BCG Daily Monday 14th August 2023

James Acaster review

Weaknesses are a strong point in a dazzling show.

Sophie Zucker on her hilarious cousin-kissing funeral musical

A writer on The Daily Show who has been compared to Barbra Streisand, the New York comic has an unashamedly attention-seeking show at the Edinburgh Fringe.

The Iceman on eccentric Bob Flag and selling his own artworks in a rubbish tip

Anthony Irvine has just shared some memories of Bob Flag with me.

In Conversation: Ed Edwards and Mark Thomas

The acclaimed playwright Ed Edwards' England & Son was written for Mark Thomas. Their story began at the Fringe, five years ago.

EdFringe Talk: John Franklin: My Dad's Advice

"I was battling a hangover (and losing that battle, I should add) when an advertisement for Fringe popped up on my Instagram. I said to myself, 'F*** it.'"

EdFringe Talk: Crap Ballet

"I feel lucky that people get to step into my brain for an hour each night."

Ike Ufomadu: How it started, how it's going

Visiting American comic gives us a status report on his first Fringe.

James Acaster: Hecklers Welcome review

Delivering his own 'origin story', with interruptions encouraged, Acaster skilfully pieces together big-yield routines from inauspicious beginnings.

How Ali G made fools of us all - and got away with it

As Sacha Baron Cohen plots the return of the 'rapper-stroke-idiot' from Staines, his collaborators reveal how he duped the establishment.

Darren Walsh on the best and the worst of the Fringe

Having a blast backstage...

Stand-up on social media is the same joke told a thousand times

It's enough to make Nick Pupo want to become a forest hermit.

Edinburgh's superstar magicians on secrets and surprises

Magic and mentalism abounds at this year's festival. But how are the tricks done? Some of the best performers remain tightlipped - while others reveal all.

Catherine Cohen on friend and fellow comic Megan Stalter: 'I'd never seen anyone like her'

The Fringe, friendship and fangirling over Taylor Swift: all this and more gets an airing as comic buddies Megan Stalter and Catherine Cohen set the world to rights.

Edinburgh 2023: Matthew Greenhough Guest Blog

The Death of Molly Miller runs at Edfringe this August.

Gillian Cosgriff on new show Actually, Good: 'I'm poking the world for good stuff'

Gillian Cosgriff may have an award-winning show and rave reviews on her CV, but that doesn't stop the Aussie comic feeling nervous. She chats to us about accentuating the positive, celebrating small wins and rewiring her brain.

Lydia Mason obituary: Free Festival titan and friend to all

The comedy producer and 'Vice-Admiral' of the Laughing Horse Free Festival has died suddenly at the age of 40, following a short illness.

Dane Baptiste on the Fringe: 'The festival is discriminatory to people of a certain extraction'

The long-standing comic talks to us about impending fatherhood, frustration over unfulfilled TV projects, and what grinds his gears about Edinburgh in August.

Alison & Larry: Billericay To Barry review

The dullest celebrity travel show of all time.

Alison & Larry: Billericay To Barry review

Only a die-hard Gavin And Stacey fan could endure this.

Alison & Larry: Billericay To Barry review

A comically low-key travelogue anchored by friendship.

Blackadder at 40: the difficult birth of a classic TV comedy

Looking back to that first series 40-years-ago, it is odd to think that such a beloved comedy could initially have got it so very wrong.

Nigel Planer: 'I made as much from one episode of Blackadder as from all of The Young Ones'

The West End star on divorce, getting recognised and making money on a Second World War barge.

Ian McKellen and Roger Allam-led Frank and Percy to transfer to London

Frank And Percy with Ian McKellen and Roger Allam will transfer to The Other Palace in London.

The show, penned by Ben Weatherill, is based on the connection between two old men who chat on a park bench, as well as the furry friends that spark their friendship.