Live Comedy

Circuit Training

Si Hawkins checks in with comics who've journeyed to the darkest depths of development hell - TV, radio, film or new-fangled web ventures - and are still standing.

No. 155: The Mark Thomas Back-to-Comedy Project

Tuesday 17th September 2024

He acted, went skint, and got back on the circuit - it's been quite a year for Mark Thomas, including a good few prisons. But how did we get on to pub kitchens and Pepsi & Shirlie?

No. 154: Louise Young looks likely to go large in 2024

Monday 22nd January 2024

Heading to Soho with her Best Newcomer-nominated show, Louise Young talks story-saving, Peppa prep and her most addictive purchase of 2023.

No. 153: Crisis Planning, Insane Podcasts and a Bump, with Rich Wilson

Tuesday 28th November 2023

A can-do sort of bloke, Rich Wilson even recorded a special on his honeymoon. But with a new show and a big Crisis benefit coming up, he's also prepping for an event that might just change everything.

No. 152: To the Common! With Alistair Barrie and Bagel the dog (unleashed!)

Thursday 16th November 2023

A dramatic trip downriver with the on-tour Alistair Barrie and his intrepid terrier, Bagel. Will we all get back in one piece? Why is Alistair so angry? And what made Lee Hurst ban him.

No. 151: Book touring, Brydon-launching and lost Peter Kay stuff: Stuart Maconie gets the treatment

Saturday 20th May 2023

He looked set for a successful comedy career, helped launch big names, even acted in Phoenix Nights - so why did Stuart Maconie start rambling instead?

No. 150: To the Secret Gardens! With Jack Docherty

Monday 9th January 2023

For this special ton-and-a-half edition, we head back to last August, and an intriguing invite from Absolutely and Scot Squad star Jack Docherty. Plus Bowie, Vic & Bob, Armstrong & Bain, Sayle, Norton, Status Quo, and a dog.

No. 149: Shed to Shed, with Andy Zaltzman

Tuesday 15th November 2022

The man with the wittiest shed in sport and politics, Andy Zaltzman talks hasty rewrites, mourning comedy, and why he's hiding a giant wooden duck.

No. 148: A Quick Festival Catch-Up with Isy Suttie

Wednesday 5th October 2022

Making a welcome return to comedy stages, Isy Suttie brings Jackpot to Manchester's Women in Comedy fest. But could she do it in Welsh?

No. 147: Simon Day's Big Nights Out

Monday 12th September 2022

He followed Squeeze out of Blackheath, fell in with Vic & Bob and helped The Fast Show become huge. But why has Simon Day culled some classic characters from his new tour?

No. 146: To the Shops! Moomin Magic, with Joz Norris

Saturday 5th March 2022

Joz Norris and Circuit Training did wander round Camden's Moomin shop because a world war seemed to be starting and we needed cheering up, but it turned out to be oddly relevant.