BCG Daily Friday 29th January 2021

Stephen Fry tells school staff 'be kind to yourself'

Stephen Fry has urged people not to feel "inadequate" during England's third lockdown. The actor, writer and television presenter, who has a home in Norfolk, sent a message to staff at two academy trusts in the county in an attempt to boost morale among the key workers.

Back review

Anthony Head returns to add sparkle.

Price is delight for Bill Bailey

Bill Bailey has replaced the thrill of dancing with Oti Mabuse by returning to his favourite hobby - collecting sticky price labels.

The Strictly star, who lifted the Glitterball trophy with dance pro Oti in December, has a collection dating back to pre-decimal currency days - before 1971 - and he is looking forward to adding to what he calls his treasure trove, which he concedes is "a bit mental".

Fisherman's Friends musical to premiere this autumn

A new musical based on the story of Fisherman's Friends will open this autumn.

Following the sea shanty singing group from their origins to their appearance at Glastonbury, the piece will open the newly redeveloped Hall for Cornwall, with dates to be revealed. Reports have also suggested that the piece is angling (pun intended) for a West End run next year.

Comic who planned suicide now hosts gig to toast life

A comedian who was moments from taking his own life seven years ago is hosting a marathon live-streamed gig in celebration of positivity. At 1.33pm on February 15, 2014, Chazz Redhead was determined to jump in front of a train at Tooting Bec station in South London, but a chance diversion saved his life.

Unforgivable - creating comedy in lockdown

We'd nearly finished filming our panel show when production stopped, but we adapted, says Dom Wells-Martin.

Arthur Smith: threat to club is no laughing matter

Fears over future of industry as the Bill Murray faces uncertainty.

The Virt Locker review

Banter and live laughter help NextUp's show - featuring a grumpy Jen Brister, a lovable Sarah Keyworth and more - replicate in-person comedy.

Bobby Ball's character to have funeral in Not Going Out

Tommy Cannon is being invited to play the priest at the funeral of Bobby Ball's character in comedy Not Going Out.

Showrunner Simon Allen discusses The Watch

The industry is IP driven and we live in a naturally conservative world so most people gravitate towards the most direct adaptation possible. However, quite often, what made the original property so appealing to begin with goes missing in the movement between mediums. I have tried to solve that issue in my own way based on my own experiences of the world and who I am. I'm a writer, not a typist.