BCG Daily Wednesday 18th June 2014

Radio Times review

In the final shot of last week's episode, something momentous happened: that grey plastic strip representing Pucks! in the network schedule was tossed in the bin. So the limping British/US sitcom around which this British/US sitcom is built is for the chop: "Even though nobody is willing to put a tag on the toe, this thing is dead," crows Matt LeBlanc to writers Beverly and Sean, even as he scrambles to get a part on another show.

But humiliating Matt has become Episodes' favourite blood sport and there's worse to come, as a young fan forces him to relive his Friends heyday in circumstances only this show would dare dream up.

What makes a great first sitcom episode?

As Gold celebrates first episodes of classic sitcoms, we take a look at what makes the perfect comedy debut.

World War One exhibition explores role of black humour

A new exhibition highlights how black humour helped troops cope with the horror of World War One.

Preview: Pete Firman, The Witham, Barnard Castle

Middlesbrough magician Pete Firman has a few tricks up his sleeves on his return to Teesdale this weekend.

Su Pollard and Cannon & Ball team up for Robin Hood

Comedy queen Su Pollard and comedy duo Cannon & Ball are teaming up for an all-out outrageous side splitting romp. Ha Ha Hood! And The Prince of Leaves is going on a 61 date tour.

Vikki Stone interview

Vikki Stone talks about her new show Instrumental, its emotional roots and breaking into the male world of comedy.

The Pierre Novellie three minute interview

Hailing from South Africa, Pierre Novellie landed on UK shores back when he was still running around the schoolyard. In his Edinburgh show, Pierre Novellie is Mighty Peter he discusses his fascination with historic British civilizations, mythical giants, Medieval Welsh Law and yoghurt.

The Jonny Awsum three minute interview

After spending eight years doing a comedy apprenticeship - working as a barman in London's Chuckle Club

The Paul F Taylor three minute interview

Tired of being a penniless comedian Paul F Taylor has taken drastic action to turn himself into a humourless money motivated workhorse. However, as Martin Walker discovers, underneath the facade a monster lies in wait...

The Lloyd Langford three minute interview

Lloyd Langford is longing for simpler times. His new Edinburgh show finds him jesting about the new-fangled technologies that purport to make our lives easier, but quite often end up making things even more complicated.

The John Hastings extended interview

Although Canadian comic John Hastings has won copious amounts of awards on his home turf, frankly they mean nothing to us here, zilch. As a committed anglophile this wrangled him, so he decided become a successful comedian in the UK. John talks to Martin Walker about his show, John Hastings - Adventure.

The Eddie Pepitone three minute interview

Eddie Pepitone has appeared on TV in Arrested Development, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Flight of the Conchords, The Sarah Silverman Program, Chappelle's Show, House M.D., Conan, Community, Weeds, Monk, ER and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. And that's just for starters. In August he'll be returning to Edinburgh to perform his comedy show, Eddie Pepitone: RIP America, It's Been Fun.

The Rachel Parris three minute interview

The critically acclaimed musical comedian, Rachel Parris, appears at the Edinburgh Fringe for the second time, this year with her adventurous new show Live in Vegas. It features a new set of characters who present an alternative version of a glamorous Las Vegas show.

The John Fleming extended interview

Malcolm Hardee was a true original. A performer, a manager and a convicted car thief, he was one of the UK's very first alternative comedians. He died suddenly in January 2005 - whilst still in his 50's. For his one hundredth interview for Broadway Baby, Martin Walker talks to John Fleming about The Edinburgh Fringe, performing with Kate Copstick and keeping Malcolm's legacy alive.

Colin Firth leaves Paddington Bear film

Oscar-winning actor Colin Firth has pulled out of voicing the upcoming Paddington film.

The King's Speech star said he had been unable to find the right voice for the Peruvian bear.

Preview review: Juliette Burton

Juliette Burton has been around for a while but hadn't made much of an impact until earlier this year when she tweeted an angry response to the Beach Body Ready ads on the London Underground.

Preview review: Juliette Burton

She is frank, funny and off-the-wall and now topical too.

Christian Talbot interview

Irish comedian, Christian Talbot tells comedy editor, Martin Walker, that whilst he's a big fan of Father Ted, he hates drinking Guinness. Turns out Christian is shite at being Irish.