BCG Daily Saturday 17th May 2014

Tamsin Greig interview

The actor on finding her funny bone, the homing instinct of Archers' fans, and why she'll never swap London for LA.

Darlington Comedy Festival 2014: first shows revealed

The popular comedy festival is returning to Cleveland in July with another eclectic programme.

New act of the month: Hal Branson

Hal Branson is an up-and-coming stand-up and sketch performer based in Newcastle. He is our New Act of the Month for May.

Simon Bird: The Inbetweeners movie felt like a holiday

"The funniest stuff happens when you're as relaxed as you possible can be with a camera in your face. So to sum up, I'm entirely unprofessional"

Radio Times review

There's something acutely charmless about The Guess List. Add the merest touch of desperation and look what you've got - a Saturday-night game show. Host Rob Brydon works tremendously hard to keep the thing pelting along as he gently, and often not so gently, insults a panel of celebrity guests who this week include Nick Hewer, Helen Skelton and Eamonn Holmes.

Inevitably there's plenty of ribaldry when the guests are asked to pinpoint an embarrassing first date.

Danger - over-analysing critic at work

After seeing David Brent live I went for a debrief/post-mortem/drink with a friend and she asked me what I'd thought of the gig. I explained that I couldn't get a sense of disconnect about the concept out of my head.

Adrienne Truscott's Asking For It at the Soho | review

The audience initially feels uneasy, uncertain where Truscott will draw the line, but this is soon forgotten (along with the nudity), as audience members lose themselves in the subtlety and sophistication of her comedy. Highly provocative both in its message and its delivery, the show is not for everyone. You have to at least be "open to it".

Dawn French: Racists tried to burn down house

Dawn French reveals racists tried to burn down house while she and Lenny Henry slept.

Alfie Moore hangs up his truncheon for a life of comedy

Alfie Moore must have heard every police pun going after hanging up his handcuffs for "arresting" performances as a stand-up comedian.

Robert B Weide interview

The creator of Sky Atlantic's Mr Sloane was best known for his work with Larry David and Simon Pegg. Then he found himself at the centre of the Woody Allen storm...

Nathan Cassidy interview

Two years ago Nathan Cassidy's Edinburgh show Free Pound and his feature documentary film, I am Orig were nominated for a Malcolm Hardee Award. Last year he gave every member of his audience a free bet. In 2014 Martin Walker discovers that this Edinburgh adventure is to be a Date With Death.

Francesca Martinez: having the last laugh

When Francesca Martinez was two, her parents were told she had cerebral palsy and would never lead a normal life. What did they know? From Grange Hill to Extras (via a teenage breakdown), the comic has put her 'wobbly' self centre stage.

Haydon Zaccaria interview

A short interview with Haydon Zaccaria.

Q&A: Stephen Mangan

Stephen Mangan, 41, was born in London. He studied law at Cambridge, then went to Rada.

The Nathan Cassidy three minute interview

Two years ago Nathan Cassidy's Edinburgh show Free Pound and his feature documentary film, I am Orig were nominated for a Malcolm Hardee Award. Last year he gave every member of his audience a free bet. In 2014 Martin Walker discovers that this Edinburgh adventure is to be a Date With Deat.