BCG Daily Monday 6th September 2021

This Way Up: chaotic coming-of-age black comedy

There's nothing two dimensional about this beautifully layered, hilarious and romantic post-breakdown comedy.

Sophie Willan turning her chaotic life into sitcom gold

She won a Bafta for Alma's Not Normal - and that was just the pilot episode. As the full series launches, the ex-standup talks about growing up in care, getting the comedy bug in Ibiza and finally hitting the big time.

Can you be taught how to be a stand-up comedian?

Is there any point studying comedy for an academic qualification? Someone asked that in an online comedy forum for comedians and wannabe comedians last week. It wasn't and won't be the first or last time the question is asked. My reaction is - admittedly as a non-performer - absolutely not.

Campaign for Roy Chubby Brown to perform after gig axed

A campaign has been growing in support of controversial comic Roy Chubby Brown performing following the news that a planned gig in Sheffield has been cancelled.

Ed Gamble joins Great British Menu

Ed Gamble is to be one of the judges on the next series of BBC Two's cooking challenge show Great British Menu.

David Baddiel on fame, faith (and football)

The comedian, author, presenter and playwright -- still best known for that footie song -- talks to Sathnam Sanghera before his appearance at the Cheltenham Literature Festival.

Funny Women stage award ones-to-watch revealed

We've announced our 2021 Funny Women Stage Award sponsored by Sky Studios finalists and now it's time to share with you the 10 comedians who made our 2021 Ones to Watch list!

West End run for Titania McGrath

This October, radical intersectionalist poet and Twitter activist Titania McGrath (Alice Marshall, created by Andrew Doyle) infiltrates the very heart of the establishment in London's West End on a mission to spread her message of feminism, social justice and armed peaceful protest.

Banning Chubby Brown only makes him free-speech martyr

The veteran comedian, once among Britain's most popular, has been barred from a Sheffield venue. But who does the decision really benefit?

Jason Manford on cancel culture, complaining & steak

"Fundamentally, the people who come to comedy nights and go to comedy clubs aren't the same people who are cancelling people for telling jokes and are complaining on Twitter."

Whose job is it to deal with aggressive comedy punters?

Benamin Bello, aka President Obonjo, has a close shave on stage.

John Challis cancels tour after secret health battle

Only Fools And Horses favourite John Challis has cancelled a speaking tour due to ill health. The TV star, 79, had started his 30-date spoken word tour, but was told to stop after completing just one date.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge leaves Amazon's 'Mr. & Mrs. Smith'

Multiple sources confirmed to Variety that Waller-Bridge has left the project due to creative differences with fellow star and executive producer Donald Glover.

The Mighty Kids Beatbox Comedy Show review

Jarred Christmas's human cartoon antics and Hobbit's virtuoso microphone skills jolly the crowd along - but the show wasn't as interactive as billed.

Just a Minute, review

Radio 4's much-loved show will be just fine with new host Sue Perkins.

Bill Bailey wasn't invited back to Buzzcocks

In an interview published in this week's Radio Times magazine, Bailey, who became a regular panel series from its eleventh series onward, was asked if he had been asked to return. "No, I wasn't," he said. "Or maybe I was and I missed the email! Perhaps I was learning the Charleston that week. I guess they want a new intake. I don't mind. I did more than a hundred shows, so I think I got my fix of Buzzcocks."

James Corden spotted filming at Cambridge hotel

Gavin & Stacey star James Corden was spotted shooting scenes for the new series of Mammals in Cambridge this weekend.

Social media heroes part seventy eight: the stories you need to see