BCG Daily Friday 9th December 2022

Mo Gilligan takes his Black British Takeover on tour

The comic will present some of the stars of the black UK stand-up circuit at five venues - mostly arenas - next year.

Review: Mr Swallow

Nick Mohammed is Scrooge as you've never seen him before.

Lenny Henry working on more memoirs

Speaking to Graham Norton on his BBC One chat show tomorrow night, Henry confirmed that another book is on the way, charting the way his career expanded beyond comedy.

Review - Fin Taylor: Daddy Self-Care

Fin Taylor is not afraid to speak his mind, and his recent set Daddy Self-Care is proof of that.

Sheridan Smith to star in West End Shirley Valentine

Sheridan Smith will return to the stage in a new production of Shirley Valentine.

Directed by Matthew Dunster, the solo show tells the tale of a woman dreaming of escaping her family home and heading to Greece.

Betty! A sort of musical at Royal Exchange Theatre - review

At the turn of the millennium, after eight years as Speaker of the House of Commons, Betty Boothroyd declared "time's up". Just as she was a disruptor and counterpoint to the political class, this show, co-written by Maxine Peake and Seiriol Davies, takes a similarly flippant look at how she got there.

Plebs: Soldiers Of Rome review

It's a sign of how much Plebs has become important to ITV that its feature-length farewell episode was heralded as one of the launch highlights of its newly revamped, and retitled, streaming service ITVX.

Stewart Lee Live in Leicester Square review

All in all a great show, even for first timers or those who may not think Stewart Lee is their cup of tea, my advice is give it a try, you might just be surprised.

Tax-loving comedian John Robins demystifies tax jargon

"I know it may sound weird but I actually love doing my tax return. It appeals to the part of my brain that likes neatness and order."

The top 50 TV shows of 2022: No 9 - Derry Girls

Tonally perfect, exquisitely funny and hugely moving, the final series of Lisa McGee's comedy about growing up in 90s Northern Ireland was a masterpiece.

A Christmas Carol-ish by Mr Swallow review

There are already nine major versions of A Christmas Carol on the London stage this winter. Now here's No. 10 - guaranteed to be nothing like the rest.

David Walliams allegedly involved in 'argument' with passenger on first-class Dubai flight

TikTok user claimed Walliams 'reported' him.

Ricky Gervais reveals James Corden apologised after copying his joke: 'He was horrified'

The comedian again defended the British star, who claimed last month that the joke was copied 'inadvertently' without realising where it originated.

Nick Mohammed returns as Mr Swallow - and he's not just for Christmas

Once an under-the-radar live comedy jewel, Mohammed's alter-ego impresario is hogging the spotlight in two new stage shows. Is the character destined for TV?

A Christmas Carol-ish... by Mr Swallow review

Mohammed gives a sprightly performance that grafts the Mr Swallow character nicely onto the Scroogey-Santa trope while retaining the essential personality of his original creation.

Lauren Pattison: It Is What It Is review

Pattison is an incredibly charming and friendly comedian, and she does cast an enchantment over us, because (as much of a cliché as it is) the worst part of this show is when it ends, and we no longer have the pleasure of Pattison's company.

Jan Ravens - the impressionist who got Liz Truss down to a T

The star of radio's Dead Ringers on the battles she's fought to have her voice heard - and why she wishes our shortest-serving prime minister had hung around just a bit longer.

Rhod Gilbert: Comedian optimistic about cancer recovery

Rhod Gilbert has said he is feeling positive and is recovering day-by-day from cancer. In July, the 53-year-old from Carmarthen revealed he was receiving treatment at Velindre Cancer Hospital Centre in Cardiff.

A Christmas Carol-ish, Soho Theatre review

Nick Mohammed has created an evening full of charm, which on the surface looks a bit haphazard but is intricately pieced together.

Yippee Ki Yay at King's Head Theatre review

Yippee Ki Yay is a fan's love letter to Die Hard and fans will no doubt appreciate the plenty of laughs it has to offer.

Ruth Madoc rushed to hospital after shock accident

Ruth is currently starring in a pantomime in Torqauy - but has had to drop out.

Review: A Christmas Carol-ish

Irresistibly silly with a central comic turn to savour.

A Christmas Carol-ish review

Lively throughout, but a more coherent storyline amidst the chaotic presentation wouldn't go amiss.

Review: A Christmas Carol-ish

Mohammed's superb comedic writing and timing really does make it feel like the production has gone spectacularly off course.

Review: A Christmas Carol-ish

As soon as Nick Mohammed explodes onto stage adorned in Scrooge's nightshirt belting out a schmaltzy power ballad, you know that A Christmas Carol-ish... is going to be a pitch perfect rollercoaster of festive fun.

Review: A Christmas Carol-ish

A hysterical deconstruction of seasonal stagings of A Christmas Carol from Mr Swallow aka Nick Mohammed.

Romesh Ranganathan set for pay day as company assets soar to £1.6 million

Romesh Ranganathan has never been busier - and business is booming. His Ranga Bee production company has seen assets soar to £1.6 million, up from £342,000 the previous year.

First look at Ian McKellen, John Bishop and more in Mother Goose

Production images have been released for the touring pantomime production of Mother Goose, starring Ian McKellen in the titular role and John Bishop as husband, Vic Goose.