British Comedy Guide
Love British Comedy Guide? Support our work by making a donation. Find out more

Press clippings

David Walliams' children's book FING becomes Sky film

Sky are in production on FING, a film adaptation of the 2019 children's book by David Walliams. The cast list includes Taika Waititi, Penelope Wilton and Blake Harrison.

British Comedy Guide, 19th March 2025

Backstairs Billy review

Penelope Wilton makes a marvellous Queen Mother in the best royal drama in a decade.

Dominic Cavendish, The Telegraph, 8th November 2023

Backstairs Billy review

Flawless performances from Penelope Wilton and Luke Evans.

Sam Marlowe, The Stage, 8th November 2023

Backstairs Billy with Luke Evans and Penelope Wilton - in rehearsals

Rehearsal images have been revealed for the world premiere of Marcelo Dos Santos's play Backstairs Billy, exploring a significant moment in the 50-year relationship between the Queen Mother and her loyal servant, William "Billy" Tallon.

Alex Wood, What's On Stage, 5th October 2023

Dead Hot comedy thriller coming to Amazon Prime

Amazon Prime Video has commissioned a comedy thriller about two friends who are investigating the mysterious death of a close connection.

British Comedy Guide, 17th August 2023

Penelope Wilton and Luke Evans to star in new West End play Backstairs Billy

Penelope Wilton and Luke Evans will star in a new comedy penned by Marcelo Dos Santos, titled Backstairs Billy.

Following the relationship between the Queen Mother (Wilton) and her loyal manservant, the titular Billy (Evans), during the 1979 tumult in the UK, the play is directed by Michael Grandage.

Alex Wood, What's On Stage, 5th July 2023

Beyond The Fringe to be the focus of a Radio 4 drama

Radio 4 is to air a series of comedy dramas that explore turning points in history, including one that goes behind-the-scenes on satirical stage revue Beyond The Fringe.

British Comedy Guide, 13th May 2023

After Life Series 3 review

Only Ricky Gervais could get away with a show this toothless.

Emily Baker, i Newspaper, 14th January 2022

After Life, review: the emotional depth of a Post-It note

Ricky Gervais's Netflix project has gone from perfectly watchable to a soggy pudding of a series that wallows in its own thin-skinned misanthropy.

Chris Bennion, The Telegraph, 14th January 2022

After Life Series 3 review

Its greatest strength is also its biggest weakness.

Abby Robinson, Radio Times, 14th January 2022

Share this page