BCG Daily Monday 16th June 2014

Dawn French on emotional new show

Dawn French has revealed how emotional her new one-woman show is - and how she has to fight back the tears every night.

Alan Davies on his new show

Alan Davies's new show kicks off on Dave this week. But when it comes to telling you what it's all about, we're a little stumped.

What's the new Alan Davies show all about?

Alan Davies has a new Dave show... but it doesn't have a title.

Review: Backchat with Jack Whitehall and his Dad

I do like Backchat. Yes, 45 minutes is too long, even for a Father's Day special. It would have been better tightened up and squeezed into a sharper half-hour.

Darlington Comedy Festival 2014: more names confirmed

Four new dates have been added to the ever-growing festival in July, featuring circuit regulars, TV names and notable North East comedians.

Radio Times review

If you've ever wondered what it'd be like going for a pint with Noel Fielding, Jon Ronson, Kerry Godliman and Andrew Maxwell (I know I have), here's a chance to find out.

With no agenda, no theme and a trickle of booze, this blank-canvas chat show aims to re-create the informal intimacy of a pub conversation, and it works really well.

Alan gives his guests plenty of room to waffle, and Noel Fielding is excellent value as usual; particularly with the story about how he disappeared on tour, and was found the following day working in a vintage boutique in Brighton.

US comic claims Alan Davies show ripped off his format

Paul Provenza has hit out at Dave's new comedy show As Yet Untitled, which starts tonight at 10pm. Provenza argues that the series, fronted by Alan Davies, is strikingly similar to his own series The Green Room, in which comedians sit around and chat off the cuff.

Why don't comics stand up to banks?

The City of London festival will focus on late-night humour - let's hope it brings an end to comedians' silence on the banking crisis.

Review: Museum of Comedy

If you have the slightest interest in comedy - particularly the history of comedy - I urge you to get down there.

Carol Cleveland on Monty Python Live

The "Female Python" also reveals some of the sketches that will be included in the spectacular return of the most famous comedy troupe to the London stage on July 1.

Jongleurs executive defends chain

Tensions flared at the Chortle conference when rival comedy club owners challenged Jongleurs boss Marios Lourides over his business practices.

Letter: Rik Mayall's courage in Cell Mates

I acted with Rik Mayall just once, in 1995, in the ill-fated production of Simon Gray's Cell Mates, directed by Simon himself. After Stephen Fry went Awol, we were all shattered, but no one more than Rik, because the play was virtually a two-hander, with the other three actors, of whom I was one, playing small parts to help tell the story of George Blake and Sean Bourke.

Jesterval review: Ian D Montfort, Psychic Fayre

Though those who saw Montfort at last year's Jesterval will find some of the one-liners and tricks a little familiar, Binns' creation remains entertaining enough, and the impressed gasps from the audience can often add to the enjoyment.

It's a laugh a minute at Derby's Comedy Festival

Crowds of people have been cracking up as Derby Comedy Festival continues to engage the city with stand-up, music and theatre.

Review: Showstopper! The Improvised Musical

It has not been a good time for musicals lately but here is one that feels fresh every time.

Interview: Paul Gudgin from City of London Festival

An interview with the former Director of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, now the Director of the City of London Festival.

Preview review: Bec Hill

As far as we know Hill hasn't been talking to any heart-throbs in bars lately so there is less pressure this year, but great things are still expected from this rising star.

Njambi McGrath interview

Kenyan born stand-up comedian, Njambi McGrath, chats to Martin Walker about her latest solo Edinburgh show Devil's Door Bell. She shares her experiences of living in Africa, moving to the UK and launching her stand-up career.