BCG Daily Sunday 27th July 2014

Edinburgh Fringe preview: Eddie Pepitone

American Eddie Pepitone's return to the Fringe examines his country's (as well as his own inner) crumbling. Pepitone's darkly hilarious rants and soaring neurotic imaginings paint a man at war with himself and an empire gone mad with cruelty and self-absorption. We caught up with the man himself for a quick five minute chat.

Katy Brand's right about female comedians

Not getting on the box means female comics don't earn the money to tour and hone their skills.

'Being called a fat whale is part of my act'

Comic will have the last laugh after abuse by Twitter trolls inspired her new show about feminism.

Sara Pascoe interview

The comedian on Darwin's marriage issues, tutting at old people and her mountain of unread books.

The Showstoppers Q&A

Six-year Fringe veterans The Showstoppers return to Edinburgh this summer with Showstopper! The Improvised Musical and their family production, The Fantastical Story Factory. We catch up with the group to talk comedy.

Radio Times review

The mockumentary about the absolute idiots who run a London pirate radio station gains a harder edge this week, as we go deeper into MC Grindah's astonishingly poor parenting. It's little Angel's fifth birthday and so, while she and mum Michelle are out with the girl's suspiciously similar-looking "Uncle" Decoy, Grindah organises the party. Local entrepreneur Chabuddy G offers a shipment of his money-spinning "Polish Vodka", so called because the key ingredient is window polish: "We had a few teething problems... people losing their teeth and that."

Amid the crude but very funny gags, little Angel's party is bleak - something the show boldly doesn't play entirely for laughs.

Interview with Joz Norris

Joz Norris is a stand-up comedian, character comic, writer and actor based in London. He started working on the stand-up circuit in 2011 and has since become a critically lauded and well-respected figure on the alternative comedy, character and clowning circuits, as well as working prolifically in other media and collaborating frequently with some of the best alternative comics.

Stan Hodgson interview

A modern twist on the classic war drama, Dear Mister Kaiser tells the extraordinary true story of Robert Campbell, a British Prisoner of War in WWI, who, after receiving terrible news from back home, takes the unlikely step of writing a letter to the Kaiser of Germany.

Phil Jacobs interview

This comedy has everything, music, intrigue and muffins. We spoke to the shows adapter Phil Jacobs who brings their production to Edinburgh Fringe for the first time after a successful run at Camden's Etcetera Theatre.

Trygve Wakenshaw interview

Debut shows don't usually hit the ground running as well as the award winning 2013 smash Squidboy but that is just what Wakenshaw did. There was universal praise for Wakenshaw's originality, imagination and a truly unforgettable character.

Ruaraidh Murray interview

As he took his bow and left the stage the packed room erupted. The gratitude was obvious and the skill Murray displays as a writer and performer is something truly to behold.

Has The Mimic lost its voice?

Maybe we're not supposed to really watch this show expecting real and lasting change, just a chance to savour all the performances and Terry Mynott's vocals.

Edinburgh Fringe preview: Dan Nightingale

International comedian, Lancastrian socialite and circuit legend Dan Nightingale returns to the Fringe for another festival frolic, TPR interrupted his jet-set schedule to grab five minutes to talk about his new show.

Edinburgh Fringe preview: Anna Morris

The character comic, and star of BBC's Outnumbered, Anna Morris returns as four comedy creations battle for your vote. Four women. One award. Who'll be crowned Woman of the Year? You decide. TPR had a chance to chat to Anna about her new Fringe show.

Edinburgh Fringe preview: Alfie Moore

Creator of Radio 4's It's a Fair Cop, Alfie Moore talks to TPR about his new show, The Naked Stun.

Edinburgh Fringe preview: Abigoliah Schamaun

The gloriously candid New York comedian Abigoliah Schamaun returns to Edinburgh with a new bundle of saucy tales. TPR caught up with her to find out more.

Edinburgh Fringe preview: Alfie Brown

Alfie Brown was one of the first comedians I wrote about when I launched this website.

Preview: Five things you should know about 21 Things...

Here are five things you should know about 21 Things You Should Know About Toronto's Crack-Smoking Mayor.

The ​Glenn Wool extended interview

Glenn Wool has a comedy career that spans twenty years with television and live engagements over five continents. That is a lot of material, so this year at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe he wants to share his favourite tales and jokes from over the years with you. Martin Walker asks the questions.

The Zoe Lyons extended interview

Zoe Lyons travels the world being funny. According to her website you may have seen her performing in Australia, New Zealand and Leicester. Martin Walker conducted a Three Minute Interview with Zoe in March this year, but now they get back together for an extended chat about her latest Edinburgh Festival Fringe show.

The Rory McGrath extended interview

After making their Edinburgh Festival Fringe comeback last year, Rory McGrath and Philip Pope return with an hour of sophisticated comedy and song. Expect wit, elegance, clever musical pastiche, silliness and filth in Bridge Over Troubled Lager (Volume 2). Martin Walker talks to Rory about the show.

The Russell Grant extended interview

Russell Grant's career as an entertainer is long as successful. From panto, to sitcoms, to musicals, to serious drama, to Strictly Come Dancing. Sir Bruce Forsyth famously said that Russell 'put's the show into show business.' Martin Walker asked him about his autobiographical Edinburgh Festival Fringe show.

Chris Turner: Standing up, not digging down

Chris Turner's tutors at Oxford were never convinced he was really committed to Archaeology & Anthropology. They're perceptive these Archaeology types, given Turner was secretly busy fitting his studies in around the more time-consuming matter of launching a stand-up career.

3 To See ED2014: Comedy misery and death, yay!

Welcome to the Edinburgh Festival of comedy and joy. And now here's ThreeWeeks Co-Editor Caro Moses with three comedy shows about misery and death. Though some of the dying is metaphorical, if that helps. Enjoy.

Guest tips: Choices galore on the cabaret Fringe

The cabaret strand of the Edinburgh Fringe has grown hugely in recent years, with a plethora of exciting shows and acts taking to the stage each year. One of our all-time favourite performers in the cabaret Fringe - and someone who played a key role in establishing a stand-alone cabaret community at the Festival - is Sarah-Louise Young.

Guest tips: On the musical Fringe

People often forget what a great musical programme there is at the Edinburgh Festival, and of all genres too. A lot of it, though, is stand alone gigs rather than the residencies you find in other genres. But some music people come for the whole shebang. To get you in the musical mood we asked ThreeWeeks Editors' Award winner Daniel Cainer to pick out some highlights.

The Fest directory: Catriona Knox

Character comic Catriona Knox talks about her favourite restaurants in Edinburgh.

39 unmissable shows at the Edinburgh Fring 2014

We're jetting up to the Edinburgh Fringe next week, and we'll be sharing with you the best quirky, offbeat, and downright amazing events at this years festival!

Jim Davidson interview

Jim Davidson is raging. On the phone to his manager, face flushed, saltire cufflinks flashing in the London sun, threatening to pull out of the Edinburgh festival. "One more f****** interview like that and I will!"

Cancer won't keep me from my new show

Surgery won't stop Anna Gildea from performing, Paula Murray discovers.