BCG Daily Tuesday 6th May 2014

Radio Times review

Given that this latest sitcom pilot is set among a mountain rescue team, it's fitting that halfway through, the standard of comedy falls off a cliff. In the first half we've been introduced to old hand Jimmy as he welcomes newcomer Conor to the rescue team via some lunchtime drinking at their local pub, the Busted Femur.

Jimmy's back-and-forth with tough barmaid Jules ("The usual please, Jules!" he cries, whereupon she smacks him in the face) and colleague Bill sets up the characters, but when the team head up a mountain we get gags like Jimmy peeing into the hole where the victim they're searching for has fallen. Then everybody breaks their arms and legs and the comedy snaps, too.

Radio Times review

Alex Horne's bumbling jazz jesters are back for another series, and clearly have no shortage of ideas. This week they tackle turntables, mariachi music and the humble Teasmade, combining sharp stand-up comedy with even sharper musical chops.

There's also a wonderful guest appearance from Sara Pascoe, performing a self-penned five-minute musical about her life as a vegetarian. It's far funnier than it has any right to be. A few of the sight-gags fall flat (as visual comedy does on radio), but the raucous live atmosphere makes up for any shortcomings. After all, who doesn't want humour you can hum along to?

Picture report: Machynlleth Comedy Festival part two

It might have been a Sunday but it was no day of rest for the comedians at the Machynlleth Festival.

Freddie Starr will not be prosecuted, CPS confirms

Entertainer Freddie Starr will not be prosecuted following allegations of sex offences, the Crown Prosecution Service has said.

Jason Manford profits to be donated to Stephen Sutton

Jason Manford has said that all profits from his comedy shows this month will be donated to Stephen Sutton.

Ade Edmondson claims panel shows are bad for comedy

Ade Edmondson has claimed the large number of comedy panel shows on TV are stopping exciting and different new comedy programmes from being made.

Harry & Paul take aim at BBC Two targets

From Grumpy Old Bores to Blackadder to Scandi import The Killing to The Singing Detective to The Forsyte Saga, no one is safe from their satire as Harry Enfield plays Simon Schama taking viewers through a spoof history of the venerable channel.

Review: Chris McCausland, Toby Hadoke, Tom Stade etc

The Comedy Store, hosted monthly at Durham's Gala Theatre, has been bringing the circuit's best comics to the North East for years. This fine Bank Holiday Monday is no exception; on the bill tonight are three stars of international stage, prime-time screen, and a banking advert.

Review: Chris McCausland, Toby Hadoke, Tom Stade

The Comedy Store, hosted monthly at Durham's Gala Theatre, has been bringing the circuit's best comics to the North East for years. This fine Bank Holiday Monday is no exception; on the bill tonight are three stars of international stage, prime-time screen, and a banking advert.

Matt LeBlanc interview

There are more showbiz shenanigans as Episodes returns for a third series, with Friends star Matt LeBlanc playing a distorted and heightened version of himself.

Christopher Biggins interview

Christopher Biggins, 65, talks elocution lessons, his sexuality, and his one regret in life.

Levi David Addai interview

Levi David Addai is the writer and creator of Youngers.