BCG Daily Wednesday 17th May 2023
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James Acaster: 'I've been thinking, how can I get better as a comedian?'
The comedian talks about his debut album and a new stand-up show that welcomes hecklers.
Dominic Maxwell, The Times, 17th May 2023
John Cleese reveals why he can never be cancelled
Cleese explained that it's his ability to do live shows for his fans instead of relying on big commercial networks that's helped him stay relevant.
J. Peterson, Daily Mail, 17th May 2023
Aisling Bea calls out major award shows for overlooking comedy actors
Aisling Bea has said she thinks it is "unfair" major awards shows do not have a supporting comedy actor category.
Sandra Mallon, The Irish Mirror, 17th May 2023
Jim Moir, Nancy Sorrell, Chris Packham and the fine art of birdwatching
The artist formerly known as Vic Reeves gets out his easel and brushes in a new TV show with wife Nancy Sorrell, heading out into nature to paint the birds, alongside naturalist Chris Packham.
Laura Kelly, The Big Issue, 17th May 2023
Q&A: Rachel Fairburn, Showgirl
Creator of the smash hit podcast All Killa No Filla with Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Rachel Fairburn talks to us about her new show Showgirl touring the UK from September 2023, as well as her female comic inspirations, how she didn't discover that she was a blunt person until doing comedy, and how her mum is the funniest person she knows.
Tash Snaith, Funny Women, 17th May 2023
Bill Bailey presents a new series of Extraordinary Portraits celebrating NHS heroes
Bill - a keen art lover - pairs up some of the most inspiring NHS staff with leading British artists.
BBC, 17th May 2023
Tribute show announced for Gareth Richards
The show will take place at the Big Belly Comedy Club in London this Monday, May 22. Appearing on the night will be Jason Manford, Milton Jones, Tim Vine, Andrew White, Junior Simpson and Jo Enright. The compere will be Geoff Whiting.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 17th May 2023
Amarpal Singh: Comedy Singhtral review
Although still a relative newcomer, Amarpal Singh has a confidence and a playfulness that lights up a stage.
Chortle, 17th May 2023
Review: Christopher Bliss - Captain's Word Eye
A dose of Bliss is exactly what we need in this world right now, and he deserves to sell out every time he performs.
Alex Finch, Comedy To Watch, 17th May 2023
Review: Paul Currie: The Chorus of Ghosts Living In My Skull Keep Telling Me To Take A Shit In The Fruit Salad
Ultimately it's quite a strange hodgepodge of a show, with some aspects that I loved, and some parts I felt bored by, and the occasional serious moment which though interesting sometimes saw Currie almost force a round of applause out of the crowd, rather than it happening naturally. Due to all of the above I wouldn't recommend it to the casual comedy fan, but if you're looking for something a little unconventional, even if it is a flawed creation I'd cautiously recommend it.
Alex Finch, Comedy To Watch, 17th May 2023
Review: Operation Mincemeat
A corpsing comedy that deserves its cult hit status.
Tim Walker, The New European, 17th May 2023
Local Hero review
Wistful 80s comedy snares your heart with charm and beauty.
Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian, 17th May 2023
Jessica Fostekew on being a queer parent and coming out later in life
Jessica Fostekew has had a major journey of self-discovery over the past few years as she realised her own queer identity while parenting a seven-year-old son.
Matthew Moore, Hello Magazine, 17th May 2023
Should we review comedy? Applying a critical eye to a subjective art
Comedian Michael Elizabeth shares her views on how reviewers should approach the highly subjective nature of comedy shows.
Michael Elizabeth, Varsity, 17th May 2023
Allan Mustafa interview
Allan Mustafa talks about People Just Do Nothing and the problem with 'working class TV'. The actor also known as MC Grindah on growing up with immigrant parents, his 'terrible' teen work ethic - and the new series of The Curse.
Ed Cumming, The Telegraph, 17th May 2023
5 essential podcasts hosted by stand-up comics
As August draws closer, we're looking at some of the best comedy podcasts hosted by stand-ups who have performed in Edinburgh.
David Hepburn, The Scotsman, 17th May 2023
James Corden sells Los Angeles mansion for $17million
James Corden has reportedly sold his lavish Los Angeles mansion for just over $17million after relocating back to the UK with his family.
Kate Dennett, Daily Mail, 17th May 2023Podcasts
TV & radio
9pm60 min
Painting Birds With Jim And Nancy Moir
Series 1, Episode 5 - YorkshireThe couple visit the East Yorkshire coast to paint gannets and are joined by local experts and artists Colin and Jess Self, as well as Jim's mum Audrey.
11pm15 min
Jamie MacDonald: Life On The Blink
Series 2, Episode 4 - Toxic Role ModelJamie confronts stereotypes head on, from his disability to his national identity. He realises that he's in a position of privilege, and has been deemed a role model by others - and it's not a position he relishes.