BCG Daily Wednesday 25th June 2014

Blackadder & co really did fight in WWI, records show

TV characters Blackadder, Darling, Baldrick and George existed in real-life.

Fire hits comedy show

A comedian is devastated after losing 15 years of props when his parents' garage was reduced to a charred wreck by an intense fire. Treason Show creator Mark Brailsford said the loss of thousands of pounds worth of comedy items in a fire has been a "big blow" and "another kick in the teeth" after losing out on seven sites targeted as a permanent home in the past five years.

Radio Times review

Another instalment of Episodes potters along enjoyably without ever quite firing into comic life. Sean is more tempted than Beverly to entertain offers for their other script now Pucks! is doomed, but she can't wait to leave Hollywood and head home.

We know this is leading up to something, but boy, do the writers string it out. Meanwhile, there's more sobering, midlife misery for Matt when he bumps into his stalker, Labia (Sophie Rundle), and realises she's over him, leading to a nice heart-to-heart with Sean: "It's just weird knowing I'll probably never have another one... Do you think Harrison Ford is still getting stalkers? Warren Beatty? There's a window..."

Lucy Beaumont: northerners funnier than southerners?

The north and south breed different senses of humour. Johnny Vegas looks at faults in himself while Jimmy Carr deflects outwards. My new gag gets laughs in Hull and nowt in Windsor.

I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue what's wrong with Samantha

Last week it was announced that four sad people with no sense of humour, no discernable social skills, no life, no experience and no self-awareness had complained to the BBC about the lovely Samantha. For those of you who don't listen to Radio 4, (shame on you!), Samantha is the non-existent scorer on the epic long-running comedy panel show I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue. She appears in name only and her gentle but often slightly risqué exploits are relayed each week for the listener.

Edinburgh Fringe preview: Paul Chowdhry

When it comes to winning over an audience Paul Chowdhry doesn't take the easy route.

6 ways Ricky Gervais should celebrate his birthday

Happy birthday Ricky Gervais! From baths to dancing, here's how we think Mr Gervais should mark his big day.

Preview: The Comedy Store, Gala Theatre, Durham

The Comedy Store returns to Durham next week with stand-up from a former Edinburgh Comedy Award winner.

Charlie Brooker to appear in Sniper Elite 3

Charlie Brooker is to appear in the computer game Sniper Elite 3 as German soldier. The writer and TV presenter was motion captured for the latest in the World War Two war game series - now he's available for everyone to shoot at.

Best stand-up comedy shows at the Fringe

Struggling to decide what comedy shows to see at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August this summer? Well, don't worry, Laugh Out London is here to help with a fine selection of the best paid-for stand-up and one-person shows we recommend.

Ronnie Corbett says he still misses Ronnie Barker

Ronnie Corbett has admitted he still misses Ronnie Barker almost a decade after his death.

TV review: Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled

The bottom line is that the format works, even if an hour's running time does stretch it to its limits. The guests are well chosen, the atmosphere is relaxed and the anecdotes are very, very funny.