David Quantick

Need a laugh? It's French and Saunders to the rescue

When the days are cold and dark and the times are bleak, you have to take the laughs where you can get them. So thank goodness for Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders, charging to the rescue like knights on a white stallion - or perhaps more like two drunk aunties on a pantomime horse.

Unbiased jokes at the BBC? We've heard that one before

Writers remain sceptical of Tim Davie's plan to limit left-wing laughs, and warn it will be impossible to deliver.

How The Day Today changed satire forever

25 years ago, Chris Morris and Armando Iannucci's uproarious news spoof unleashed Fake News on the world (not to mention Alan Partridge).

On The Hour: revisiting a brilliant radio comedy

Armando Iannucci & Chris Morris' BBC Radio 4 news spoof not only gave rise to Alan Partridge but also launched countless comedy careers.

Tributes following death of producer John Pidgeon

Tributes have been coming in today for John Pidgeon, who has died aged 69.

If it's laughter you want, then may I recommend David Quantick's second series of 52 First Impressions. Performing for a live audience, Quantick tells tales from a life spent interviewing pop stars and working with famous people. It's less glamorous than that sounds. It's also human. Too many Radio 4 comedy shows feel detached from the person hosting them: overworked scripts and elaborate setups can kill a connection with the listener. Quantick's show is funny, because he is a funny person and knows how to write jokes. But it's also funny, because it's him, in front of a crowd, and not a professional comedian reading his lines. There's a realness about the show that brings you closer and makes you laugh for the fun, as well as the jokes. Also, his presentation skills are a lot better than in the first series.