Tim Harding's comedy diary

I have a soft spot for the kind of productions that appear at this time of year: often loose, slightly boozy festive offerings that only make sense in an end-of-term context.

Police officer drove to comedy show while on duty

A "dishonest" police officer who travelled to a comedy show when she was on duty would have been sacked if she had not left the force, a panel ruled.

Cast for Ian Hislop and Nick Newman's The Autobiography Of A Cad adaptation revealed

James Mack will play the eponymous Cad.

Live At Christmas comedy review: Seasonal stand-up treats aplenty

Powerhouse comedy bill led by Sara Pascoe hits buttons that veer from cynical to silly.

Adam Riches and John Kearns ARE Ball & Boe review

The single funniest hour I've spent in a theatre all year.

Review: Adam Riches and John Kearns ARE 'Ball & Boe'

For all the mucking about, they still make us invest in the relationship, ensuring the ups and downs packed into an hour have emotional resonance But never at the expense of excellent jokes and delightful turns of phrase crammed into every turn.

Josh Widdicombe: "It took me ages to realise I had a drink problem"

The comedian talks about going sober, having a breakdown, his first stand-up tour in six years - and why he's agreed to appear on the Strictly Christmas special.

Review: Jeeves Takes Charge at Ustinov Studio, Bath

Jeeves Takes Charge, a stage adaptation of three of PG Wodehouse's Jeeves stories, brought to life by the terrifically versatile Sam Harrison, is as reassuringly cosy as tinsel and turkey.

The best theatre, comedy and dance of 2024

Including Flo & Joan, Catherine Bohart and Jordan Brookes.

Adam Riches and John Kearns review - a five-star spoof of Ball and Boe

At the Soho Theatre in London two Edinburgh Comedy Award-winning oddballs form a hilarious new double act pretending to be Michael Ball and Alfie Boe.

The women of The Importance of Being Earnest on sexual fluidity, representation and bringing new audiences to the National Theatre

We recently sat down with three of the ladies currently starring in The Importance of Being Earnest at the National Theatre.

Jurassic Park parody Hold On To Your Butts at Arcola Theatre and on tour - review

Kristin McCarthy Parker's production continues until 11 January in London and then tours nationwide until April 2025.

Inside Sheffield's Little Shop of Horrors revival

Choosing Little Shop of Horrors as a Christmas offering might seem a little unconventional. But the team at Sheffield Theatres are convincing in their choice.

The Palladium pantomime welcomes its one millionth audience member

One million visitors have now seen the Palladium's pantomime since its return last decade.

Michael Harrison for Crossroads Pantomimes has revealed that Todd and Julie Nielson were the lucky patrons that achieved the record figure, attending the brand-new production of Robin Hood last week. The pair were treated to a post-show meeting with two of the stars of the pantomime, national treasure Jane McDonald and Palladium panto royalty Julian Clary.

Review: Adam Riches and John Kearns ARE 'Ball & Boe'

Ball & Boe was a masterclass in comedy, musicality, and sharp satire performed at the Soho Theatre.

Frank Skinner interview

When chatting to Frank Skinner, it's impossible to resist the topic of football.

Dr Strangelove director Sean Foley on Steve Coogan's extraordinary performance

Foley and Armando Iannucci have adapted Stanley Kubrick's classic satirical film for the theatre. It's more relevant now than ever, they say.

Julia Masli review

Wholesome, healing, and hilarious.

Ben Elton: "I fancied Olivia Newton-John. It's all right to say that about a third cousin, right?"

The stand-up talks about tensions behind the scenes of Blackadder, his Wiggles movie that never happened and his opinions on hecklers.

Adam Riches and John Kearns ARE Ball and Boe review

Although the hour never drags, there are a few slow moments, like the Naughty or Nice skit, that aren't particularly funny or clever.

Robin Hood pantomime at The London Palladium - review

The London Palladium pantomime has scored another bullseye!

John Kearns on straddling the cult and the mainstream

"Take the wig and teeth off? That's what everyone would do... not me!"

Milton Jones interview

Comedy star brings Ha!Milton to all corners of the nation.

Count Arthur Strong Is Charles Dickens In A Christmas Carol review

A unique take on a familiar festive tale.

Dream Gig: Amanda Dwyer

Glasgow comic and half of Material, Girl with Susan Riddell, Amanda Dwyer takes part in an absurd gig while dreaming up something even more fantastic!

Leicester Square Theatre New Comedian Of The Year 2024 review

There was a full house for this year's final at the Leicester Square Theatre, a mix of mates of the acts, winter tourists avoiding the storm and comedy fans.

Leicester Square Theatre New Comedian Of The Year 2024 review

The comedy circuit may be ridiculously oversubscribed, with far more stand-ups than gigs (or at least paying ones), but that doesn't stop hopefuls applying for new act competitions in their hundreds each year.

Pub Landlord Al Murray to perform in alcohol-free Saudi Arabia

It's a nation where anyone caught drinking faces fines or jail, so it's not most obvious place to find Al Murray's Pub Landlord. Yet the comic is taking his beer-sloshing alter-ego to the capital Riyadh next month, performing a gig in his latest Guv Island tour at the Princess Nourah University Theatre.

Brits heading to the 2025 Melbourne comedy festival

The line-up has been announced for next year's Melbourne International Comedy Festival, with a number of British-based comics heading down under.

"We're not as good as them!": why are comics Adam Riches and John Kearns becoming crooners Ball & Boe?

Two Edinburgh Fringe favourites have teamed up to play mainstream entertainment titans Michael Ball and Alfie Boe in this festive season's most unlikely stage show.