Frank Tully

Stewart Lee axed: The demise of real stand-up

For stand-up, things are not looking so jolly. Last week Stewart Lee's The Alternative Comedy Experience was axed by Comedy Central. It is the only show I have seen that captures what club comedy really feels like - risky, sweaty, too intimate, teetering between hilarity and despair.

Michael Palin says John Cleese was 'difficult'

Monty Python actor Michael Palin has told how co-star John Cleese could be "very difficult" to work with at the height of their fame.

Audio: Lee Ridely (Lost Voice Guy) interview

Lee Ridley is a comedian with a difference. He has cerebral palsy and as a result, isn't able to speak. He has to tell his jokes through a communication aid - rather like the one used by the scientist Professor Stephen Hawking. Speaking to Outlook's Joel Cox from his hometown of Newcastle, England, Lee started by telling a story from a time before his comedy took off. Despite having no singing voice, he auditioned for the popular TV talent show The X Factor.

Review - Stewart Lee: A Room With A Stew

The Comedy Vehicle comedian continues to intrigue, influence and irritate in wonderful measure.

Stewart Lee: privatising BBC3 would be pernicious

If BBC Three is sold to the free-market fundamentalists we'll lose the very idea of public broadcasting within a decade.

Kate Copstick on her dislike of Lee Evans & Only Fools

Comedy critic Kate Copstick on some aspects of comedy she hates.

Review: Stephen K Amos -- Welcome To My World, Leedes

While it's common for comics to test new jokes on tour audiences, his reading of the skits directly from notes he'd brought with him just seemed a bit slapdash. The delivery was affected and it was a break from his confident, riffing style. But overall, Welcome To My World was a funny, surprising show.

John Cleese compares journalists to murderers

Comedian John Cleese has likened journalists arguing for self-regulation to murderers wanting to police themselves during a press reform rally.

Lee Mack on his love of darts as a teenager

Not Going Out star Lee Mack and a host of his comedy pals will be teaming up with professional darts players such as Andy Fordham and Bobby George for Let's Play Darts Comic Relief trophy all week from Sunday on BBC Two...

We caught up with Lee to talk about his rivalry with former co-star Tim Vine, growing up in a pub and what NOT to do when you're on the verge of throwing a 180...