BCG Daily Friday 3rd September 2021

Poor viewers of Joe Lycett's 'Watchdog' sold a pup

It's meant to be a knockabout version of Watchdog, an hour-long sally into consumer affairs with plenty of comedy. If either part of the format was strong, Joe might have a hit. But the endless toilet jokes aren't funny and the crusades are pathetic.

Greg Davies interview

'There will always be someone who finds your work offensive'.

The Good Life stage adaptation tour announces full cast

Full casting has been revealed for the stage adaptation of The Good Life, which will open on tour next month.

Appearing will be Preeya Kalidas as Margo Leadbetter, Dominic Rowan as Jerry Leadbetter, and Sally Tatum as Barbara Good, joining the previously announced Rufus Hound as Tom Good. Also featured will be Nigel Betts and Tessa Churchard.

Jason Manford admits his first marriage 'disintegrated'

Comedian Jason Manford has revealed his first marriage "disintegrated" because did not put enough "care and time" into it.

The 40-year-old split from his first wife Catherine, who he welcomed four children with, in 2013 and admitted that he spent too much time working to give his kids a better childhood than he had than on the relationship.

Late Night Mash review

It's like it never went away...

Olga Koch interview

It may come as a shock to learn that up until a month ago, Koch still hadn't quit her day job in computer science. Like lots of live performers, she was thrown slightly off course by the pandemic.

Simon Amstell review

The comedy is user-friendly, but what is he trying to say?

Michael Spicer interview

"I've never been heckled, I'm an online comedian".

Matt Richardson on the tech he can't live without

The comedian on his retro record player, bootleg AirPods and wine fridges.

Simon Amstell review

The comedian flops in a New York hotel room, sheds his inhibitions at an ayahuasca ceremony and visits a Berlin sex club as he explores his midlife crisis.

Have I got work for you

Do you want to make a living as a comedy writer? It can be done. Everyone dreams of writing that hit sitcom or comedy screenplay. But if you want to fulfil those dreams, topical comedy has long been a proven point of entry.

Simon Amstell, Spirit Hole, review

Sex, drugs, neurosis and moments of comedy bliss.

Late Night Mash: why were the BBC scared of this?

The satirical news show has moved to Dave after being cancelled by the BBC, but its innocuous comedy is hardly controversial.

Review: Late Night Mash, Dave

And thus, like a monster they couldn't kill - Monster Mash, if you like - it has risen from the dead.

Michael Spicer - The Room Next Door, review

His short satirical films have had 60 million views online, but this live show fails to replicate their undeniable comic magic.

Funny Women stage award shortlist revealed

In our search for the 10 acts to go through to final of the 2021 Funny Women Stage Award, our team and a select panel of industry judges scored 372 submission videos in multiple stages; two preliminary rounds, 13 virtual heats rounds and four live online semi-finals, all in these crazy times!

Celebrating Britain's loveliest, most jubbliest sitcom

1989's sixth series of the BBC's Only Fools And Horses was the pukka deal. It was the series that solidified the show's already record-breaking audiences and critical success.

Caitlin Moran: Bob Mortimer became my fantasy husband

As his new memoir reveals, Bob Mortimer's early life was heartbreakingly sad. Our columnist went to his home town of Middlesbrough to hear how a shy, lonely young man became a comedy legend. This is what happened...

Jimmy Carr spotted pushing a pram

Jimmy Carr was pictured pushing a pram on a stroll in London, the first public sighting of the presenter since the death of friend and colleague Sean Lock. The comedian has never confirmed having children with long-term partner Karoline Copping.