BCG Daily Monday 13th September 2021
News
Features
BCG Pro
Press clippings
Olga Koch, Soho Theatre review
Personal, political and playful.
Veronica Lee, The Arts Desk, 13th September 2021Sophie Willan interview
The comedian won a Bafta for the pilot of Alma's Not Normal. Now, as a full series arrives on BBC Two, she talks to Isobel Lewis about the way trauma undermines social mobility, and wanting care-experienced people to feel seen in her show.
Isobel Lewis, The Independent, 13th September 2021Leigh Francis: the laugh excluder who cannot be stopped
The latest offering from Britain's least funny comedian is too much for Ed Cumming. In his latest column, he explores the bewildering truth of Francis' enduring career.
Ed Cumming, The Independent, 13th September 2021Sex Education Series 3 review
Netflix's teen drama remains cringingly honest and engagingly heartfelt.
Fiona Sturges, The Independent, 13th September 2021Why it's TIME'S UP on abuse
I set up Funny Women with the intention of creating a safe space for women in comedy and over the last (almost) 20 years I have been saddened by continuing reports of abuse, both mental and physical, from within our industry. What's worse is that many of the victims were told not to tell anybody or talk about it because 'nobody would believe them'. This kind of coercion is fundamental to abuse of all kinds across society so 'times up' on letting the perpetrators get away with it.
Lynne Parker, Funny Women, 13th September 2021LA-based British actress & comic Tanya Fear missing
British actress, and recently stand-up comedian, Tanya Fear has been reported missing in Los Angeles.
BBC, 13th September 2021Vikki Stone writes debut panto
Musician and comedian Vikki Stone has written her debut panto, a version of Aladdin.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 13th September 2021Sam Nicoresti picks his comedy favourites
Sam Nicoresti - a member of the Weirdo's comedy collective and former winner the So You Think You're Funny new act competition - brings his latest show, UFO, to the Soho Theatre later this month. Here he shares his Perfect Playlist of comedy favourites.
Chortle, 13th September 2021Rich Hall review
There were tunes, songs, dances and laughter aplenty as a musical touch took over the Stourbridge Comedy Festival.
James Vukmirovic, The Express and Star, 13th September 2021British As Folk review
As a trip into corners of the UK that are often overlooked by the media - next week the trio's Mystery Machine rolls up to South Wales - it proves is am amiable, and very watchable, affair.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 13th September 2021LA-based British actress & comic Tanya Fear found
British actress-turned-comedian Tanya Fear has been found in Los Angeles after being reported missing last week.
BBC, 13th September 2021Alma's Not Normal, review
Sophie Willan turns trauma into comedy gold.
Michael Hogan, The Telegraph, 13th September 2021Alma's Not Normal, BBC2, review
Sophie Willan's comedy is a joyful portrait of the North we rarely see on TV.
Emily Baker, i Newspaper, 13th September 2021Russell Howard interview
'When your friends realise you're using material on them, it's really awful'.
Tom Ough, The Telegraph, 13th September 2021Back To Life Series 2 review
Sympathy isn't easily offered to anyone in Back To Life.
Steve Greene, IndieWire, 13th September 2021Ricky Gervais interview
As his hit show After Life nears its finale, Ricky Gervais talks goodbyes, dogs and dark humour.
Susannah Butter, Evening Standard, 13th September 2021Simon Pegg: I won't direct alcohol adverts
The actor and writer on comedic advertising, K-pop, zombies and more as he signs with RSA Films.
Alexandra Jardine, AdAge, 13th September 2021East is East review
It is impressive how well Ayub Khan Din's family comedy East Is East has weathered the time. This production celebrates the 25th anniversary of the play's premiere at Birmingham Repertory Theatre and yet it feels just as fresh today.
Diane Parkes, What's On Stage, 13th September 2021Lyric Hammersmith's Aladdin pantomime cast announced
Casting and creatives have been revealed for the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre's annual pantomime, this year being Aladdin, which opens on 19th November 2021 at the west London venue.
Alex Wood, What's On Stage, 13th September 2021Videos
Podcasts
TV & radio
The Rubbish World Of Dave Spud
Series 2, Episode 25 - Fit Is FunThe Spuds have been watching strongman competitions on the telly lately and want to become super-strong - the only problem is that none of them are fit. Investing in GritBits to get them moving, the Spuds discover that the devices are faulty and cannot be switched off, so the Spuds now find themselves unable to stop exercising...
Still So Awkward
Episode 8 - Meddle Of HonourInspired by hit daytime TV shows, Lily plays cupid for Samson and Ulrika, Seb helps Jeff surprise Meg with an office makeover and Frankie creates an art therapy trail.
The Rubbish World Of Dave Spud
Series 2, Episode 26 - Lucky SausageDave helps a local old lady called Tanya, who rewards him by giving him a sausage to say thank you - is Dave imagining it, or does something lucky happen every time he takes a bite?
Just A Minute
Series 87, Episode 2Sue Perkins is joined by Paul Merton, Gyles Brandreth, Josie Lawrence and Shaparak Khorsandi.
Bravo Two Charlies
Series 3, Episode 2 - CrisisGrace Bevan and Wendy Williams are feeling the peculiar after-effects of a night on the town while PC Dennis Babb is feeling the after-effects of something altogether different.
Ghosts
Series 3, Episode 6 - Part Of The FamilyWhile Alison and Mike gear up to make a big investment, the Captain and Kitty work together with the other ghosts to solve an unfolding mystery before it's too late.
The Complaints Department
Episode 1This week, Jason Manford is joined by comedians Jimmy Carr, Russell Kane, Sara Barron, and Baroness Sayeeda Warsi for a series of hilarious games based on the best complaints from the Great British public.
British As Folk
Episode 1 - Midlands: Is It All Mundane In The Midlands?Darren Harriott, Fern Brady and Ivo Graham get stuck into the middle of the country, to discover if the Midlands is really as mundane as the stereotypes suggest.
Alma's Not Normal
Series 1, Episode 1 - Feng SueyAfter a recent break-up, Alma tries to get her life back on track. But with no job, no qualifications, and a rebellious streak a mile wide, it's not going to be easy. Family life's not ideal either as Alma's heroin addicted mum has been sectioned for arson and her vampish Grandma Joan wants nothing to do with it.
Rockanory
Episode 5 - Aporkalypse Sow, Part 1While shooting a video, Ozzy Osbourne fills a church with live pigs. It doesn't go well.