BCG Daily Friday 4th August 2023
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Fringe performers 'ready to be discovered' as festival begins
The Edinburgh Fringe was the sort of last-minute decision which could easily have fizzled out before it even began.
Pauline McLean, BBC, 4th August 2023Edinburgh Fringe: Nationalism takes centre stage in comic's new show
Seamas Carey is the first to admit that his new Fringe show acted as a form of therapy.
Adam Robertson, The National (Scotland), 4th August 2023Edinburgh Fringe 2023: The best shows to see, from Frank Skinner to Megan Stalter
As the annual festival returns, here are this year's best comedy, and theatre and dance shows.
Rachael Healy, i Newspaper, 4th August 2023Edinburgh Fringe: 10 of the best comedy and theatre shows to watch
As the Fringe returns, Isobel Lewis has waded through the thousands of names in the programme to find you 10 shows to watch.
Isobel Lewis, The Independent, 4th August 2023Becky Fury's Identity: Putting the -ish in British, death and winning the FA Cup...
Tonight, she opens her latest comedy show - Identity - It runs every night for the whole duration of this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
John Fleming, John Fleming's Blog, 4th August 2023Ivo Graham: 'I wish there were less tizz in my life, but I do thrive on it'
The comedian tells Dominic Maxwell about the three comedy shows he's taking to the Edinburgh Fringe.
Dominic Maxwell, The Times, 4th August 2023EdFringe Talk: Arran Birks: Truth Hurts
"That all sounds very self-important. Maybe I just need a pedestal."
Dan Lentell, Get Your Coats On, 4th August 2023EdFringe Talk: 30 Minute Musicals: Top Gun
"You can have all the time in the world, you're never quite ready."
Dan Lentell, Get Your Coats On, 4th August 2023Interview - Tom Lenk and Tommy Hobson
Critically acclaimed comedy troupe 30 Minute Musicals has been entertaining Hollywood audiences since 2011.
Jonny Stone, Snack Magazine, 4th August 2023
Joe Pasquale rushed to hospital after freak accident 'almost kills him'
Joe Pasquale has revealed he was nearly killed last week after a freak accident. The I'm A Celeb winner, 62, was rushed to hospital after he fell and stabbed himself on the razor-sharp bone of a moose's antlers.
Fay Leyfield, The Sun, 4th August 2023Glenn Wool: Like a Pit Pony Descending into Darkness
Glenn Wool is just about the best thing to come out of Canada after maple syrup and Ryan Reynolds.
Kate Copstick, Entertainment Now, 4th August 2023Edinburgh Fringe preview: Sad-Vents
Eleanor Hill's show Sad-Vents has just opened at the Edinburgh Fringe following a successful run at the Vault Festival.
Louise Penn, LouReviews, 4th August 2023Edinburgh focus: What can be done to save the world's biggest and best arts festival?
As Edinburgh's annual summer spectacular kicks off amid cost-of-living hikes, rising accommodation costs and ongoing concerns about its sheer size and direction of travel, Fergus Morgan asks voices from the industry and beyond about the one thing they would change to secure the festival's future.
Fergus Morgan, The Stage, 4th August 2023
Have I Got News For You 'not offensive to gingers'
When Diane Abbott said Jewish people did not face racism, but prejudice similar to gingers, it was inevitably going to make Have I Got News For You. But the jokes satirising the Labour MP for her antisemitism angered one viewer who complained to the BBC that the section was offensive... to redheads.
Chortle, 4th August 2023What moves can be made to increase diversity at the Fringe?
We asked Edinburgh comedians how the festival could attract a wider range of performers and audiences.
Chortle, 4th August 2023Starburst's Ten Hot Edinburgh Fringe Shows 2023
Here are some of Starburst's keenly anticipated Edinburgh Fringe show of 2023...
Ed Fortune, Starburst Magazine, 4th August 2023Myq Kaplan on the highs and lows of the Edinburgh Fringe
The worst fear is reviewers. The other worst fear is not having any reviewers.
Chortle, 4th August 2023Popcorn Award for New Writing at the Edinburgh Fringe - Longlist Announced
Popcorn Group, a film, television, and theatre production company founded by filmmaker Charlotte Colbert, has again partnered up with the BBC Writersroom and eight renowned Edinburgh theatre venues to shortlist the best of new writing coming to this year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
BBC Writersroom, 4th August 2023Ask a Stripper: We are Deeply Political People
Ask A Stripper is about as original as it gets, there's nothing else out there doing what this show does.
Entertainment Now, 4th August 2023Welcome To My Nightmare
Ian Smith, Ange Lavoipierre and Emma Lister reveal their Fringe-inspired stress dreams, from forgotten lines to being trapped in a surreal stage.
Ben Venables, Fest Mag, 4th August 2023Richard Stott regrets not learning the craft - and finding his voice - the hard way
"I rose through comedy too quickly".
Richard Stott, Chortle, 4th August 2023Tom Mayhew picks his comedy favourites
"Suzi Ruffell's show made me unashamed of growing up poor."
Chortle, 4th August 2023Scots left fuming after mum-of-three is forced off bus due to "entitled" Fringe performer
The incident was witnessed by one anonymous Scot on the number 16 bus to Morningside in Edinburgh on Tuesday 1st after the Fringe performer had boarded with countless boxes and bags. They claim that a mother, who was pushing a pram with two other children in tow, attempted to board the bus but was then told by the performer: "Sorry it's full".
Douglas Simpson, Deadline News, 4th August 2023Monét X Change interview
"The show is going to be very exciting. It's not like a lip-syncing and not that boring s***. It's actual live stand-up comedy and music. It's going to be fabulous."
Claire Smith, Edinburgh Festivals, 4th August 2023Catherine Cohen interview
Expect savage and sexualised skewering of millennial mores and a cabaret voice for the ages. All while dressed to (literally?) kill. I spoke to Cohen about blow dries, body image and being delusional.
Michael Whitham, Edinburgh Festivals, 4th August 2023Ed Byrne interview
"I look at that through the lens of the tragedy that befell me last year, of the death of my little brother."
Claire Smith, Edinburgh Festivals, 4th August 2023Matt Forde interview
"It's a beautiful city, there's nowhere else like it in Britain. Plus the bins have been emptied this year."
Caroline Whitham, Edinburgh Festivals, 4th August 2023Kiell Smith-Bynoe returns to the Fringe
Best known for his TV roles on Stath Lets Flats, Ghosts and the latest series of Taskmaster, Kiell Smith-Bynoe brings a chaotic kids party to the Edinburgh Fringe and goes back to his improv roots.
Polly Glynn, The Skinny, 4th August 2023Man in charge of handing out flyers for actress's performance takes the blame for only one person showing up
A leafletteer has taken the blame after an actor and writer was left in tears after just one person turned up to her show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival because he had taken a day off.
Paul Smith, Daily Mail, 4th August 2023Georgie Grier plays to sell-out Edinburgh crowd 24 hours after tearful tweet
Actor and writer posted yesterday after performing her show Sunsets to one audience member.
Libby Brooks, The Guardian, 4th August 2023
Edinburgh 2023: Elliot Minogue-Stone Q&A
Groovicle runs at Zoo Venues until 27 August.
Natalie O'Donoghue, Broadway World, 4th August 2023Edinburgh 2023: Cam Gavinski Q&A
BWW catches up with Cam Gavinski to chat about bringing Bonheur to the 2023 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Natalie O'Donoghue, Broadway World, 4th August 20237 Questions with Rizal Van Geyzel
"Coming from Malaysia, opening my eyes, my heart and my mind at the world's biggest arts festival in a city so rich in history."
Heathen Jest, 4th August 20237 Questions with David Ian
"So when I was 18 after I lost my virginity I got a death threat, which was kinda dramatic, and it made me think ok if being gay is going to be this difficult then I'm going to have to literally be the best gay possible."
Heathen Jest, 4th August 20237 Questions with Trevor Lock
"What if I become suddenly rich and famous overnight?!"
Heathen Jest, 4th August 20237 Questions with Ginny Hogan
"My show is a coming-of-age stand up comedy show about letting go of my addiction to data and booze. It sounds dark, but it's not! Well, parts are - but my main goal is to make people laugh."
Heathen Jest, 4th August 2023String V SPITTA review
This comedy duo is heads, shoulders, knees and toes above the rest.
Bruce Dessau, Evening Standard, 4th August 2023Videos
TV
Online
Podcasts
TV & radio
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Ashley Blaker: 6.5 Children
Series 2, Episode 1 - LabelsAshley considers the importance of labels and comes up with some of his own.
1:30pm30 min
Breaking The News
Series 25, Episode 7Des Clarke returns for more topical comedy, with guests Ray Bradshaw, Diona Doherty, David Kay & Karen Bartke.
6:30pm30 min
What Are You Talking About?
Satirical special hosted by Mock The Week regular Rhys James.
9pm30 min
Not Going Out
Series 13, Episode 7 - FootballWhen Lee goes to watch Benji playing football for a local Under 13 team, he is unable to restrain himself on the touchline and becomes the competitive dad that all the other parents avoid. Undaunted by the disapproval of Toby, who coaches the team, Lee sets about rigging the vote for the Player of the Year.
9pm60 min
Then You Run
Episode 5After Nessi confesses, Tara's attempts to outsmart a dangerous police figure escalate out of control and Reagan tries to cut a deal to secure his own freedom. Meanwhile, The Traveller has questions to ask about his son's death.
9:30pm30 min
The Power Of Parker
Episode 2 - Miss StockportMartin is desperately trying to get his hands on a chunk of cash. Sandy Cooper offers Martin a potential lifeline, but the day ends with punches thrown and an ambulance called.
10pm65 min
The Last Leg
Series 28, Episode 6Joining Adam, Josh and Alex this week are actress Susan Wokoma and comedians Seann Walsh and Chris McCausland.
11:05pm65 min
Chris McCausland Live: Speaky Blinder
The stand-up comedian brings his Speaky Blinder tour to an end at London's O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire theatre. Chris covers topics as diverse as race, wearable tech, his blindness, childbirth and the temperature at which his wife sets the thermostat.