BCG Daily Thursday 27th March 2014

Review: Pam Ann, Glasgow International Comedy Festival

There was always going to be an elephant in the room, in light of the current aviation story that has been perpetuating masses of online speculation and theories. Pam Ann, who has made a career as a spoof Pan Am parody flight attendant, did not shy away from the topic. In fact, observations peppered her show, Fly, with the delicious flavours only found in the most forbidden fruit.

Comedy review: Sean Hughes - Penguins (Oran Mor)

Less of a standup show, more a study of the universality of love, life and loss (with laughs) - 'Penguins' is Sean Hughes at the top of his game.

Radio Times review

Things get particularly hot and sweaty this week when long-suffering padre Mary attempts a spot of reverse psychology to ward off Nick's advances. Unfortunately, this only confuses matters when she struggles to contain her genuine feelings for the toffee-nosed berk.

Meanwhile, tension of a different kind erupts when short-fused Simon becomes obsessed with winning a competitive shoot 'em up computer game. "What a lovely way to unwind after some war," quips Nick.

It may not be the most original sitcom ever made, but Bluestone 42 is certainly educational: who knew that British troops stationed in Afghanistan all behave with the distinctive comic mannerisms of David Brent and Alan Partridge? You live and learn.

Radio Times review

When the patrol find themselves under attack while out in the field, they head forlornly back to camp minus one trusty bomb disposal robot. But this embarrassing incident only strengthens Nick's resolve to track down the Taliban bomber who's been targeting him.

Despite a comic sub-plot involving Mac and Rocket's frustrated efforts to win Simon's trust - plus a tired, dodgy gag about Afghan local delicacies - it's a darker episode than usual. As events take an unforeseen turn, Nick's quest is played relatively straight. An intriguing diversion.

Radio Times review

Comedy group Diet of Worms and Graham Linehan's family sitcom ends on a high. It's the Walshes' annual dinner night, in which they eat out to celebrate a single act of spontaneity 15 years ago.

However they never set foot outside the front door, as Rory struggles to dress appropriately, Graham finds himself caught in an emotional trap by Ciara, and Tony frets about his biopsy. Oh, and the lurking Martin is now just a disembodied voice in the wall cavity.

The situation is almost laughably tense, with great gags including some exquisite descriptions of Rory's outfits: "You look like you're going to steal a horse and swap it for some heroin".

I Can't Sing! - review

Simon Cowell's X Factor musical has bonkers surreal charm.

I Can't Sing! review

Although it has flashes of wit, Harry Hill and Steve Brown's show doesn't know whether it wants to excoriate The X Factor or boost its TV ratings.

I Can't Sing, London Palladium, review

I Can't Sing, written by Harry Hill, is wildly eccentric and often wonderfully funny - as well as splendidly rude about Simon Cowell, says Charles Spencer.

Review: I Can't Sing!

Harry Hill, who wrote the self-consciously wacky book and also provided additional lyrics, however, comes unstuck trying to give it some flailing structure and atmosphere.

I Can't Sing! (London Palladium) review

Harry Hill and Steve Brown's X Factor musical is a night of "bona fide popular variety entertainment".

I Can't Sing: Daft as a whistling gerbil & so British!

Well, Simon, it's a maybe from me. This X Factor satire enthusiastically takes the mickey, and its unfettered Britishness is a welcome change from all the American musicals in the West End.

I Can't Sing - review

All in all, I enjoyed this. It's a four-and-a-half stars out of five effort, it really is.

Ed Sleeman appointed Commissioning Editor for BBC Three

Ed Sleeman is to join the BBC's Entertainment Commissioning team as Commissioning Editor for BBC Three.

Student 'groomed by TV comedian' was let down by NHS

A gay TV comedian has hired expensive lawyers to keep his name secret after an inquest heard claims that he 'groomed' a teenager for sex just months before the youth killed himself.

Still Game fan has Jack and Victor tattoos

Even the keenest Still Game fan might have said: "Gonnae no dye that." But plasterer Ian Gentles didn't think twice about getting Jack and Victor tattoos on his thighs.

Steve Coogan slams 'myopic and self-centred' stars

Steve Coogan has slammed what he calls "myopic and self-centred" actors who lack political opinions.

Alex Zane on his new comedy show for London Live

One-time wildman Alex Zane has hung up his party boots for a new line in stand-up. As he launches a comedy show on London Live, he tells Nick Curtis why he's game for a laugh.

Sean Hughes, Tricycle Theatre - comedy review

In his latest show, "Penguins", Sean Hughes offers an engaging combination of wit and wisdom.

HBO confirms details of John Oliver's new show

American network HBO has confirmed the title and launch date for British comedian John Oliverp.o['s topical half-hour comedy series. Presenting a satirical look at the week in news, politics and current events, Last Week Tonight With John Oliver will debut Sunday, April 27.

Five things you might not know about Norman Lovett

Five things you might not have known about Red Dwarf actor and comedian Norman Lovett.

W1A episode 2 review

I'm just not sure how much the jokes actually rely on it being the BBC, which is perhaps why 'Auntie' has felt confident making it.

Nina Conti on the perils of audience participation

The ventriloquist braves watching one of her performances to show how she picks who to bring on stage. First, make sure their head is the right size...

Jo Caulfield interview

A brief interview with Jo Caulfield.

The Jo Caulfield three minute interview

Jo Caulfield has a great CV. There isn't room to repeat it all here, but she’s appeared in just about every telly comedy show you can name, as well as in most countries that you can think of. She's had several of her own radio shows - and was head writer for Graham Norton. And her one women stand up shows have garnered praise from critics and audiences alike. Martin Walker asks what she's up to now. Turns out, it's quite a bit