BCG Daily Wednesday 26th February 2014

Table reads - a tool of a writer's trade

Here are ten script pointers for setting up a table read.

Video: Easy laughs? The serious work of comedy

Jack Stratten is one of the many new comedians gigging up to seven nights a week, clocking up hundreds of miles travelling across the country as he struggles to make a living and a name for himself.

Leicester Comedy Festival: Awards shortlist announced

The comedians, venues and promoters who helped raise the biggest laughs at Leicester Comedy Festival are to be recognised. Shortlisted for Best Show are Ahir Shah, Andrew O'Neill, Captain Morgan and the Sands of Time and John Gordillo.

Radio Times review

If you're settling down for a relaxing half-hour of gentle entertainment, this isn't it. In fact it's likely to make your blood pressure soar. Pete's in charge of the Brockman brood for the day while Sue's struggling to organise a conference call at work... and yes, that's Harry Shearer (from The Simpsons) on the computer screen.

And on this day Karen's in trouble with her head teacher (Rebecca Front delivering a startling line about Roald Dahl), Ben's lost his mobile, Jake's lost his Oyster card and Pete's lost the plot, trying to juggle these problems by shouting into an aged mobile.

Anyone whose train of thought has been derailed by the tangential mind of a teenager will relate to Pete's exasperation, while many women will experience a familiar feeling of dread when he pompously announces "Just leave it all to me!"

Radio Times review

Having set an unreachable standard in the previous two episodes, Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton ease off a bit here, delivering a tale that's as brilliantly acted and constructed as you'd expect, with several sublime moments - but no knockout blow.

Tamsin Greig plays a friendly but efficient representative of a charity that makes wishes come true for terminally ill children. She brings an Enrique Iglesias-ish pop star to a suburban house. When the visit goes wrong, she and the dying girl's parents (Pemberton and Sophie Thompson) are tempted to take advantage. It's a slight, silly story that can't go anywhere and doesn't. Flawless execution rescues it.

Comedians attempt a record-breaking 83-hour gig

More than 60 comics, including Al Murray, James Acaster and Stuart Goldsmith are attempting to set a new record for the longest ever stand-up gig.

Appeal to Andrew Sachs to mend bitter family rift

Last night Georgina Baillie's father Charles revealed for the first time the full extent of the domestic chaos the Sachsgate prank had caused. A full six years after the 'joke' call, Andrew Sachs, 83, best-known for playing hapless Spanish waiter Manuel, has frozen Georgina out of his life.

Preview: Inside No 9: The Last Gasp

In the thirty-minute slot it doesn't really go anywhere and it resolves itself a little too simplistically. Not horror, not thriller, just a gently disturbing delve into suburban lives thrown briefly off-kilter.

Pam Ann interview

As she gets set to play her ninth Mardi Gras, Australian comic Caroline Reid talks about camp, being offensive - and having to compete with Grindr.

Myfanwy Moore to lead BBC in-house comedy

ITV comedy commissioning editor Myfanwy Moore will return to the BBC to lead its in-house comedy.

Outnumbered, episode five, BBC One, review

BBC One's family sitcom Outnumbered has lots its edge, says Michael Hogan.

Outnumbered, TV review

As Outnumbered (BBC One) creaks towards it finale next week, it's clear the show is long past its early peak and though some of its gags are written on fumes (Pete can't work out predictive texting; an IT man suggests turning a computer on and off again) it still has enough moments to raise a smile.

BBC announced details for Salford Comedy Festival

The BBC have announced details for a free, three-day comedy festival in Greater Manchester.

My Mad Fat Diary, Moone Boy, Doll & Em, Edge of Heaven

Reviews of four different comedy shows.

Comedy spotlight: Peter Brush

Meet Peter Brush, 'a very serious man'.

Charlotte Church reminisces over chat show

Charlotte Church has opened up about her Channel 4 series The Charlotte Church Show, revealing that she would like to get back into comedy.

Spitting Image: essential satire for a generation

It's 30 years since Spitting Image first hit our screens. We should be fighting to get it back.

Inside No. 9 Episode 4: 'Last Gasp' review

Reece Shearsmith's absence indicates a lightness of touch and confidence in the pair's storytelling that makes Inside No. 9 one of the undoubted highlights of 2014 so far.

Rufus Hound: I'm disgusted the NHS is being sold off

Comedian, Scoundrel and prospective MEP Rufus Hound on saving the NHS, dieting and shaving off his moustache.

TV review: Edge of Heaven

For all its faults, the show is strangely likeable and passes an hour pleasantly enough.