Richard Bacon

Audio: Tim Minchin will star in Jesus Christ Superstar

Tim Michin has been cast as Judas in the revival of rock musical Jesus Chris Superstar alongside Mel C and Chris Moyles.

The Australian musician and comedian will also star as a drug-taking rockstar in Californication with David Duchovny.

He told BBC Radio 5 Live's Richard Bacon about getting his role on the US series and how the title role of the musical will be cast as a result of a reality show.

Audio: LeBlanc on filming second series of Episodes

Actor Matt LeBlanc told BBC Radio 5 Live's Richard Bacon about filming the new series of comedy Episodes.

Starring as a parody of himself in the show, he explained how his experience was influenced by, and differed from, the show that made him famous.

There's a sad story from Richard Bacon: when he worked in McDonald's his girlfriend joined the queue for his till and dumped him when she reached the counter.

Of course, it could be complete tosh and the fun lies in the inquisition. As Bacon is on David Mitchell's team that means he's extensively quizzed by Lee Mack, backed by Clare Balding and a giggly Miranda Hart. And Balding is entertainingly cruel when Bacon reels off some facts about the cooking times of burgers.

Also, Dale Winton reveals how, as a child, instead of a comfort blanket or a teddy bear, he slept with a potato, while Hart insists she was a judge at the Identical Twins of the Year Award.

Heard the one about the scientist and the comic?

Radio presenter Richard Bacon is to probe the science of comedy in a live broadcast from the National Museum of Scotland this week.

Audio: Matt Lucas goes solo in new show

Comedian Matt Lucas returns to BBC1 with his new show The Matt Lucas Awards.

Based on his BBC Radio 2 series And The Winner Is... he will give out the prizes that others do not, such as Smuggest Nation of People and Most More-ish Food.

Mr Lucas told BBC Radio 5 Live's Richard Bacon how the nominations are submitted by celebrities each week.

Audio: Jon Culshaw's favourite impressions

Jon Culshaw gave BBC Radio 5 Live's Richard Bacon a snapshot of some of his favourite impressions.

Highlights included George W. Bush, Fabio Capello and Alan Carr.

Mr Culshaw will be presenting The Sky at Night's 55th anniversary as well as hosting Hyde Park's Jubilee Family Festival in June.

Audio: Michael Palin would consider returning to comedy

Michael Palin told BBC Radio 5 Live that he missed certain aspects of writing comedy and may consider going back into that field.

The Monty Python star was speaking to Richard Bacon from the BBC Worldwide Showcase in Liverpool where hundreds of producers from around the world seek out the works of British stars.

Michael Palin was promoting his latest series, Brazil, that is still in production.

Audio: Fielding on the undiluted madness of new series

Mighty Boosh star Noel Fielding has said he lost himself while filming his new series.

He told Radio 5 Live's Richard Bacon that the 54 characters he played erased his memory of who he was, but that he wanted to expose the viewer to the "undiluted madness".

Luxury Comedy has been commissioned for a second series.

Audio: Stephen Merchant reveals why he can't get a date

Comedian Stephen Merchant says he finds it difficult to meet the right woman.

The writer and star of The Office told Radio 5 live's Richard Bacon that he thinks his struggle comes from a lack of confidence as a teenager.

Everyone likes Richard Bacon, don't they? Don't they? Oh, well, maybe the beer and pizza will attract some viewers. Here, Bacon invites his "celebrity mates" (what ever happened to a show simply having guests?) to his cosy pretend apartment to chew over the issues that affect all celebrities these days, in a hopefully comedic way. Guests - sorry "mates" - tonight include Rufus Hound, so extra toppings will likely involve too much cheese.