BCG Daily Tuesday 21st January 2014

Nat Luurtsema on her Bafta-nominated comedy film

A dark comedy about a sperm-bank hiccup - made for just £1,000 - has been nominated in next month's Bafta film awards. Writer Nat Luurtsema is in a tizz.

BBC Asian Network announces comedy night

On Friday 7 February in London, the station's Breakfast show presenter, Tommy Sandhu hosts an exciting line-up of performers including home-grown rising stars like Abdullah Afzal (Citizen Khan) who makes his stand-up debut; the master of "twerking" Mawaan Rizwan; BBC New Comedy finalist Tez Ilyas, impressionist Anil Desai and critically acclaimed Romesh Ranganathan.

Radio Times review

"I took the liberty of warming up your toupee," Vic tells Bob. Can you imagine that line in any other sitcom? Come to think of it, has there ever been a mainstream series (I'm discounting This Is Jinsy) where the lead character wears a hairpiece that is then subjected to mishaps and indignities?

In that respect House of Fools breaks new ground, and its plots aren't exactly boilerplate either: tonight's revolves around a large pork pie that next-door neighbour Julie has baked to impress a visiting Bruce Willis. When she leaves it for our heroes to look after it fares badly, of course, leading to a robbing-the-pie-factory scene, old-fashioned fart gags and the improbable line, delivered by Matt Berry as Beef: "Don't kill me! I'm ELO's archivist!"

Cutty Sark's hold is unveiled as London's new venue

London's newest theatre was today unveiled in the hold of the Cutty Sark. Comedians Alan Davies and Ross Noble, round-the-world yachtsman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and sailing enthusiast Griff Rhys Jones are among the inaugural line-up of performers in the 100-seat venue at King William Walk, Greenwich.

Rio Bauer trawls for fans on Jdate

The Chortle student comedy award winner on offending Casper the ghost's supporters...

Cabarera heads back to the eighties

Run by Showstopper Susan Harrison and the short one from Short and Curly, Rebecca Shorrocks, they've done the twenties, thirties, Biblical times and even dodged the plague in medieval times, so they're well-versed in this sort of thing.

Interview: Larry Dean, Scottish comedian of the year

During the 2013 Fringe, Dean performed 140 shows in 24 days: 'the excessive gigging made me ready'

David Blunkett attacks cynicism of Russell Brand

The attitude of commentators who discourage young people from voting is a "disgrace", Labour MP and former Home Secretary David Blunkett has said. ... He singled comedian Russell Brand and writer Will Self out for criticism.

Sacha Baron Cohen in Alice in Wonderland sequel?

Sacha Baron Cohen is in line to appear in the upcoming sequel to Alice in Wonderland. The star has opened talks with Disney about joining Johnny Depp and Mia Wasikowska in Through the Looking Glass, which will be directed by James Bobin, Variety reports.

Mike Wozniak: Take the Hit @ The Lowry, Salford, 19 Jan

A great performer with an interesting style, he is trapped between abandoning the basis of the show and simply getting on with his act.

TV review: Uncle, Mom, House of Fools

Three new sitcoms featuring the comedic talents of Nick Helm, Chuck Lorre and Vic & Bob.

Hugh Dennis & Claire Skinner interview

TV Choice meets Hugh Dennis and Claire Skinner who play Pete and Sue Brockman...

Aisling Bea's ones to watch in 2014

Aisling Bea is the one to watch in 2014. But what will she be watching this year?

One to watch: Alasdair Beckett-King

Read our comedy profile of Alasdair Beckett-King and see him live.