Ben Bailey Smith

'Comics should avoid the Fringe spending binge'

This year more than ever, the cost of performing at one of the main Edinburgh Fringe venues is being questioned. Why should the festival's talent carry the cost burden? Is it worth it for them? Comic/rapper Doc Brown moved into comedy from the music business - and says comedians could learn a few things from musicians.

Doc Brown: 'Inbetweeners fans still ask me to skin up'

Doc Brown started out as a straight Hip-Hop artist but has made the transition to stand-up look as easy. Not only that, but he's set to star in a new HBO drama. Here he talks influences, opening for De La Soul and The Inbetweeners...

I must confess that classical music is not my forte, but a special prom hosted by Tim Minchin has made what is mostly an alien world watchable.

This TV version is an edited down version of the original that went out on BBC Radio 3. Seeing as how this was originally a radio programme some of the choice of acts may seem odd: The Boy with Tape on His Face, for example, as his comedy is almost entirely visual. It's quite a shame, really, as he was one of the funniest acts on the night, with his mime versions of "Lady in Red" and the William Tell overture.

There are some other odd choices of performers, such as the puppets from Mongrels performing one of their songs from their TV show, "Middle Class is Magical". This was definitely a highlight in the show, though - not only was the song pretty appropriate, but this must be the first time that BBC Three and Radio 3 have joined forces - which is slightly worrying. (I always thought that was a sign of the apocalypse.)

There were also other highlights, such as Doc Brown rapping about Sir David Attenborough; a battle between the conductor and the pianist about whether to play Greig or Tchaikovsky's piano concerto; beat-boxer Beardyman performing some musical material you don't associate with the Proms; and Kit and the Widow (Kit Hesketh-Harvey and Richard Sisson) with Sue Perkins and soprano Susan Bullock singing Flanders and Swann's "Hippopotamus Song".

Minchin did well as host - while performing some of his own hits - and was probably the most entertaining of the acts on offer. I for one hope that the Comedy Proms return next year.

Purists might blanch at the idea of this first ever Comedy Prom, but it makes for a raucous and unpredictable evening. Ivory-tinkling Australian comic Tim Minchin curates and hosts, introducing turns from Maestro winner Sue Perkins, the animal puppets from BBC Three's Mongrels, cabaret duo Kit and the Widow, rapper Doc Brown, soprano Susan Bullock and pianist Danny Driver.

Cultural Life: Doc Brown, comedian

An interview with Doc Brown about his cultural tastes.

'Just Say No', the infamous advertising campaign from the 1980s and 90s read. Of course, this aphorism didn't apply for The Inbetweeners in this week's episode of the regularly entertaining sitcom.

Geeky Will had reservations - despite slight goading from his mum - that smoking 'spliffpuff' would be the right track to enjoying a gig from hip, upcoming band Failsafe, but Simon had new girl Tara (a good turn by Hannah Tointon) to impress.

With his promise to supply the goods, Simon turned to cocky Jay as his dealer, who managed to score not 'd-r-u-g-s', but 'p-g-t-i-p-s' from bully Donovan.

The brilliantly observed scenes in the venue included a delightful cameo from comedian Doc Brown, who threatened to steal the show as an ingenuous drug dealer.

Jay, finally delivering on one of his boasts and delivering the 'puff', began a hilarious chain of events which ended with Will swallowing the entirety of the remaining stash - the bits that weren't rolled up by the dealer, that is.

Simon's relationship with Tara was the big story from the second episode, though, and will make fans wonder if he'll finally be lucky in love. After all, he 'doesn't want a Playboy model' but 'a nice girlfriend'.

Though at times it risked self-parody (Neil's slow-motion version of his robot dance, for example) The Inbetweeners picked up from a somewhat customary slow start to the series.

Displaying its influences - a knowing nod to The Office and David Brent's 'Hobnob' quip - the second episode was more Grange Hill than Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. We wouldn't have it any other way.

Heard the one about Zadie Smith's brother, Doc Brown

As the dust settles on this year's Edinburgh Fringe, one of the most exciting breakthrough stars of the Festival has mixed feelings about his August adventure being over.

My Edinburgh: Doc Brown, Comedian

This is my third experience of the Fringe (technically it's the fourth but the first time I went I was still in the music business, and I had no idea comedy existed). My brain is such that I can rarely learn more than a lesson a year so, for anyone following in my footsteps, here are three lessons I won't forget.

It's August: you may have noticed from the cute pictures of animals and coverage of the Edinburgh Festival plastered across the media. Fred MacAulay is broadcasting his radio show direct from one of the many venues for the next two weeks, offering a daily pick of the fringe. Largely focused on comedy, MacAulay & Co brings listeners a mixture of stand-up and interviews, with a surprisingly large number of guests. It's a real fringe experience - some acts are a bit disappointing but there are so many that if you don't like one, another will be along in a minute. Wednesday's show proved to be the best so far with Doc Brown, Mark Watson and Glyes Brandreth. Other highlights include Sarah Millican on Monday and Sean Hughes on Tuesday. As an extra treat, fellow Scottish comic Susan Calman joins Fred every day too.