BCG Daily Monday 7th April 2014

Richard Ayoade on directing his surreal second film

To fans of hit comedy The IT Crowd, Richard Ayoade will probably always be known as super-geek Moss, but his second film The Double sees him carving out a name as a talented director.

Glasgow Comedy Festival Review: Ruby Wax

With the festival over for another year, seeing Ruby Wax on the final evening was perhaps a mistake. The mistake, I would argue, lies in the fact Wax is now suited to another festival format: a book festival.

Radio Times review

Hapless vicar Adam's hopes of rescuing the increasingly decrepit St Saviour's from imminent closure are given a boost when a Turner Prize-winning artist asks if he can unveil a new installation in the building. And he's prepared to make a substantial donation to the emergency fund...

It's good news, of course, but Adam being Adam (Tom Hollander, who also wrote the episode), he has to seek out new and inventive ways of sabotaging his professional and even his personal life, even when things seem to be going well.

He's adorable, of course, but sometimes you want to give him a jolly good shaking, particularly when he does something unforgivable and out of character, something that could jeopardise his relationship with wife Alex (Olivia Colman).

Cardinal Burns duo announce first UK tour

Cardinal Burns have announced details of their first UK tour. The duo behind the E4 sketch show of the same name - Seb Cardina and Dustin Demri-Burns - will play 30 dates from September 8, kicking off at London's Soho Theatre.

John Thomson & Tam Ryan prove panto isn't just for Xmas

Comedian John Thomson is aiming to prove that pantomime is NOT just for Christmas - by launching an Easter panto in Manchester at the weekend.

Opinion: The riase of non-alcoholic comedy venues

It's a difficult balance, of course. Audiences who have had a bit to drink are undoubtedly more relaxed and up for a laugh. But for some their concentration spans can dip dangerously low after a tipple and any routine longer than a Tim Vine one-liner may be too much to take in. And, of course, alcohol gives some the Dutch courage to heckle badly. And, even worse, not know when to shut up.

Ricky Gervais eyes Glastonbury debut

Ricky Gervais is set to make his debut at the iconic Glastonbury festival after organisers offered him a spot on the bill with his spoof band Foregone Conclusion.

Review: Jonny & The Baptists' Stop UKIP Tour, Newcastle

It's OK to be right-wing, so long as you're not mad, is the message which Jonny and The Baptists leave us with.

Tom Hollander interview

Rev star Tom Hollander gives chapter and verse on boozing in church, Dylan Thomas, suicide and the 'big society'.

The Walshes review

I'm interested to see how this show will develop in the future as I found it very charming and heartwarming.