Jon Plowman
- English
- Producer and executive producer
Press clippings
Political correctness has created a hierarchy in comedy
This week, veteran BBC producer Jon Plowman made several good points about the state of British comedy. In an astute article for the Radio Times, he rightly points out that it's increasingly difficult to establish a new comedy show in the atomised, niche world of streaming, and that comedies need time to grow and gather an audience. But he is on sticky ground when he claims that political correctness is not a key reason for our lack of good humour
Gareth Roberts, Unherd, 10th October 2024Punching up: this mindlessly woke cliché is killing British comedy
Comedy must punch up? Britain's enviable list of TV successes suggest otherwise, despite Jon Plowman's comments.
Michael Deacon, The Telegraph, 9th October 2024Absolutely Fabulous producer says "comics who aren't funny" blame political correctness
Lots of people say we couldn't get away with Ab Fab today, with its smoking, drinking, drug taking, jokes about weight issues, alcoholism and knitting-needle abortions. I disagree. There has been a discussion about whether political correctness is killing comedy. That argument is often made by comics who aren't funny, blaming PC.
Jon Plowman, Radio Times, 8th October 2024Jon Plowman: Political correctness ISN'T killing comedy
'Wokeness' isn't killing comedy - and the people who say it is are often comedians who aren't funny. That's the view of veteran TV producer Jon Plowman, who says commentators who claim comedy is overly cautious are overlooking what is being made.
Chortle, 7th October 2024'Absolutely Fabulous: Inside Out' retrospective coming to Gold
Absolutely Fabulous is being celebrated with a retrospective documentary on Gold, Absolutely Fabulous: Inside Out, featuring Jennifer Saunders, Joanna Lumley, Julia Sawalha and Jane Horrocks, original scripts and unseen clips.
British Comedy Guide, 19th June 2024We shouldn't be afraid of Fawlty Towers' pure comedy
Radio 4's exploration of John Cleese and Connie Booth's beloved sitcom on What Funny About... revealed why it was so successful. But would it still get made today?
Charlotte Runcie, The Telegraph, 27th October 2021'The Vicar Of Dibley: Inside Out' tribute documentary to air on Gold
Gold is to broadcast a two-hour documentary celebrating hit sitcom The Vicar Of Dibley, with all its surviving key stars and creatives taking part.
British Comedy Guide, 14th January 2021Radio comedy reviews
New radio comedy is often disappointing. So welcome back Down The Line - the phone-in show with a twist. Also a look at Cabin Pressure which has started a repeat run, and comedy documentary What's Funny About...
Charlotte Runcie, The Telegraph, 20th May 2020Radio 4's Down The Line to return for lockdown special
Radio 4 has confirmed spoof phone-in show Down The Line will return for a new lockdown special. Meanwhile Radio 4 Extra will broadcast a new comedy-focused documentary series called What's Funny About....
British Comedy Guide, 5th May 2020Fame and fortune: Jon Plowman
"Ab Fab's first series still earns me £38 a year."
The Telegraph, 17th March 2019