BCG Daily Tuesday 8th July 2014
News
Radio
Press clippings
Edinburgh Fringe preview: James Acaster
No pressure on James Acaster, but I've been hearing really good things about his Edinburgh show, Recognise.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 8th July 2014John Bishop's Australia: Not a thrilling ride
The first episode of Liverpudlian comedian's Australian road trip was quite possibly the limpest hour of television I have ever seen.
Sameer Rahim, The Telegraph, 8th July 2014Armando Iannucci interview
"We have a tradition of being unimpressed by politicians who look like they're trying too hard to impress us."
Ben Dowell, Radio Times, 8th July 2014Steve Hewlett interview
Poking fun at the judges on a reality TV show can be a risky business - especially when the ringleader has developed something of a reputation as a pantomime bad guy who doesn't suffer fools gladly.
Mark Rees, South Wales Evening Post, 8th July 201410 of the best Latitude Festival's comedy & other acts
Latitude Festival is more than a music festival, with a wealth of comedy, dance and poetry on offer. Here are 10 which look set to be highlights this year. Includes Dara O'Briain, Robin Ince, Tim Key, Josie Long, Simon Amstell and Henning Wehn.
Sam Russell, The Eastern Daily Press, 8th July 2014Edinburgh Fringe Interview 2014
Abi Roberts' Musical CID is a new comedy confessional show that delves into what the biggest names in comedy have in their record collections and on their iPods. Have you ever wondered which famous comedian listens to Michael Jackson before a gig?
The New Current, 8th July 2014Interview: Des Clarke
Des is at a crossroads in life and has some things he needs to get off his chest. This time it's personal. Host of Scotland's Capital Breakfast Show, Des is an award-winning comedian who first appeared at the Fringe as a teenager. Since then, he has travelled the world with his offbeat brand of humour and become a familiar face on TV.
The New Current, 8th July 2014Interview: Wanted
Paul's comedy is a surreal world of subtle humour. A self-proclaimed rhubarb impersonator and cat crime investigator, Paul already has a growing number of fans, the self-named Lettuce Washers. Dean's stand-up is topical and very controversial. If it's in the news, it's in the show. Every show will be different and fresh. You'll be left wondering "should I really be laughing at this?" Somehow his clever humour manages to majorly cross the line yet still keeps the laughs rolling in.
The New Current, 8th July 2014Interview: Winter is Coming
Green Room Award winners Backwards Anorak present Game of Thrones. Sorry, what? You can't call your show that? Winter is Coming? Good. Sorted. Singing. Dancing. Incesting. And finally an answer - what song will Westeros select to represent their people at Eurovision?
The New Current, 8th July 2014Interview: Cal Wilson
A diverse and prolific comedian, Cal bounces between Australia and New Zealand. See who she might have been if she'd made different decisions: like become a surgeon.
The New Current, 8th July 2014Interview: Andrew Ryan
Irishman Andrew Ryan is 32 years old and could not be happier, or could he? Everyone around him is getting married and buying houses. In his new show The Life of Ryan, the Corkman explores the direction in which his life has gone and his frustrations along the way.
The New Current, 8th July 2014Interview: Patrick Monahan
Energetic, refreshingly clean stand-up show from the charming Irish/Iranian Festival favourite renowned for his superb anecdotes. Playful audience interaction. One of the Fringe's hot tickets so be sure to book early! Recently seen on ITV's Splash!, Fake Reaction and Fox's Man Up.
The New Current, 8th July 2014Interview: Lily Bevan
Welcome to Hampton Court Palace. The year is 1533. Please turn off your mobile phones. Jess, Sophie and Sam re-enact Henry VIII's weddings, feasts and river pageants. They take pride in authenticity. Well, they try. They aren't sure if potatoes exist yet. Can you wear glasses with a kirtle?
The New Current, 8th July 2014Interview: Deborah Frances-White
Comedian Deborah Frances-White was adopted when she was only ten days old. Until late 2012, she knew nothing about her birth family. Then she stumbled across some information that led her to embark on a round-the-clock treasure hunt, drawn into her past like a magnet.
The New Current, 8th July 2014Interview: Ed Gamble
Chortle Award winning comic Ed Gamble wops out his debut solo effort. Essentially it's a great guy (Ed) delivering funny humour through a pretty sweet microphone/speaker set up. You may have seen him as one of the idiot double act and iTunes chart toppers Peacock & Gamble, but this time it is just Gamble.
The New Current, 8th July 2014Interview: Paul McCaffrey
Paul McCaffrey has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting new acts around, winning both The London Paper and the Latitude Festival new act competitions in 2009. In 2011 Paul took his debut solo stand-up show, Saying Something Stupid to the Underbelly, to great critical acclaim, having previously appeared as part of The Big Value Comedy Show and the AAA Stand-Up Show at The Pleasance.
The New Current, 8th July 2014Interview: Carl Hutchinson
Uniquely stubborn, outright impractical and undeniably hilarious. Geordie comic Carl Hutchinson returns to the Fringe fresh from touring the country supporting Chris Ramsey with another brilliant hour of stand-up.
The New Current, 8th July 2014Interview: Guilt and Shame
Rob and Gabe need to change their hedonistic ways so they join a strange religious cult. But their new god has some very weird rules. Wild sketch comedy with crazy dances, rapping dwarfs and a disco loving transvestite, Guilt & Shame: Going Straight is anything but.
The New Current, 8th July 2014Interview: Dave Chawner & Robyn Perkins
Over It - Death, Anorexia & Other Funny Things is a show that seeks to explore more sensitive topics which are normally swept under the carpet. The show looks at the idea that you are your experiences, yet, this is no bad thing. This positive and inspiring show, details how these two up and coming comics are not 'Over It'.
The New Current, 8th July 2014Interview: Sameena Zehra
'It's clearly time to cull the human race. Who will be at risk? Politicians? Bankers? People who put the forks in the spoon section of the cutlery drawer? How is a life-long believer in non violence and (mild) civil disobedience to choose?
The New Current, 8th July 2014Interview: Benny Boot
For the past 8 years Benny Boot has made the Great British Isle his home and in the process built up one of the most respected and admired comedy acts on the scene.
The New Current, 8th July 2014Interview: Toby Roberts
Tony Roberts Card Magic, debuted at the Adelaide Fringe in 2013 to critical acclaim and enthusiastic audiences, later that year the show made its UK debut at the Edinburgh International Magic Festival. In 2014, Card Magic played a second season at the Adelaide Fringe, debuted at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and will make its Edinburgh Fringe debut at the Assembly Roxy in a full season at 21:30.
The New Current, 8th July 2014Interview: The Socks...And So Am I
Since 2007 the Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre having been bringing their hugely popular show to the fringe entertaining audiences with their unique shows. Pop culture is an integral part of their shows and last years critical smash IN SPACE saw them take on Sci-Fi.
The New Current, 8th July 2014Interview: Lazt Susan
Humans on the edge. Humans on the run. Humans in double-denim. Sketch duo Lazy Susan (formerly Lebensmüde) unleash a gang of characters clawing their way back from the brink.
The New Current, 8th July 2014Interview: Milo McCabe
Born a matinee idle but without the MGM contract, Troy addresses the big issues of 21st century society. Join his quest for universal equality. (PS, no weirdos please). An Amused Moose Laughter Award finalist twice in the last three years (Get Brown 2011 and Schiz 2013).
The New Current, 8th July 2014Interview: Mark Nelson
Since scooping the Scottish Comedian of the Year award in 2006 Mark has become a firm fixture on the comedy circuit in the UK. With his mixture of amazing observation, dark humour and one-liners Nelson continues to write knockout shows.
The New Current, 8th July 2014Interview: Kai Humphries
After spending two months in Australia making his debut at the Adelaide Fringe Kai is back in Edinburgh with his new show Stuff Protocol making its UK Premiere. Then he's back on the road with Daniel Sloss... and they're doing three weeks on the continent as well, what a road trip!
The New Current, 8th July 2014Interview: Justin Moorhouse
Justin returns to the Fringe and is back doing what he does best, no-frills big-hearted stand-up comedy. Expect buckets of laughs and dollops of fun from this genuine master of the craft.
The New Current, 8th July 2014Interview: Lucy Benson-Brown
Cathy is having a crisis. And she's venting on YouTube. Through the medium of Kate Bush. Yep. It's really happening. Who knows, perhaps she'll get a million hits and become famous? Or not. Just thank God no one is watching. Yet...
The New Current, 8th July 2014Interview: John Hewer
Tommy Cooper was a true comic genius. His impeccable timing, memorable routines, love of slapstick and groan-worthy gags made him an international name. Commemorating 30 years since his passing, this special tribute celebrates rarely seen material from his early cabaret days and the very best of his gags and tricks from his later extensive repertoire.
The New Current, 8th July 2014Interview: Greg Proops
It's just Proops and you. There's no fanfare. Proops takes centre stage at a small table and chair set up with a single microphone. Then he's off. An hour of great conversation that flies by at a break neck clip. He crams the feeling of a great two-way conversation into the lecture-style format of a one-way conversation.
The New Current, 8th July 2014Interview: Jack Barry
The Fringe's funniest, most prestigious and longest running showcase is back! Previously bringing you the likes of Dave Gorman, Russell Howard, Al Murray, Russell Kane and many more, The Comedy Zone is the go to showcase to see the stars of tomorrow.
The New Current, 8th July 2014Interview: Phil Jacobs
England, 2014. Jack is unhappy with the instant digital age he finds himself in and longs for the slower, more civilised pace of former times. He logs on and enters 'Wilde World' where he and his friends role play characters from The Importance of Being Earnest.
The New Current, 8th July 2014Interview: Alex Smith
It's a great feeling getting to come and see comedians at the fringe festival but even better when one gets to witness their fringe debut. Alex Smith joins an impressive line-up of up and coming comedians who have certainly been building impressive names for themselves on the circuit.
The New Current, 8th July 2014Interview: Eric Lampaert
Eric Lampaert brings TWO shows to Edinburgh this year which sounds greedy but the unique thing about Lampaert is one can never get to much. His energy comes in burst of joy with the right balance of quirkiness that has made him one of the most reliable comics on the scene.
The New Current, 8th July 2014Interview: Katie Mulgrew
Katie Mulgrew kinda thinks she's a real life Disney princess. She even found her Prince Charming and married him in a massive frock. Now according to Disney philosophy, she's found her happily ever after. Brilliant! Now bloody what?
The New Current, 8th July 2014Interview: Lou Stein
Dr Hunter S Thompson's twisted, madcap adventure to find the heart of the American Dream is staged in this once-in-a-lifetime collaboration between his old friend and colleague Lou Stein and the legendary British illustrator Ralph Steadman.
The New Current, 8th July 2014Interview: Bacchanalia
The Gilded Balloon will play host to some of the world's finest travelling entertainers with each show booking only headline acts. Hosted by Titty Bar Ha Ha and The Party Spirits, the vibe is definitely carnival.
The New Current, 8th July 2014Interview: Phil Wang
Not only is Phil the winner of the Chortle Student Comedian of the Year but he has also won the Comedy Central's Funniest Student Award in 2011. A short two years later he brought his debut show to Edinburgh Fringe to rave reviews.
The New Current, 8th July 2014Interview: Steve Bugeja
Things are already looking good for this years Comedy Zone which is set to be hosted by 2013 BBC Radio New Comedy Award Winner Steve Bugeja. This came fast on the heals of his Free Festival show at Edinburgh Fringe were his self-deprecating wit won him many plaudits.
The New Current, 8th July 2014Interview: Hayley Ellis
Loser at life and winner at losing Hayley Ellis presents her debut hour of stand-up about love, loss and a little Lhasa Apso dog called Kevin. Fresh from supporting Roisin Conaty on tour, award-winning Ellis lets you in on her loves, losses and life-lessons learnt from a little Lhasa Apso dog.
The New Current, 8th July 2014Interview: The Breakfast Club
Hot from the oven comes the tastiest breakfast in town. Featuring only the best comedians and acts at the Fringe, this is a morning variety show for the early risers. Mums and Dads, sit back with a coffee and croissant...kids, get ready to laugh until lunchtime.
The New Current, 8th July 2014Interview: Ray Peacock
Ray Peacock has been a very naughty boy recently and it's time to find out why. Join the quadruple Chortle Award nominated comedian and best bit of Peacock & Gamble as he takes you through a myriad of mischief and misdemeanours in an attempt to get to the bottom of what drives a grown man to such infantile behaviour.
The New Current, 8th July 2014Interview: Sammy J
Sammy J isn't just a fringe favourite, packing out venues year in year out, he's also one of tNC all time best comedians we've seen at the festival. But with the good comes the bad and the Skinny-man with his juice box is only going to be in Edinburgh for 24 hours and doing 1, yes that's right ONE, show.
The New Current, 8th July 2014Interview: Marieke Audsley
England, 1649: the King has lost his head; the Queen has fled; the Globe Theatre has been demolished and all productions are banned. This rakish new comedy from Fringe First winner, Tim Norton, follows three foolhardy actors in their attempts to keep one step ahead of Puritan forces, dressed only in the petticoats and farthingales of their last performance.
The New Current, 8th July 2014Interview: Elaine Liner
Five thousand miles, 5,000 words and 500,000 stitches send writer-actor-knitterElaine Liner from Dallas, Texas, to 2014's Edinburgh Festival Fringe with her solo comedy Sweater Curse: A Yarn about Love. The one-act play, a five-star hit in its world premiere at the 2013 Fringe, returns to the Sweet Grassmarket Theatre (Venue 18).
The New Current, 8th July 2014Interview: Davina Leonard
Jess is determined to be a bright new force on the London stage. BAFTAs surely await. But for now the only boards she treads are at the cafe where she works. Pilar wants to act in a supermarket. And Bronwyn's gone viral on YouTube. Jess carries us on her irrepressible comic journey through the dark heart of the drama industry via thankless crowd scenes on TV soaps, questionable auditions and pearls of wisdom from a pantomime horse.
The New Current, 8th July 2014Mrs Brown's Boys D'Movie maintains box office lead
Mrs Brown's Boys D'Movie has maintained its lead at the UK and Ireland box office for a second week in a row.
BBC News, 8th July 2014Edinburgh Fringe 2014: our improv picks
Part art and part craft, improv can be dazzling in its execution, hugely entertaining and great fun. With the audience providing suggestions for characters, locations and other variables, every improv performance is, in theory, unique. There's over 70 improv shows to choose from at this year's Edinburgh Fringe; here's our selection of five shows for lovers of spontaneous fun.
Innes McQuillin, Giggle Beats, 8th July 2014Edinburgh Fringe 2014 interview: Lindsay Sharman
We shared the stage with Lindsay Sharman in the live stage version of Hook just before Christmas 2012. She was an adept pirate then, but now she's transformed herself into Madame Magenta - a psychic, medium, white wytch and celebrated author.
Laugh Out London, 8th July 2014Francesca Martinez interview
The comedian and disability campaigner Francesca Martinez discusses being "wobbly", tackling the prejudices of the entertainment industry, and how she overcame her tough school days.
Anoosh Chakelian, The New Statesman, 8th July 2014The Alan Irwin three minute interview
For this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Irish comedian Alan Irwin has transformed himself into a man who parties hard - and he says he can transform you too. Once dull and lifeless, Alan now rocks every room he enters. Probably - he hasn't asked anyone else how they feel about it.
Martin Walker, Broadway Baby, 8th July 2014The Paul McCaffrey three minute interview
Paul McCaffrey has established himself very quickly, winning both The London Paper and the Latitude Festival new act competitions in 2009. In 2011 Paul took his debut solo stand-up show, Saying Something Stupid to the Underbelly, to great critical acclaim. He returns in 2014 with Paul or Nothing.
Martin Walker, Broadway Baby, 8th July 2014The Alastair Clark three minute interview
Famous comedian Russell Brand thinks you shouldn't vote. Far less successful comedian Alastair Clark thinks he's wrong. Who's right? For the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Alastair Clark presents an hour of stand-up about politics - verbally pitting himself against the poster boy for voting abstinence.
Martin Walker, Broadway Baby, 8th July 2014The Izzy Rees three minute interview
Izzy Rees is turning thirty and she's not happy about it. In an attempt to mark this milestone and distract herself from the downsides of growing up, she's set herself a list of 30 challenges to complete by her birthday. Izzy talks to Martin Walker about her Edinburgh Fringe show.
Martin Walker, Broadway Baby, 8th July 2014The Peter Brush three minute interview
Last year, stand-up comedian Peter Brush became a BBC New Comedy Award Finalist. Since then the up-and-comer has gained positive notices from across the industry, including from the notoriously hard to please Bruce Dessau. Martin Walker asks about his Edinburgh Festival Fringe show.
Martin Walker, Broadway Baby, 8th July 2014The Alexander Bennett three minute interview
This year, alternative stand-up comedian Alexander Bennett is bring his new show, Follow Me, to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Martin Walker asks Alexander about the show, about his alternative comedy night, and about going too far...
Martin Walker, Broadway Baby, 8th July 2014The Luc Valvona three minute interview
After storming the Edinburgh Festival Fringe last year, Luc Valvona returns with The Improvised Improv Show - a daily improv jam that absolutely anyone can take part in. He's also bringing a solo musical comedy show to entertain Fringe audiences, as he explains via email to Martin Walker.
Martin Walker, Broadway Baby, 8th July 2014The Tim FitzHigham three minute interview
In the true spirit of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, multi award-winning expeditionary comedian, author and explorer Tim FitzHigham is back in town with a brand new show. Martin Walker asks about the fascinating story behind Hellfire.
Martin Walker, Broadway Baby, 8th July 2014The Keddy Sutton three minute interview
Writer/performers Gillian Hardie and Keddy Sutton's arrival at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe follows sell-out performances and five-star reviews for their latest collaboration, Scottie Road the Musical. Martin Walker asks Keddy what the show is all about.
Martin Walker, Broadway Baby, 8th July 2014The Zak Splijt three minute interview
Stand-up comedy editor Martin Walker stumbled across Zak Splijit's act on YouTube when he was supposed to be working. Sadly, the unique up-and-coming comedian won't be performing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this year, but according to Martin, he is definitely one to watch.
Martin Walker, Broadway Baby, 8th July 2014Adam Buxton presents BUG - XL Recordings special
The music video enthusiast combines nerdy enthusiasm with impish wit and glee.
Jay Richardson, The List, 8th July 2014The Colour Ham interview
Gav Oattes tells us what audiences can expect at the trio's Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2014 show.
Kirstyn Smith, The List, 8th July 2014The Inbetweeners 2 interview
Joe Thomas, Simon Bird, Blake Harrison and James Buckley sit down to discuss the comedy sequel.
Matthew Turner, The List, 8th July 2014Robin Ince Double Bill - King's Arms Theatre, Salford
I always enjoy these pre-Edinburgh Fringe months. You can frequently find established comedians in small rooms above pubs, surrounded by bits of paper, as they desperately try to assemble an hour of comedy before heading to Scotland for August. The evening is question was no different, as Robin Ince previewed his new show, Blooming Buzzing Confusion, as well as his amusing rage-fest Pointless Anger, Righteous Ire, with the stupendous Michael Legge.
Tracey Lowe, The Good Review, 8th July 2014James Buckley: I'd be up for Inbetweeners 3
James Buckley, who plays potty-mouthed sex-obsessed Jay in the comedy, which originally aired on E4, has said he'd be "up for" a third film.
Ellie Walker-Arnott, Radio Times, 8th July 2014The Full Monty at Nottingham Playhouse
Six men from across the East Midlands are getting ready for their most, ahem, "revealing" performance to date - the musical version of the classic British comedy film The Full Monty.
Nottingham Post, 8th July 2014Groupon offers Monty Python tickets at half price
Tickets for Monty Python's "sold out" reunion shows are now being offered at discount rates on Groupon.
Adam Sherwin, The Independent, 8th July 2014Fringe fresh: Lisa-Skye
Ahead of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (1-25 August), we quizzed some of the hottest performers on the bill. Here, we introduce comic Lisa-Skye.
Stephanie Fernandez, Diva Mag, 8th July 2014Videos
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Series 3, Episode 3 - Beliefs And OpinionStephen K Amos is joined by comedians Wil Hodgson, Gavin Webster and Shazia Mirza to present a guide to belief and opinion.