I listened to Act Your Age on Radio 4 yesterday, in which comics from different generations are pitted against each other. I was dreading it, but despite some misgivings about the number of teams, I quite enjoyed it. Milton Jones was great, as ever (if he was on TV he'd be a huge star). Oh, and it has Lucy Porter as one of the team captains, which is no bad thing.
Quote: chipolata @ November 19 2008, 2:51 PM GMTI think he is genuinely very good on The Now Show. He just hasn't got the major league talent needed to carry his own show.
It's strange. John Holmes is bloody hilarious when you watch The Now Show being recorded. There have been several times where I have been quite literally crying with laughter with aching sides when he does his routine. It never comes across quite so well when edited and broadcast, unfortunately. But I agree, Listen Against is a bit poor.
Quote: chipolata @ December 5 2008, 9:42 AM GMTI listened to Act Your Age on Radio 4 yesterday, in which comics from different generations are pitted against each other. I was dreading it, but despite some misgivings about the number of teams, I quite enjoyed it. Milton Jones was great, as ever (if he was on TV he'd be a huge star). Oh, and it has Lucy Porter as one of the team captains, which is no bad thing.
I've been meaning to listen to that for the last couple of weeks, my missus loves it. Must remember to go to Listen Against some point this weekend.
I'm going to stand up for Listen Against, I've enjoyed it.
Quote: Griff @ December 5 2008, 10:51 AM GMTI'm going to stand up for Listen Against, I've enjoyed it.
I did like the satinist bit on it this week. There's something about it for me that never quite gels, though.
Ha! I had mixed emotions on listening to that Satanist sketch as I've actually had "Satanist on 'Thought For The Day'" in my notebook as an idea to write up for ages. So, I'm pissed off that I can't use it now, but pleased I came up with an idea that was up to broadcast standard. Also, they made a better job of it than I would have.
Quote: chipolata @ December 5 2008, 9:42 AM GMTI listened to Act Your Age on Radio 4 yesterday, in which comics from different generations are pitted against each other. I was dreading it, but despite some misgivings about the number of teams, I quite enjoyed it. Milton Jones was great, as ever (if he was on TV he'd be a huge star). Oh, and it has Lucy Porter as one of the team captains, which is no bad thing.
I too thought this was surprisingly good.
I've also been enjoying Milton Jones's series again. There were a couple of less impressive episodes in the last series, but they've all been high quality this time round.
That picture on todays BSG is the first time I've ever seen Milton Jones.
Quote: chipolata @ December 8 2008, 1:32 PM GMTThat picture on todays BSG is the first time I've ever seen Milton Jones.
Yeah, he's been gone too long...
Dan
I'm surprised people are enjoying Act Your Age. Glad you are, but I personally find it very muddled and, frankly, lame.
I think previously I said I didn't much enjoy Listen Against much? Having heard a couple more episodes, I ought to point out it is now growing on me. There's some clever dialogue hidden in the presenters' scripts I didn't appreciate at first (I think it was just that the first episode was below par).
Here's my thoughts on the other current radio comedy. I'd be interested to hear what others think of these shows too:
Spending My Inheritance - quite amusing, but it's never going to become a well-known sitcom adored by all.
Another Case Of Milton Jones - I love shows like this which are really joke heavy. So many puns!
Danny Robins Music Therapy - This started very strongly, but it's starting to lose its way a bit now. Somewhat understandable though I suppose, as coming up with so much musical material must be hard.
15 Minute Musical - always a pleasure. I have to listen to it twice to take it all in.
Self-Storage - two series in, and this still hasn't really captured my interest.
Fags, Mags And Bags - it's growing on me, last Friday's episode about the greetings cards was quite fun, but I wouldn't say I was a fan yet.
The Now Show - this comedy has been my favourite radio satire for quite a while now so nothing negative to say about it.
Out To Lunch - a bit of a mixed bag. Some good stand-up, some acts which should have been dropped.
Quote: Mark @ December 8 2008, 10:55 PM GMTAnother Case Of Milton Jones - I love shows like this which are really joke heavy. So many puns!
15 Minute Musical - always a pleasure. I have to listen to it twice to take it all in.
The Now Show - this comedy has been my favourite radio satire for quite a while now so nothing negative to say about it.
These are probably the three strongest and most reliable comedies on at the moment. All three deliver, and deliver strongly in the laughs department. The Now Show in particular seems to go from strength to strength.
Quote: Mark @ December 8 2008, 10:55 PM GMTSelf-Storage - two series in, and this still hasn't really captured my interest.
I do like this, but I rarely laugh when it's on. It's more a rye smile kind of comedy, and typical of a lot of Radio 4's fifteen minute vehicles.
Quote: Mark @ December 8 2008, 10:55 PM GMTFags, Mags And Bags - it's growing on me, last Friday's episode about the greetings cards was quite fun, but I wouldn't say I was a fan yet.
Out To Lunch - a bit of a mixed bag. Some good stand-up, some acts which should have been dropped.
Both patchy as hell. Good stuff mixed with rubbish.
'Rye smile'? Like, made of bread? 
Fags, Mags & Bags' first series grew on me and I quite liked it by the end. Not listened to this one yet though.
I need to listen to the latest All Bar Luke that finished a few weeks back. That is one of the stand-out radio comedies of recent years, IMO.
Dan
Quote: swerytd @ December 9 2008, 10:30 AM GMT'Rye smile'? Like, made of bread?
I smile in a way that pays homage to Holden Caulfield.
And I agree about All Bar Luke. A definite highlight of recent years.
Still listening to Listen Against, and still not overly impressed. Too reminiscent of other shows that satirise the media for my liking. That said, it was great to hear the Satanist on Thought For The Day again.
Last night's Danny Robins Music Therapy was quite good. I liked guest rapper Doc Brown performing a rap about The Archers.
Quote: Ian Wolf @ December 10 2008, 11:03 AM GMTLast night's Danny Robins Music Therapy was quite good. I liked guest rapper Doc Brown performing a rap about The Archers.
Where would Radio 4 comedy be without The Archers?