BCG Daily Wednesday 24th September 2014

Radio Times review

A welcome return for the adult (and we mean adult) storybook series, but here laced with a touch of sadness.The late Rik Mayall shares the billing with Vic Reeves in this opener, with Mayall telling a wonderful story about a weatherman whose predictions actually come true and who finds himself tempted to use his power to immoral ends...

Storytelling is a form Mayall clearly loves, and he gives it everything in what must have been one of his last ever jobs. It's intense, focused and a little bit naughty and reminds us of what we're now sadly missing. Reeves's story is pretty good too - a slightly madder but no less amusing yarn about a cleaner from the future who finds herself on a mission to Mars.

I'm sick of doing well with jokes I don't find funny

This year's Edinburgh was the real eye-opener. Firstly, I became increasingly tired of the half-hour of material I was doing every night at my two-hander show.

Why I am interested in comedians

In this blog, I try to tell short stories with a rounded ending about interesting people doing interesting (mostly creative) things. Very often they are comedians. Very rarely do I write about myself although regular readers might be able to make up a patchwork impressionistic picture of my life.

Bridget Christie, 23rd September 2014

Sat in the middle of the second row of a small arts centre with nobody sat in the seat in front of me, it wouldn't have been unusual to feel on edge, exposed or even anxious at the thought of spending two hours sat eye to eye with the force that is Bridget Christie. But it may come as a surprise for you to hear that as an audience member, I have never felt more comfortable than when sat listening to Bridget perform her material.

Omid Djalili: Splash! changed my life

"When you do something intrepid, it gives you courage."

John Kearns: From the Giggling Gibbon to Soho Theatre

Without getting too sentimental It's been exciting to watch him develop from that first gig at the Giggling Gibbon.

Film roles for Mitchell, Eldon and Brigstocke

David Mitchell, Kevin Eldon and Marcus Brigstocke are to appear in a new family film. The three guest star in The Friday Download Movie.

15 reasons why Spaced was the best sitcom ever

Fifteen years have passed since groundbreaking Channel 4 sitcom Spaced first hit our screens.

Luisa Omielan, Soho Theatre - comedy review

Luisa Omielan's latest show, Am I Right Ladies?!, is the empowering sequel to her full throttle debut What Would Beyoncé Do?!

Rhod Gilbert talks Buzzcocks

The Carmarthen comedian is the new regular host of the long-running music quiz, but it's not the only thing keeping him busy...

Review: Andy Zaltzman - Satirist For Hire

Despite his obvious flair for such intellectual gymnastics, the hour - or closer to 75 minutes tonight - remains hit-and-miss. That much of the material is for one night only, without the chance of being hones, is both a blessing and a curse.

Crackanory, Dave, review: 'fantastically vigorous'

Rik Mayall's final on-screen performance was full of life.

How Spaced taught me to be friends with boys

Forget all the fuss about Friends, Channel 4 comedy Spaced (15 years old today) offered the perfect example of platonic male-female friendship, says Daisy Buchanan.

TV Pick of the Week: The Job Lot

The first series might have had low ratings, but for series two it's going over to ITV2, a pretty sensible move that will probably let the show play to its naturally naughty strengths.