle de Swarte lands BBC modelling comedy
Michelle de Swarte is writing and set to star in a BBC comedy drama based upon her former life as a catwalk model, High End Homeless.
FYI
Also: Peter Kay receives award from The O2; Inside No. 9 to 'pause' after Series 9; Bobby Mair pilots Channel 4 chat show The People Vs and Peep Show gets another US remake.
Advert
Mike Wozniak - Zusa
Join Mike Wozniak this January 4-14th at Soho Theatre with his new show Zusa. Ever wondered how Mike's Great-Aunt Zusa made it from Poland to Luton with a war nipping at her heels? Here's your chance to find out.
Features
Win tickets to see Liz Kingsman's One Woman Show
We have a pair of tickets to hand out to see One Woman Show in London in January. The critically acclaimed stage production created by and starring Liz Kingsman is playing in the West End this December and January.
Inside No. 9 - Bones of St. Nicholas interviews
Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith return to our screens with a festive Inside No. 9 special. The Bones of St. Nicholas sees them joined by guest stars Shobna Gulati and Simon Callow for a spooky Christmas story set in a mysterious church.
Stewart Lee, Romesh Ranganathan (rapping), Sami Abu Wardeh - Mark Muldoon's Comedy Diary
This month Mark Muldoon reports back on Stewart Lee's new show Basic Lee, plus Sami Abu Wardeh, and Romesh Ranganathan literally performs at a hip-hop concert.
Comedy Chronicles: Random acts of kindness - Comedians being good to each other
Negative stories always make the biggest press headlines; so much so that positive tales, such as acts of unfaltering kindness, are often left completely untold.
British Comedy Quiz #233
This time there's questions on Numberwang, Spaced, Sid James, Jasper Carrott, The Phantom Raspberry Blower Of Old London Town, and more...
Random 8: Consignia
Keith Chegwin! Wolf from Gladiators! James McNeill Whistler! Consignia - who are heading to Leicester in February - take the ultimate test.
A Tribute to The Golden Age of British Comedy
Ronnie Barker, Sid James and June Whitfield are among the many great names included in this week's Golden Age tribute. See if you can spot them and dozens of others!
TV listings
QI
Time to talk turkey! Sandi and Alan gather round the tree with Gyles Brandreth, Chris McCausland and Aisling Bea to tear into toys, teddy bears, and other festive topics starting with "T".
The Unofficial Science Of Home Alone
A one-off show in which James Acaster, Guz Khan and Alex Brooker recreate the experiments from the classic 1990 film. Would Harry and Marv have survived those traps in real life?
Live At The Apollo
In this special festive edition of the stand-up show, host Rosie Jones warms up the audience at London's Hammersmith Apollo and then introduces routines by Eshaan Akbar and Cally Beaton, who share their light-hearted views on modern life.
Rob And Romesh Vs
For their latest Christmas special, Rob and Romesh make an appearance on Disney On Ice.
Outsiders
It's the Outsiders' final day in the wild. David Mitchell oversees as the pairs of comedians compete to see who can demonstrate various skills in plumbing, painting and funeral rites in their battle for the winner's trophy.
Rosie Molloy Gives Up Everything
Rosie is still reeling from recent events as the comedy continues with two more episodes. Through flashbacks we learn she has been carrying a lot of guilt over things that happened in her family's past.
The Scotts
It's Christmas - and Vonny's 40th birthday - so the Scotts all pile into a country house for a festive party.
Inside No. 9
Dr Jasper Parkway has booked an overnight stay in a reputedly haunted church on Christmas Eve. However, much to his dismay, he is soon joined by unwanted guests Pierce and Posy, who have even brought their own sleeping bags.
Live At The Moth Club
Episode 4. Ellen has to move the green room downstairs so it's accessible for headliner Tim Renkow, but George hasn't got the memo.
The Russell Howard Hour
Russell Howard takes on Christmas in a special compilation edition of his topical comedy show, featuring the finest festive moments from over the years.
Micah Richards' Player Pranks
It's often a bit of a warning sign when a new episode is moved to a slot like 3am. Maybe it just wasn't festive enough for the prime-time Sky schedules. Maybe they should have just aired it in the summer as originally intended? In this final episode, Micah and Smithy plot to destroy one of serial winner Gary Cahill's precious medals.
After Ever After
The fourth special in which David Walliams imagines what happens after the fairy tale has ended. In this one, a grown-up Red Riding Hood (Samantha Bond) has established a fearsome reputation within the village of Wolferton as a deadly Wolf Buster.
The Cleaner
It's Christmas Day and Wicky is looking forward to winning Weasel's Christmas raffle: first prize, an actual horse. All that stands in his way is a blood-soaked crime scene in an ice cream parlour...
8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown
Jon Richardson and Jack Dee to take on Lee Mack and Rose Matafeo in a new Christmas special. They're joined by guests Stevie Martin and Joe Wilkinson, and Countdown regulars Susie Dent and Rachel Riley.
Motherland
School's out for the festive season so the mums, and Kevin, are busy prepping for the ultimate in blended Christmas celebrations.
The Last Leg
James Acaster, TV presenter AJ Odudu and stars from The Great British Bake Off join Adam Hills, Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker for a seasonal episode filled with yuletide treats and festive songs.
Two Doors Down
As the snow begins to fall, it's a welcome break at the coffee shop after a spot of Christmas shopping where Christine surprises the neighbours with some uncharacteristic festive generosity.
Blankety Blank
Bradley Walsh hosts a fun-filled Christmas episode of the comedy game show. Jonathan Ross, Alison Hammond, Joanna Lumley, Joanna Page, Alex Horne and Guz Khan are the guests ready to help out this time.
Christmas Carole
A new telling of the Dickens tale. Carole Mackay (Suranne Jones) is an unashamedly outspoken and wealthy entrepreneur, with her online business selling all things festive earning her a fortune. However, she is a monumentally mean person and doesn't love Christmas at all.
Vicar Of Dibley: Funniest Moments
A documentary celebrating Richard Curtis's much-loved sitcom, featuring clips along with insight and analysis from cast, crew and celebrity fans.
Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Christmas Fishing
For the first time in Gone Fishing's history, the angling duo leave the riverbanks of Britain behind as Paul takes Bob on a dream fishing trip to Norway.
Guessable?
Sara Pascoe, Alan Davies, Darren Harriott and sidekick John Kearns invite James Acaster, Roisin Conaty, Kemah Bob and Gyles Brandreth to play some festive guessing games.
I Literally Just Told You
Dermot O'Leary, Judi Love, Kerry Katona and David Walliams take part in another special episode of Jimmy Carr's game show where questions are written as the game progresses, based on things that have just been seen or heard.
Christmas Comedy Club With Lost Voice Guy
The 2018 Britain's Got Talent winner returns with his second Christmas special, treating the audience to his unique brand of comedy and introducing further festive cheer from fellow stand-ups Josie Long, Dara O Briain, ventriloquist Paul Zerdin and rapper and comedian Abandoman.
Ghosts
The Ghosts, touched by Alison's thoughtful generosity, are inspired to give her a special Christmas present in return - but with Alison away and due back in a matter of hours, can they pull off their ambitious plan in time?
Doc Martin
Picturesque Port Isaac provides the beautiful wintry backdrop for this special, marking the end of the long-running comedy drama, with all the regular members of the cast reprising their roles.
Mrs. Brown's Boys
The first of the two annual specials from the sitcom. Cathy's creepy boyfriend is initiated into the family and Agnes gets a festive fright when looking after his spooky twins.
Detectorists
A new one-off special. The Danebury Metal Detecting Club is in trouble; developers are sniffing around, and after losing out on a big finder's fee, the club is going to need a miracle to help save their beloved scout hall.
The Big Fat Quiz Of The Year
Stephen Merchant, Katherine Ryan, Richard Ayoade, Maisie Adam, Jonathan Ross and Rose Matafeo are the comedians joining Jimmy Carr for the annual panel show special.
For a complete list of TV and radio broadcasts, including repeats, see our full schedule.
Shop
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Listen To LesFor over a decade between 1974 and 1985, lugubrious funnyman Les Dawson had radio audiences in stitches with his hit comedy show Listen To Les. Included in this collection are 26 vintage episodes, showcasing the gravel-voiced master of mirth at his very best. Including gossip-loving housewives Cissie and Ada; chat show host Cosmo Smallpiece; the elegant Sophisticates and the hilariously dismal Desponds - as well as Wotan, Man of Steel; the debut appearance of comic discovery Justin Jest; and a rare interview with boxer Sugar Albert Ackroyd. You'll hear tales of 1920s gangsters, Britain's first space hero, and Leonard Shufflebottom: a man so thin, he was once used as a dipstick. Packed with deadpan one-liners, melancholic monologues, side-splitting sketches and unforgettable piano sing-alongs, these classic shows are sure to have your tear ducts prickling with laughter. |
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The Six Mothers-In-Law Of Henry VIIIJonathan Coy stars as the much-married King in this unreliable Tudor history. From his tiny room at Hampton Court, the royal chronicler records the comings and goings of the King of England, his six Queens - and his six mothers-in-law. Introducing us to these redoubtable ladies, he relates the surprising part they played in the destiny of Henry VIII and his unfortunate wives. We meet Catherine of Aragon's duenna, Dona Elvira, whose introduction of paella, flamenco and bullfighting to his home leads Henry to seek his pleasures elsewhere; Lady Boleyn, whose gentleman admirer threatens danger for her daughter Anne; and Lady Margaret, whose attempt to overturn hundreds of years of tradition leads to a dramatic confrontation. |
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Tim Minchin - BackAfter selling out his world tour in record breaking time and receiving rave reviews, internationally renowned, award-winning musician, comedian, actor, writer and composer, Tim Minchin is back. Filmed in front of a live audience at London's Shepherd's Bush Empire, Back is a musical comedy spectacle of 'Old Songs, New Songs, F*** You Songs', showcasing material from all corners of Minchin's eclectic repertoire. Displaying his much-loved wit, musical virtuosity, self-mockery and philosophical observations, Back is "a truly unique and unmissable show". |
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The Larkins - Series 2Set in the late 1950s, The Larkins follows the golden-hearted wheeler dealer Pop Larkin (Bradley Walsh) and his other half Ma (Joanna Scanlan), together with their seven children, as they bask in their idyllic and gorgeous patch of paradise in Kent. Series 2 sees a new family arrive in the village, the Jerebohms, who are soon at war with the Larkins, with devastating consequences for Pop & Ma. Meanwhile the handsome new Reverend Candy immediately sets hearts a-flutter, including Primrose Larkin's. Could it be love? |
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The Young Ones - The Complete Collection: 40th Anniversary EditionDo not lean out of the window! Join Vyv, Rick, Neil, and Mike in celebrating the 40th anniversary of the iconic cult sitcom, The Young Ones, released on Blu-ray for the very first time - so you can enjoy the squalor as never before. Including 10 new exclusive audio commentaries, featurettes and never-before-seen bonus material, such as remastered original film, documentaries, rushes from filming, and related alternative comedy showcase Boom Boom... Out Go The Lights. A must-own for ans of Rik Mayall, The Young Ones, and the changing comedy of the early 1980s. |
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Just A Minute - The Complete Series 71-75Five fantastic series of the much-loved panel show, hosted by the late Nicholas Parsons, from 2015 and 16. It features one of the most magical moments in JAM's history: David Tennant's spectacular performance, speaking for an uninterrupted minute in his very first show. Other debutants include Lucy Beaumont, Susan Calman, Tom Allen, Andy Hamilton, Josh Widdicombe, Rufus Hound, Nish Kumar, Esther Rantzen, John Finnemore and Alexei Sayle - but will any of them match the Tenth Doctor for verbal dexterity? Meanwhile, notching up their 100th appearances are Sheila Hancock, Gyles Brandreth and Graham Norton. |
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We Joined The NavyWe Joined The Navy is a 1962 British naval comedy starring British film icon Kenneth More, Lloyd Nolan, Joan O'Brien and Mischa Auer and directed by Wendy Toye. Lieutenant Commander Robert Badger is an excellent naval officer with one major problem. He speaks the truth at the most inopportune times, leading him to be transferred from ship, to shore, and then to instruct at the Royal Naval College. When his remarks are repeated by one of his students to his father, an anti-military Member of Parliament, he has one last chance to prove himself. This is a new HD restoration of the film, which'll make great non-festive family-friendly viewing. |
For more, see our full list of new releases and items coming soon.
Comedy videos
The Hostel
A short film. When you're thinking of taking up the nomad lifestyle...
Directing Reel - Stuart Laws
Take a look at Stuart Laws in action.
Evicting The Snakeman
There's a snakeman living in a bin. Not surprisingly, the council considers this arrangement unhygienic and contrary to good public health policy...
Is Christmas sexist?
Santa has a lot of work to do if he is going to keep up with modern society. Being an icon comes with responsibility, but with help from his elves, maybe Santa can turn over a new leaf!
Peace all over the world
Wilfredo and special guest Carmella share their Christmas ditty, fresh from their tour of the Spanish coast.
Michael McIntyre's Big Show - Series 6 trailer
Michael McIntyre returns to the BBC soon. The trailer shows an unexpected target for the Midnight Gameshow strand.
Every British Christmas
Hard to believe that every British child used to watch Christmas in Wankertown on Boxing Day. Viewers in the USA might remember it under its American title, Holidays in Jerkville.
Extraordinary - Trailer
A promo for this new show coming to Disney+ in 2023 (in its Hulu collection). Meet Jen. She lives in a world where everyone has a superpower. Everyone except her.
Garth Marenghi returns to our screens
If you missed it on The Russell Howard Hour, here's 'legendary' horror 'writer' Garth Marenghi (Matthew Holness) making his first TV appearance in over 15 years.
Jack - Trailer
Trailer for British comedy film Jack. Narrated by his free-thinking penis, a socially awkward university student must learn to listen to his brain and control his hormonal urges if he wants to finish his university days in the arms of a girlfriend.
Santa Rebranded
In the woke world that is Christmas 2022, Santa Claus is not just losing relevance, he's on the verge of being cancelled. The Coca-Cola Saint Nick of yesteryear is out, and his marketing elves are working on a rebrand. First stop, social media. Next, trending radio.
Are You Checking Me Out or Are You Just a Racist?
A music video by Mawaan Rizwan.
Spotlight
Game On
Samantha Womack, Matthew Cottle, Neil Stuke and Ben Chaplin star in the three series of BBC Two's popular late-90s flatshare comedy Game On. All available on DVD, it follows three childhood friends now living together in south London: one has agoraphobia, one a boring job and no love life, and the other can't hold down a job but enjoys a far-too-busy love life. Co-written by Andrew Davies (Bridget Jones's Diary), it's a classic of the era, from esteemed production company Hat Trick.
Thanks for reading
Debs Wild won the festive BCG Pro Gag-a-Week competition:
My German friend shoplifted me a cake for Christmas. It was stollen.
All that remains for this newsletter is for us to wish you a very Merry Christmas! Have a lovely one! We'll be back in your inbox on Tuesday 27th with next week's TV round-up and a look ahead to 2023.
British Comedy Guide
www.comedy.co.uk
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