BCG Daily Thursday 6th February 2014

Inside No. 9 full of entertaining weirdness

The obvious inspiration was Roald Dahl's Tales Of The Unexpected and it's no mean compliment to say that Inside No. 9 held its own against Dahl's bizarre short stories.

Nine more top parenting tips from the Brockmans

Here are nine more top parenting tips à la Brockman.

Sensual comedy gripping North East with both hands

A North East comedian has launched a Twitter account dedicated to saucy shots of his comedy colleagues. Sunderland stand-up Matt Reed has set up the @mmmcomedyerotic Twitter handle, promising to "give the girls wide-ons and the boys bonk-ons."

Inside No. 9 episode 1 review: Sardines

Looking for a refreshingly different bit of British telly? Look no further than the new comedy drama series Inside No. 9.

Outnumbered series 5 episode 2 review

After what can only be described as an underwhelming opening, Outnumbered continues this week with an episode that's back on form. There are more laughs, stronger characterisation and - above all - more of a focal point, something last week's subpar outing lacked.

Review: Inside No. 9, BBC Two

There was much to enjoy in beautifully nuanced performances, particularly by Tim Key and Katherine Parkinson.

The comedy club theory of dictatorship

If you want to understand mass hysteria, watch a second-rate stand-up pick on an accountant.

Radio Times review

Among this week's treats are a poolside spit-roast and a pork-gobbling contest... Now, now! Don't misconstrue. This is Benidorm but an actual pig is involved. Unfortunately it's a carcass sourced by Cyril (Matthew Kelly) from a butcher's dumpster, and the meat snarfed down is soon challenging the bowels of even the hardiest, lardiest Solana fun-seekers. This is the level of humour (and it made me snigger).

Meanwhile, Tonya insults Janice in the spa, love is in the air (and water) for Michael, and bilious Madge is being uncommonly pleasant to all - are her days really numbered? Surely, no one would be silly enough to ditch that creosoted mini-marvel, Sheila Reid.

Radio Times review

"How many Beatles are there?" cries Mitch Benn, as if at the end of his tether. Loads, actually, if you're a sucker for tenuous links. Declaring himself number 37, Benn spends a cheeky, musical half-hour running through the other characters on his list, taking swipes at obvious targets like Ringo Starr ("he invented Mark Owen") and Yoko Ono ("the anti-Beatle").

He saves one of his smartest barbs, however, for Jeff Lynne, accusing the ELO frontman of producing the kind of records in the 1970s that he, Lynne, wished the Fab Four were still making. Ouch! When Benn finally explains his right to be on the roll call, the humour slackens a little, but it's great fun getting there.

Review - Inside No. 9: Sardines

It's been a long time since TV embraced the anthology format, but if it creates episodes as classy as these, it could be time for a revival - although it's hard to envisage who else could pull it off as skilfully as these League Of Gentlemen alumni.

Inside No. 9 - comedy makes a triumphant debut

Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton have created a masterpiece.

Interview with Channel 4 comedy boss Phil Clarke

Phil Clarke reveals why he wants more scripted sophistication in his channel's comedy - and why Frankie Boyle doesn't fit the bill but David Baddiel and a show called Scrotal Recall just might....

Scrotal Recall: too nuts for TV?

The naming of a TV programme is becoming an increasingly salacious business, but are these provocative titles more off-putting than enticing?

Brett Goldstein's six things to distract you

Put your internet connection to better use, thanks to Brett Goldstein.

New crowdfunded book pokes fun at modern art

It may look and sound like a Ladybird Book, but We Go to the Gallery is probably more suitable for adults. Miriam Elia, artist and comedy writer (A Series of Psychotic Episodes), created the spoof children's book to poke fun at the art world.

The Rubberbandits - review

Moving from underground phenomenon to recognisable comedy stars hasn't dulled the masked duo's dissent in songs on abortion, misbehaviour and dust-ups in church.

Review: David O'Doherty Will Try to Fix Everything

Expanding on the darker tone exhibited in his preceding 'break-up' show, Irish Casio king David O'Doherty's new offering covers happiness, hope, and in all but name, depression.

John Horsley - obituary

John Horsley, the actor, who has died aged 93, was best known as Doc Morrissey, the clueless company doctor in the BBC comedy series The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin.

Tom Rosenthal interview

Tom Rosenthal got the idea for his stand-up show while working in Bulgaria on TV show Plebs. Gemma Collins meets the Former Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year.

TV review: Inside No. 9 - 'Sardines'

Subtle and disciplined, laden with biting humour and occasional barbs of unsettling suspense, its cleverness is laid bare in the cold light of post-revelation day.

Twitter stats: Inside No. 9 is no average comedy

The most interesting aspect of the Twitter reaction to Inside No. 9 was the shape of the graph produced.

Stars turn out for wet West End premiere of Cuban Fury

Actor Nick Frost revealed he came up with the idea for new dance comedy Cuban Fury to make amends for not dancing with his wife at their wedding.

House of Fools: A sitcom beyond classification

I was a bit befuddled right from the start.