Romesh Ranganathan

Interview: Romesh Ranganathan

In a relatively short space of time, Romesh Ranganathan has raced to prominence among a new generation of British stand-ups.

This harmless take on the Grumpy Old Men-style talking heads show enters a second series. The thesis of the series is this: comedians and celebrities celebrate the social awkwardness that is held to be representatively British. This opening episode focuses on school: unfathomably enduring nicknames, playground meanness and the difficulties of fitting in. Stand-up comic Romesh Ranganathan nails the latter with his account of attending a comprehensive school - but doing so with a public school accent.

More live wittering to look forward to as McIntyre continues to flog his variety show, this week roping in Peter Jones from Dragons' Den to play his Send To All game, in which the comedian sends a text to Jones's entire contacts book to reap hilarious results. Elsewhere, there's "extreme flamenco" from fusion dance troupe Los Vivancos, music from Rod Stewart and James Morrison, pranks on members of the public and standup from Romesh Ranganathan.

Forty-five minutes of high spirits in front of a rowdy audience - Play To The Whistle isn't so much a sport quiz as a chimps' tea party hosted by Holly Willoughby. Team captains Bradley Walsh and Frank Lampard attempt to keep things steady, while Romesh Ranganathan supplies banter. The show distinguishes itself, however, with the inclusion of physical games, which add an element of surprise. Diver Tom Daley and career panellist Richard Osman are tonight's guests.

The funniest thing... Romesh Ranganathan

From the sound of his own crying to superlative superhero spoofs, the comedian and presenter reveals the things that make him laugh the most.

Romesh Ranganathan nominated for South Bank Award

Romesh Ranganathan has been nominated for The Times Sky Arts South Bank Breakthrough Award. Michaela Coel is also nominated for Chewing Gum.

Review: Glasgow Comedy Festival, Romesh Ranganathan

I hadn't seen Ranganathan onstage for a while now and it was interesting to see how his stage style has evolved. Perhaps it was no surprise that he went down so well at last night's Glasgow International Comedy Festival performance as the two comedians he reminded me of the most were local heroes Frankie Boyle and Kevin Bridges.

Review: Romesh Ranganathan, Irrational

There's arguably too much crowd work at the top of his set, a bit too much preamble after the theatrical bluster of his support act Phil Jerrod. And the Q & A encore he contrived tonight proved a listless affair. But when he really builds to a head of steam, there's few in the UK that can touch Ranganathan for entertaining misanthropy right now.