BCG Daily Monday 11th August 2014

Edinburgh Fringe 2014 interview: Nathaniel Metcalfe

Nathaniel Metcalfe takes his interests seriously. Whether it's Neil Buchanan, the Honey Monster or Deep Roy, he knows he's stuff. This year he promises more amusing meanderings. We look forward to them.

The coming-out play that's in with the out crowd

The confessional tales aired on stage in Outings are changing all the time as LGBT people post fresh stories on the web.

Review: The Comedy of Errors

I was delighted to be part of a deserved standing ovation for the cast of Comedy of Errors, followed by overheard snippets of unqualified praise from audience members as they made their way home.

Gilded Balloon to launch in Glasgow

Now in its 30th year, Scotland's longest running comedy club - The Gilded Balloon - is expanding west with the launch of a brand new comedy club in Glasgow.

10 things no one tells you about stand-up comedy

Think you could get up on a stage in front of a room of strangers and deliver gag after gag, day after day and week after week? Think again.

Jim Davidson v alternatvie fascists; Jeff Leach

A look at Jim Davidson and Jeff Leach.

Edinburgh diary: No freeloaders at the Fringe

Dylan Moran, at the Pleasance Grand, is apparently no fan of E. L. James's Fifty Shades of Grey. "You could bandage someone up," he says, "their entire body, attach a pencil to them, wave them about, and the result would be at least as good as that book."

Have you heard the one about free speech?

For some time now, I've been interested in the meaning of free speech and how it can be used to further democracy and participation in society. At the same time, I am fascinated by everyday life and the meanings people gain for themselves through popular culture.

Review: Almost Royal - sub-Borat jokes in the US, what?

This show isn't a travesty, thankfully, because I'm glad Georgie and Poppy aren't excruciating caricatures of "posh" Brits, and there's the occasional line to smile over... but it's all rather tame and pointless. It just confirms that Americans are largely good-humoured when interacting with silly Limeys, and it would actually be out-of-character if Georgie or Poppy did anything ghastly to provoke bigger reactions.

Preview: 10 Edfringe shows I must see in week two

As the Edinburgh Fringe enters its second week shows that I'm hearing about can start to be divided into two distinct categories. The ones that publicists are pushing and the ones that critics and friends without a vested interest are starting to get genuinely excited about.

Radio Times review

Radio regular Danny Robins's new sitcom, about a British comic who has married a Swede and is trying to come to terms with Swedish culture, is heavily autobiographical. Robins, who wrote Rudy's Rare Records, really did marry a Swede and her father really is the mayor of a town with a (to non-Swedes) unpronounceable name.

In episode one somebody says, "Do Swedes have a sense of humour?" (They certainly do. Robins, above, is one of several British comics who play Swedish comedy clubs). It has to be said that a large proportion of Robins's humour derives from the British perception of Swedish gloominess. But it's affectionate.

Fascinating Aida: a question for three

We put the same question to all three members of a Fringe trio.

The Gilded Balloon expands into Glasgow

Now in its 30th year, Scotland's longest running comedy club - The Gilded Balloon - is expanding west with the launch of a brand new comedy club in Glasgow.

Edinburgh Fringe interview: Lizzy Mace

An interview with the creator of Overlooked.

The life of an Edinburgh festival stooge

What's it like to be an onstage helper for a comedian who specialises in bizarre, possibly messy stunts? Paul Fleckney steps up to find out.

5 favourites for the Edinburgh Newcomber Award

Winning best newcomer at the fringe can turn the heads of comedy's kingmakers. Here are five faces in the frame.

Edinburgh 2014: funny women and Generation Y angst

Comedy critic Brian Logan can chart his life in Edinburgh fringe visits. So what stands out for him at this year's festival?

How we made Whose Line Is It Anyway?

An interview with Josie Lawrence and Greg Proops about making the improvisational comedy.

Al Lubel answers 10 questions on Al Lubel

LiF gave the guy the big 5 stars last year, single-handedly and immediately sending his career into orbit. Here, he speaks...

Fringe Q&As: Stephen Bailey

Stephen Bailey talks to HeraldScotland about rude jokes, dancing to Cheryl Cole and battered sausages.

Fringe Q&As: Marlon Davis

Marlon Davis talks to HeraldScotland about Lee Evans, crowd-surfing on a bicycle and growing up on a council estate in north-west London.

Be an extra in Shaun the Sheep The Movie

Radio Times has teamed up with Aardman Studios to offer one lucky Shaun The Sheep fan the chance to have their likeness made into an animated character and star as an extra in next year's movie.

Mackenzie Crook unearths metal detector sitcom

Mackenzie Crook has now written and directed a BBC Four sitcom about metal detector enthusiasts, which was screened in Edinburgh on Monday.

Josie Long: Why I love Walt Whitman

'He's up for genuinely exploring his own experiences. That's what I aim for in standup'

An Edinburgh Fringe 2014 interview with Jason Cook

Jason Cook is a fantastic comedian, and his show Broken was one of the first ones we recommended (read the recommendation here). With the festival now in full swing, I was delighted for the opportunity to catch up with Jason Cook to discuss his shows so far.

Adam Bloom in the hot seat

Adam Bloom is halfway through his sixth Middle Eastern tour. He answers some questions here.

Will Franken: 'I'm back home in my cave this year' (Link expired)

Will Franken shares his best and worst Fringe experiences with WOW247, including his dislike of being flyered and comedy as a near sexual experience.