Arthur Smith's Balham Bash
- Radio stand-up
- BBC Radio 4 Extra / BBC Radio 4
- 2009 - 2011
- 13 episodes (3 series)
Radio show in which Arthur Smith invites an audience into his real house for some music and comedy. Stars Arthur Smith and Pippa Evans.
Press clippings
Over on Radio 4, Arthur Smith's Balham Bash seems more late-night 80s TV than 6.30pm radio. Aired first on 4Extra, this new series, though congenial, is too slack and studenty for Radio 4. The concept is that all the acts are in Arthur's house - at the top of the stairs, sitting in the lounge, in the kitchen - and the audience is squidged in there, too. But that small crew has to provide all the atmosphere, and as Arthur moves through the house, talking, they don't quite know how or when to respond. A thin "Yay!" is all an act can expect, and comedians - excellent ones, such as Simon Evans or Sean Lock - perform, for the most part, to embarrassed silence.
Miranda Sawyer, The Observer, 22nd May 2011First in the line-up on Radio 4 Extra is a new series of Arthur Smith's Balham Bash in which Smith presents music and comedy from his south London abode. When I tuned in, singer Katie Melua was hanging out in the kitchen, while Alun Cochrane offered a slice of stand-up from the landing at the top of the stairs. The laidback Smith took on something of a Jools Holland role as he strolled around introducing his guests and invited the listener to join the party.
Lisa Martland, The Stage, 15th April 2011Photos from Arthur Smith's Balham Bash
A report from a recording of the show by the BBC Comedy Web Team. The blog includes a link to various pictures.
David Thair, BBC Comedy, 10th June 2009