Stand-up Specials

Stand-up from the Biggest Weekend festival hosted by Tez Ilyas.



A stand-up show recorded this weekend at the Leamington Assembly featuring a new and exciting generation of comedians from up and down the UK who have recently featured in Radio 4's celebrated 11:00pm comedy slot and have also been heard on the new raft of comedy podcasts launched by the BBC in 2018.

Tez Ilyas, star of the critically acclaimed Radio 4 show 'Tez Talks', hosts the show and the line-up features:

Rhys James - the man behind the recent Radio 4 hit 'Rhys James is.

Lauren Pattison - Edinburgh Comedy Award best newcomer nominee 2017 and star of Radio 1 podcast 'Ed and Lauren get on

Bisha K Ali - stand-up and star of the current Radio 1 podcast 'Grown up Land

Darren Harriott - Edinburgh Comedy Award best newcomer nominee 2017 for his show, 'Defiant

Producer: Richard Morris

Production Co-ordinator: Hayley Sterling

Photo credit: Ivan Petkov - Instagram @ivan_petkov

A BBC Studios Production.

Centrist Dads have a bad reputation. They're “entirely responsible for Labour's Election defeat ?, “aggressively condescending ? and they “like Top Gear too much ?. And yet, Alun Cochrane is fine with being one (albeit one who hasn't actually watched Top Gear).

Recorded in front of a virtual audience from Salford, this show is Alun's quest for the centre ground, an area bizarrely underpopulated in the comedy world. Comedians should poke fun at all hypocrisy no matter whether it emerges from the right or the left, so why are so few stand-ups apparently adept at sniping from the middle?

Alun investigates whether his politics have changed or if it's the world that has changed around him and left a reasonable man feeling like an extremist. He is pretty sure he isn't an actual baddie. He spends his days writing jokes in ‘Where's Wally?' pyjamas alongside his gluten-free dog. Does that sound like an extremist to you?

Written and performed by Alun Cochrane

Production co-ordinator: Mabel Wright

Sound engineer: Michael Smith

Producer: Richard Morris

Photo credit: Matt Stronge

A BBC Studios Production

A stand-up special about Centrism from Alun Cochrane.

“A Centrist Dad takes his children to feed the ducks, a Conservative Dad takes his children duck shooting, a Socialist Dad takes his children to a Solidarity With Ducks rally. ?

`A Centrist Dad takes his children to feed the ducks, a Conservative Dad takes his children duck shooting, a Socialist Dad takes his children to a Solidarity With Ducks rally.`

Centrist Dads have a bad reputation. They're `entirely responsible for Labour's Election defeat`, `aggressively condescending` and they `like Top Gear too much`. And yet, Alun Cochrane is fine with being one (albeit one who hasn't actually watched Top Gear).

Alun investigates whether his politics have changed or if it's the world that has changed around him and left a reasonable man feeling like an extremist. He is pretty sure he isn't an actual baddie. He spends his days writing jokes in ‘Where's Wally?' pyjamas alongside his gluten-free dog. Does that sound like an extremist to you?

A BBC Studios Production. First broadcast in 2021.

After coming out as almost bang in the centre of an online political compass test, Alun wants to know what being a 'centrist dad' actually means.

In this half-hour stand-up show, recorded in front of a remote audience, she looks at all the different ways in which women deal with ageing, dating and being childless - or child free. There's a difference in approach evident in just those two ways of describing women who don't have kids.

From an 'incompetent cervix' diagnosis to proud but patronising new mothers, Anna recounts her journey through the travails of a woman without children.

Written and performed by Anna Morris.

With Jess Robinson and Sam Underwood

Producer: Alison Vernon-Smith

A Pier production for BBC Radio 4

To have or not to have. That's the question. About kids that is. Especially in your 40s

Anna Morris hit forty, was single, childless and living back with her parents. Success! She hit a kid-life crisis – like a mid-life crisis but with the added pressure of diminishing fertility.

In this half-hour stand-up show, recorded in front of a remote audience, she looks at all the different ways in which women deal with ageing, dating and being childless – or child free. There's a difference in approach evident in just those two ways of describing women who don't have kids.

Anna Morris hit forty, was single, childless and living back with her parents. Success! She hit a kid-life crisis – like a mid-life crisis but with the added pressure of diminishing fertility. In this half-hour stand-up show, recorded in front of a remote audience, she looks at all the different ways in which women deal with ageing, dating and being childless – or child free. There's a difference in approach evident in just those two ways of describing women who don't have kids. From an 'incompetent cervix' diagnosis to proud but patronising new mothers, Anna Morris recounts her journey through the travails of a woman without children.

Producer ALISON VERNON-SMITH

Ashley Blaker, Britain's only ultra-Orthodox stand up comedian, presents an insider's view of his religion, specially created for BBC Radio 4. It's a whistle-stop tour of Jewish life and, in particular, a very rare glimpse into the normally inaccessible world of strict Orthodox Judaism.

Ashley is already a well-known name in the Jewish community, having undertaken two critically acclaimed UK tours as well as performing sell-out shows in Israel, South Africa, Canada and Off-Broadway in New York. The Jewish press has described him as 'the haredi Michael McIntyre'.

As well as being a popular and experienced live performer, Ashley is also a comedy writer and producer for radio and TV. He was responsible for first unleashing Little Britain on an unsuspecting nation on Radio 4. But, being a strict orthodox Jew, he is surely the only person who works in TV without actually owning one.

The Jerusalem Post recently described Ashley as 'a walking contradiction'.

The Times of Israel pointed out the astonishment his appearance can provoke: 'The astonishment, of course, is that with Blaker, what you see is what you get: a skinny bearded man wearing a black suit and kippah, and sporting peyot and tzitzit of the strictly Orthodox community to which he now belongs. But this is not a uniform which he dons only for his interfaces with Jewish audiences. No, he wears this in his day job too.

Written and Presented by Ashley Blaker

Producer: Steve Doherty

A Giddy Goat production for BBC Radio 4.



Ashley is already a well-known name in the Jewish community, having undertaken two critically acclaimed UK tours as well as performing sell-out shows in Israel, South Africa, Canada and Off-Broadway in New York. The Jewish press has described him as the haredi Michael McIntyre.

The Jerusalem Post recently described Ashley as a walking contradiction.

The Times of Israel pointed out the astonishment his appearance can provoke: The astonishment, of course, is that with Blaker, what you see is what you get: a skinny bearded man wearing a black suit and kippah, and sporting peyot and tzitzit of the strictly Orthodox community to which he now belongs. But this is not a uniform which he dons only for his interfaces with Jewish audiences. No, he wears this in his day job too.

A Giddy Goat production for BBC Radio 4.

Ashley is already a well-known name in the Jewish community, having undertaken a number of critically acclaimed UK tours as well as performing sell-out shows in Israel, South Africa, Canada and very recently in New York. The Jewish press has described him as the haredi Michael McIntyre'.

As well as being a popular and experienced live performer, Ashley is also a comedy writer and producer for radio and TV. He was responsible for unleashing Little Britain on an unsuspecting nation on Radio 4. But, being a strict orthodox Jew, he is surely the only person who works in TV without actually owning one.

The Jerusalem Post recently described Ashley as 'a walking contradiction'.

The Times of Israel pointed out the astonishment his appearance can provoke: 'The astonishment, of course, is that with Blaker, what you see is what you get: a skinny bearded man wearing a black suit and kippah, and sporting peyot and tzitzit of the strictly Orthodox community to which he now belongs. But this is not a uniform which he dons only for his interfaces with Jewish audiences. No, he wears this in his day job too.

Written and Presented by Ashley Blaker

Special appearance: Jon Culshaw as Jeremy Corbyn

Producer: Steve Doherty

A Giddy Goat production for BBC Radio 4

Fresh comic insights to the world of ultra-Orthodox Judaism.

Ashley is already a well-known name in the Jewish community, having undertaken a number of critically acclaimed UK tours as well as performing sell-out shows in Israel, South Africa, Canada and very recently in New York. The Jewish press has described him as 'the haredi Michael McIntyre'.

Ashley is already a well-known name in the Jewish community, having undertaken a number of critically acclaimed UK tours as well as performing sell-out shows in Israel, South Africa, Canada and very recently in New York. The Jewish press has described him as the haredi Michael McIntyre.

The Jerusalem Post recently described Ashley as a walking contradiction.

The Times of Israel pointed out the astonishment his appearance can provoke: The astonishment, of course, is that with Blaker, what you see is what you get: a skinny bearded man wearing a black suit and kippah, and sporting peyot and tzitzit of the strictly Orthodox community to which he now belongs. But this is not a uniform which he dons only for his interfaces with Jewish audiences. No, he wears this in his day job too.

Producer... Leila Navabi

Production Coordinator... Caroline Barlow

A BBC Studios Production

Athena Kugblenu examines what it means to be upwardly mobile.

Athena has a conservatory (it came with the man). But what does that tell us about her identity? She's got an aluminium hooded extractor fan and uses fabric conditioner. But does the quilted toilet roll in both of Athena's toilets signify a working class girl done good? Or does it say that the rigid way we look at class might need a rethink? This stand up show tackles these questions and gives Athena the courage to finally live her truth as an upwardly mobile individual.

Producer Leila Navabi

This year's finalists are Chantel Nash, Dean T. Beirne, Frankie Monroe, Hester Ectomy, Jin Hao Li, and Paddy Young. Our 2023 finalists all came through as heat winners at our shows at Leith, Bethnal Green, Bangor, Ballymena, Nottingham, and Sunderland.

Past winners and finalists of the BBC New Comedy Award include Alan Carr, Peter Kay, Lee Mack, Sarah Millican, Russell Howard, Joe Lycett, Josie Long, and Lost Voice Guy.

Producers: Lindsay Jex and Gus Beattie

Assistant producer: Nicola Clyde

A Phil McIntyre Television production for BBC Radio 4

The final six heat winners compete for the prestigious New Comedy Award 2023.

Hosted by Rosie Jones, this year's final of the BBC New Comedy Awards comes from the Kings Theatre in Glasgow. The heat winners battle it out for the prestigious New Comedy Crown.

Host Rosie Jones is joined by judges Zoe Lyons, Darren Harriot and Head Judge Josh Pugh as six of the UK's most exciting new comedy acts compete for the coveted title at the Kings Theatre in Glasgow.

A one off stand up show that follows 25-year-old British Muslim comedian Bilal Zafar in his quest to find love.

Bilal is the last of his siblings to be single. His Mum has told him he should really think about marriage and he realises he has no idea how to approach this. Luckily, the world of Muslim dating is vast and Bilal has plenty of fascinating and often very funny options available in his quest for marriage.

Bilal Zafar is the winner of the Hackney New Act of the Year 2016, an Edinburgh Best Newcomer 2016 nominee and Chortle Best Newcomer 2017 nominee.

Written and Performed by Bilal Zafar

Additional Material from Glenn Moore

Produced by Daisy Knight

An Avalon production for BBC Radio 4.



An Avalon production for BBC Radio 4.

From pre ceasefire to post Brexit, Paddy shares his Northern Ireland experiences and is joined by a (virtual) Northern Irish audience, who have lived through the same, as he sends a postcard from the edge of the Union.

Recorded remotely in front of a virtual, Northern Irish audience.

Written and performed by Patrick Kielty.

Additional material by Lee Stuart Evans and Jon Hunter.

Produced by Claire Jones.

Executive Producer: Stephen Stewart.

Production Coordinator: Tamara Shilham.

Sound Designer: David Thomas.

A Green Inc production for BBC Radio 4

Comedian Patrick Kielty sends a love letter to the UK from his hometown of Dundrum.

AKA Borderline: Growing Up British And Irish

Pod is in negotiations with the Tokyo Olympics and, after all the efforts to take drugs out of sport, finally there's a chance to take the sport out of drugs. At the same time, can he save the precious jobs of the acting community or, now that we live in the 'new normal', are their valuable jobs as giant sporting mascots gone forever?

Starring Christopher Douglas, Andrew Nickolds, Nicola Sanderson and Lewis Macleod

Written by Christopher Douglas, Andrew Nickolds and Nick Newman

Produced by Jon Harvey

Executive Producer: Richard Wilson

A Naked production for BBC Radio 4

Could 2020's dearth of sport be a unique opportunity for cricket's anti-hero Dave Podmore?

Not long after graduating from university he found himself sacked from not one but two management trainee positions, and he fell into a depression. Well into his 20s, Don decided to seek medical advice and doctors told him he had Dyspraxia, ADHD and mild Asperger's Syndrome. Suddenly, everything made much more sense.

In Don Biswas: Neurotopical, Don explores how his diagnoses were his ticket out of the rat-race and how, as a result, he decided to take a keen interest in politics, much to the chagrin of his parents.

In his first stand-up comedy special for Radio 4, recorded in front of a live audience at the famous Frog and Bucket Comedy Club in Manchester, Don speaks candidly about his mental health conditions and the impact they've had on his outlook.

Written and performed by Don Biswas

Sound Engineer and Editor: Mark Burrows

Producer: Kurt Brookes

Photo credit: Steve Best

A Made In Manchester production for BBC Radio 4

Don Biswas on how mental health conditions have shaped his outlook on life and politics.

So you still haven't made your most intimate sexual acts available on pay per view? What?! Not even willing to tweet as much as a naked pic? How old school! In our click-bait, 'no such thing as bad publicity' world, one woman dares to stand against the tide. How? By not releasing a sextape, obviously.

Written and performed by Eleanor Tiernan

Produced by Daisy Knight

An Avalon production for BBC Radio 4

Comedian Eleanor Tiernan takes a stand against putting our most intimate moments online.

So you still haven't made your most intimate sexual acts available on pay per view? What?! Not even willing to tweet as much as a naked pic? How old school! In our click-bait, no such thing as bad publicity world, one woman dares to stand against the tide. How? By not releasing a sextape, obviously.

Pulling no punches, Elvis directs his scurrilous diatribes at the powers-that-be from Westminster to Waitrose, taking aim at the injustices of our septic isle and beyond. Stockpiling and the pickiness of cats, celebrity branding, the nature of truth, some bloke called Trump, the Prime Minister and Mr Benn, Government rules, ecotricity, Samuel Pepys - it's all there. There's even a love poem.

Full Tartan Jacket presents the prime cuts from the work of a comic poet at the top of his game - all current and bang on target. Join this World Poetry Slam Champion and Saturday Live alumnus as he bellows into the void in exasperation at the world, from the Gracelands Caravan Park somewhere near Dundee.

Recorded remotely in front of a virtual audience.

Written and performed by Elvis McGonagall

Produced by Frank Stirling

A 7digital production for BBC Radio 4

The stand-up poet and satirist Elvis McGonagall in excoriating form.

Full Tartan Jacket presents the prime cuts from the work of a comic poet at the top of his game – all current and bang on target. Join this World Poetry Slam Champion and Saturday Live alumnus as he bellows into the void in exasperation at the world, from the Gracelands Caravan Park somewhere near Dundee.

Gemma Arrowsmith presents a lockdown sketch show, trapped inside Broadcasting House. With Tom Crowley, Adam Courting, Hugh Dennis & Susan Harrison.

Gemma Arrowsmith, a familiar voice on The Now Show and BBC One's Tracey Breaks the News, presents her very own sketch show, while trapped in Broadcasting House.

Written by and starring Gemma Arrowsmith, with Tom Crowley, Adam Courting, Hugh Dennis and Susan Harrison.

Produced by VICTORIA LLOYD

A BBC Studios Production

For example, opinion polls suggest that if there were to be a referendum on the death penalty, it would be brought back, despite disputes over its effectiveness. In America the individual right to an abortion has been taken away from women `democratically` in some states, something Geoff views as abhorrent (not to mention unconservative). And there's little doubt that if every new building had to be democratically approved, the United Kingdom may never build another house.

Geoff will see where his audience land on these issues, and work out if they - and he - actually have democratic principles at heart, or if they just want the world to be arranged the way they like it, no matter how inconsistent that might be.

Written and performed by Geoff Norcott

Produced by Ed Morrish

Executive Producer: Caroline Raphael

Sound Engineer: David Thomas

Broadcast Assistant: Jacob Tombling

A Pier production for BBC Radio 4

Geoff Norcott examines the limits to our belief in democracy.

As a believer in democracy – and as someone who was on the winning side of the Brexit referendum – Geoff Norcott generally believes that if we, the people, vote for something, that thing should happen. But are there limits to Geoff's belief in populism, as this is now sometimes called?

For example, opinion polls suggest that if there were to be a referendum on the death penalty, it would be brought back, despite disputes over its effectiveness. In America the individual right to an abortion has been taken away from women “democratically ? in some states, something Geoff views as abhorrent (not to mention unconservative). And there's little doubt that if every new building had to be democratically approved, the United Kingdom may never build another house.

Geoff will see where his audience land on these issues, and work out if they – and he – actually have democratic principles at heart, or if they just want the world to be arranged the way they like it, no matter how inconsistent that might be.

Geoff hates being told what to do - especially when he considers it's the state interfering with his and everyone else's lifestyle. With the help of writer Chris Snowden, he doesn't hold back in saying where he thinks it's all gone too far and why the State should butt out.

Producer: Alison Vernon-Smith

A Pier production for BBC Radio 4

This award-winning comic on the Nanny State and too many rules.

Geoff Norcott is working class, had two disabled parents, votes Tory and voted Leave. How did he end up a comedian?

In this stand up show, Geoff introduces us to his family, his early career as a teacher and how he ended up on Question Time.

He has a starring role in The Mash Report on BBC 2, has done a national tour and appeared on Live at the Apollo, Edinburgh Nights, Comedy Bigmouths, and The Wright Stuff, as well as Question Time - twice. Geoff has also found himself in demand as a social commentator on Radio 4's Today programme, Daily Politics on BBC1, Victoria Derbyshire on BBC 2 and Sky News' All Out Politics.

He writes for national publications with articles appearing in The Sunday Telegraph, The Independent and The New Statesman. He writes regularly for other comedians including Sarah Millican and Katherine Ryan. Geoff was nominated for Best New Show at the Leicester Comedy Festival and an has Operational Services Medal for five frontline tours entertaining the troops in Afghanistan.

With Geoff Norcott, Leanne Everitt and Barry Castagnola.

Written by Geoff Norcott with additional material by Stephen Grant and Barry Castagnola.

Produced by Caroline Raphael

A Pier production for BBC Radio 4.



A Pier production for BBC Radio 4.

Is it defined by where he's from, or where he's at? Has he changed, now he's known the taste of brioche? Or is he the same old Geoff that he used to be, growing up on the council estate? And, most importantly - why does he care?

Geoff's previous Radio 4 show won the BBC Best Comedy Award 2019. He is one of the stars of The Mash Report and appears regularly on Question Time. He writes for national publications with articles appearing in The Sunday Telegraph, The Independent and The New Statesman. He writes regularly for other comedians including Sarah Millican, Romesh Ranganathan and Katherine Ryan. Geoff was awarded an Operational Services Medal for five frontline tours entertaining the troops in Afghanistan.

Geoff's first book 'Where Did I go Right? How The Left Lost Me' was published in May 2021.

Written and performed by Geoff Norcott

Produced by Ed Morrish

Exec Producer: Caroline Raphael

Sound Engineer: David Thomas

Broadcast Assistant: Jacob Tombling

A Pier production for BBC Radio 4

Geoff Norcott examines his class identity - and ask if he's changed.

Award-winning comedian Geoff Norcott examines his own class identity. Has he changed, now that he's known the taste of brioche?

Award-winning comedian Geoff Norcott returns to Radio 4, this time examining his own class identity. Is it defined by where he's from, or where he's at? Has he changed, now he's known the taste of brioche? Or is he the same old Geoff that he used to be, growing up on the council estate? And, most importantly - why does he care?

Geoff Norcott returns to Radio 4 to examine his class identity - and ask if he's changed.

He often wonders how a council estate kid with two disabled left wing parents ended up leaning to the right as one of the very few Tory stand ups on the comedy circuit. He has been described as being 'situated at the (hitherto little-known) loveable end of the Conservative spectrum.

Geoff's previous Radio 4 show won the BBC Best Comedy Award 2019. He is one of the stars of The Mash Report and appears regularly on Question Time. He writes for national publications with articles appearing in The Sunday Telegraph, The Independent and The New Statesman. He writes regularly for other comedians including Sarah Millican, Romesh Ranganathan and Katherine Ryan. Geoff was awarded an Operational Services Medal for five frontline tours entertaining the troops in Afghanistan.

With Geoff Norcott, Leanne Everitt and Barry Castagnola

Written by Geoff Norcott with additional material by Stephen Grant and Kevin Day

Additional material written and performed by Mark Nelson

Sound: David Thomas

Production Co-ordinator: Sarah Tombling

Executive Producer: Alison Vernon-Smith

Produced by Caroline Raphael

A Pier production for BBC Radio 4

Comedian Geoff Norcott looks at how Brexit is changing the way we define ourselves.

The show will be recorded close to transmission.

He often wonders how a council estate kid with two disabled left wing parents ended up leaning to the right as one of the very few Tory stand ups on the comedy circuit. He has been described as being situated at the (hitherto little-known) loveable end of the Conservative spectrum.

Expect tales of wearing a bowtie on childhood trips to McDonalds (always dress for dinner), being woken up at 4:30am by his Grandad's screeching mynah bird in the kitchen and really really wanting to become a priest. This is the story of George's love for the Black Country and how his eccentric upbringing has made him a true Black Country ‘Gentlemon'.

Producer: Richard Morris

Production co-ordinator: Beverly Tagg

This programme was first broadcast in March 2022

A BBC Studios Production

A stand-up special from Wolverhampton's own, George Fouracres.

George Fouracres tells his story of growing up living with his grandad and brothers in Wolverhampton.

A new Sunday night stand-up special from celebrated comedy star, George Fouracres (Daphne, Pls Like, Raised by Wolves) who tells his story of growing up living with his Grandad and brothers in Wolverhampton.

Expect tales of wearing a bowtie on childhood trips to McDonalds (always dress for dinner), being woken up at 4:30am by his Grandad's screeching mynah bird in the kitchen and really really wanting to become a priest. This is the story of George's love for the Black Country and how his eccentric upbringing has made him a true Black Country ‘Gentlemon'.

In this half-hour special, Laura applies her award-winning stand up skills to the world of grieving, sharing funny and poignant anecdotes from her journey with cancer and her interactions with friends, family and strangers.

She asks why it is so difficult to say the right thing when trying to support loved ones, explores the sometimes unrealistic expectations that grievers put upon others, and speaks to psychotherapist Philippa Perry to get an expert opinion.

There may not be a perfect solution or ideal response, but can we all be better at knowing what to say?

Written and performed by Laura Smyth

Produced by Sasha Bobak

Executive Producer: Pete Strauss

Production Coordinator Katie Baum

An EcoAudio certified production

Comedian Laura Smyth shares her cancer story and explores people's responses to grief.

We have all been in a situation where we don't know what to say, or how best to support a friend during a major negative life event. When Laura Smyth was diagnosed with breast cancer she was blown away (and highly amused) at how poorly many around her responded to the news. From pulling the wrong face, to offering medical advice sourced on YouTube, to simply panicking and saying nothing at all - we have a tendency to put our foot in it.

Through terminal spaces, waiting rooms and traffic jams, IAN SANSOM offers a delayed deliberation on those moments when someone or something makes us... wait.

As Ian puts us on hold, forms an orderly queue and sits down to watch a slow film in the company of filmmaker Spencer Slovic, he experiences a sense of delayed gratification with philosopher Professor Harold Schweizer, tunes up in the orchestra pit with percussionist Sam Staunton, and endures the protracted delay in getting published with Northern Irish author Wendy Erskine.

Maybe if he's able hang around long enough, Ian might just arrive at his conclusion.

Producer: Steven Rainey

Ian Sansom offers a delayed deliberation on waiting in music, literature and art.

How do you learn to be a man and what does being a 'man' even mean? In this autobiographical audience show, Imran looks at where he got his role models from as a boy, what he thought being a man was all about and how that view changed radically as he became an adult. Jackie Chan might have been his inspiration when he was young but it was a woman who sparked self-awareness and change.

This is a very funny and honest account of his life and changing attitudes to manliness.

Imran earned a Best Newcomer nomination in the Fosters Awards for his first Edinburgh show in 2010.

Written and presented by Imran Yusuf

Producer: Alison Vernon-Smith

A Yada-Yada Audio production for BBC Radio 4

Comedian Imran Yusuf does some soul-searching about what it means to be a 'man'.

In this stand-up comedy performance, Jacob dissects his journey from working class banter boy to Inner-London feminist. This is politics for idiots, feminism for lads, love stories for louts and self-care for those who don't bother.

Are blokes dismissed as bad-feminists purely because they lack the correct language? Are working class people's mental health problems dismissed because our society values tortured artists over tortured cleaners? And most importantly, is it even worth going to a protest if you don't tell everyone about it?

Written and performed by Jacob Hawley

Produced by Daisy Knight

An Avalon production for BBC Radio 4

Sunday evening stand-up comedy from Jacob Hawley.

In this stand-up special, he brings material from his 2018 Edinburgh show Howl so that foreigners and, if they're listening, aliens, can find out first-hand what Britain is really like - based on Jacob's experiences of the monotonous suburbs, the insular small towns, the hypocritically righteous city and their inhabitants.

Written and performed by Jacob Hawley

Produced by Daisy Knight

An Avalon production for BBC Radio 4

Sunday evening comedy. Stand-up from a BBC New Comedy Award finalist.

In this stand-up special, he brings material from his 2018 Edinburgh show Howl so that foreigners and, if they're listening, aliens, can find out first hand what Britain is really like - based on Jacob's experiences of the monotonous suburbs, the insular small towns, the hypocritically righteous city and their inhabitants.

Janey Godley is a force of nature across the country, particularly in her hometown of Glasgow.

This performance, her first live appearance in over six months, is a landmark moment in her life and her career. Time in recovery and isolation has given her a new perspective on how she lives her life, how fragile people can be, and that maybe she does care about what others think of her.

Recorded live in Glasgow at Websters Theatre.

Written by Janey Godley

Produced by Richard Melvin

Comedian Janey Godley has lurched from controversy to cancer, and she's still got it.

This performance, her first live appearance in over twelve months, is a landmark moment in her life and her career. Time in recovery and isolation has given her a new perspective on how she lives her life, how fragile people can be, and that maybe she does care about what others think of her.

A Dabster Production for BBC Radio 4.

Jayde has a classic case of 'you can take the girl out of Bristol, but can't take Bristol out of her' - she says what she sees and is unapologetic about it. It's part of what's got her where she is today - a working class girl riding high on the often middle class wave of show business. She's an upstart, she's new money, she's wearing a sequined dress and singing at you while lying across a piano. But beyond all that, she's a (relatively) normal person with a fascinating journey.

In this special, Jayde combines her wit and world class set of pipes with show-stopping music by Olivier Award winner Richard Thomas (Jerry Springer: The Opera). Jayde will give her unique slant on class, body positivity and being from Bristol. Weaving her hilarious brand of entertaining yet personal stand-up with catchy numbers, Jayde shares how she went from working at ASDA to becoming a fully fledged diva. Jayde's main aim is to bring out the diva in all of us, not just the few. It's dying to escape, and who are we to stop it?

Producer: Hayley Sterling

Production co-ordinator: Caroline Barlow

A BBC Studios Production

Join Jayde Adams for her comedy special, where she brings the diva out in all of us.

Jayde has a classic case of you can take the girl out of Bristol, but can't take Bristol out of her - she says what she sees and is unapologetic about it. It's part of what's got her where she is today - a working class girl riding high on the often middle class wave of show business. She's an upstart, she's new money, she's wearing a sequined dress and singing at you while lying across a piano. But beyond all that, she's a (relatively) normal person with a fascinating journey.

Jen Brister might seem, at face value, an unlikely candidate to ask. In her critically-acclaimed stand-up she has never been noted for suffering fools - or fads - gladly. Yet amid the bedlam of the past two years, as the mother of young twin boys suddenly finding herself a full-time nurse, teacher and a lot of other jobs she never signed up for, Jen has found refuge in the unlikely setting of the sea off Brighton, where she lives.

Armed with the unusual combination of wetsuit and microphone, she takes us on a personal odyssey in this unique comedy special, which sees her shuttle between the stage and the less familiar performance space of the deep ocean.

In a counterweighted series of stand-up segments and waterbound philosophical passages, Jen tries to piece together what it is about (sometimes dangerously) cold water that has helped reunite her with her sanity. Swimming in the elements promotes mindfulness, enhances our sense of self, and allows us to think our thoughts with a clarity that is often elusive. But what does a comedian do with this enhanced self-awareness?

With her customary sharpness of tongue - admittedly, a little mellowed by all the wholesome exercise - and precision of thought, one of the most exciting comedians in the country finds waves of inspiration both on dry land and in the milieu she has started to regard as a second home.

Actually, maybe a first home if the kids get any noisier.

Written and performed by Jen Brister

Produced by Lianne Coop

An Impatient production for BBC Radio 4

Critically-acclaimed comic and swimmer Jen Brister explores life in and out of the water.

Jen Brister might seem, at face value, an unlikely candidate to ask. In her critically-acclaimed stand-up she has never been noted for suffering fools – or fads – gladly. Yet amid the bedlam of the past two years, as the mother of young twin boys suddenly finding herself a full-time nurse, teacher and a lot of other jobs she never signed up for, Jen has found refuge in the unlikely setting of the sea off Brighton, where she lives.

With her customary sharpness of tongue – admittedly, a little mellowed by all the wholesome exercise – and precision of thought, one of the most exciting comedians in the country finds waves of inspiration both on dry land and in the milieu she has started to regard as a second home.

Why has such a large swathe of the population started plunging into freezing-cold water, in a country whose climate is pretty obviously ill-suited to wild swimming, or arguably any sort of swimming away from a spa resort? Jen Brister might seem, at face value, an unlikely candidate to ask: in her critically-acclaimed standup she has never been noted for suffering fools – or fads – gladly. Yet amid the bedlam of the past two years, as the mother of young twin boys suddenly finding herself a full-time nurse, teacher and a lot of other jobs she never signed up for, Jen has found refuge in the unlikely setting of the sea off Brighton, where she lives. Armed with the unusual combination of wetsuit and microphone, she takes us on a personal odyssey in this unique comedy special, which sees her shuttle between the stage and the less familiar performance space of the deep ocean.

In a counterweighted series of stand-up segments and waterbound philosophical passages, Jen tries to piece together what it is about (sometimes dangerously) cold water that has helped reunite her with her sanity. Swimming in the elements promotes mindfulness, enhances our sense of self, and allows us to think our thoughts with a clarity that is often elusive. But what does a comedian do with this enhanced self-awareness? With her customary sharpness of tongue – admittedly, a little mellowed by all the wholesome exercise – and precision of thought, one of the most exciting comedians in the country finds waves of inspiration both on dry land and in the milieu she has started to regard as a second home. Actually, maybe a first home if the kids get any noisier.

Written and performed by Jen Brister.

Produced by Lianne Coop.

An Impatient Production for BBC Radio 4.

Have you ever watched a feminist try and take ‘hench' as a compliment? It's like watching a snake eat, but funny. In this show, Jess extols the joys of weightlifting, decries the pressures put on women by the diet industry and explores the evolutionary advantage of having legs like a prize ham.

Powerhouse is adapted for BBC Radio 4 from Jessica's 2019 Dave's Edinburgh Comedy Award nominated show, Hench.

Written and Performed by Jessica Fostekew

Production Coordinator: Tamara Shilham

Producer: Lyndsay Fenner

Photo credit: Idil Sukan

A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Jessica Fostekew's award-nominated stand-up show about big strong strength.

Have you ever watched a feminist try and take ‘hench' as a compliment? It's like watching a snake eat, but funny. In this show, Jess extols the joys of weightlifting, decries the pressures put on women by the diet industry and explores the evolutionary advantage of having legs like a prize ham.

Here she is - pretending to care.

Written and Performed by Jo Caulfield

Produced by Richard Melvin

A Dabster production for Radio 4

Lots and lots of jokes performed live by one of Britain's top stand-up comedians. Simple.

Recorded at the Midland Arts Centre, Birmingham.

Written and performed by Jon Harvey

Additional material by Laura Major

Recorded and edited by David Thomas

Produced by Ed Morrish

Executive Producer: Polly Thomas

A Naked production for BBC Radio 4

Comedian, producer and writer Jon Harvey presents a stand-up show about sports and grief.

‘What's Next?' was a slogan stencilled all over major cities by climate change campaigners during the pandemic. It's a fair question. In this stand-up masterclass – adapted from one of the most lauded Edinburgh Fringe shows in recent years – Josie considers the responsibility we have to our children with the planet in the parlous state it is.

She has become a mother herself (the first person ever, to her knowledge, to have not one, but two babies) and, through the prism of new parenthood, there is a lot to be alarmed about - corrupt governments, melting icecaps, health-food entrepreneurs making unsubstantiated claims about dates. And yet, in among all the existential crisis of the world in 2022, Josie finds hope and humanity.

A memoir of life-altering experiences broadened out into a manifesto for the direction we take now, post-pandemic, What's Next deals surehandedly with both the personal and the global, showcasing the talents of a comic with an unusual and much-cherished ability to straddle the playful and the profound.

She may not have all the answers to our many societal crises, but nobody poses the questions in quite such an impassioned and entertaining way.

Written and performed by Josie Long

Produced by Siren Turner and Lianne Coop

An Impatient production for BBC Radio 4

Multi-award-winning Josie Long examines our new reality in a stand-up motherhood memoir.

Three-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee and self-effacing national treasure Josie Long returns to the R4 airwaves to turn her sharp but affectionate eye on the state of the nation - and world, and planet - as we begin to emerge from two years of upheaval.

‘What's Next?' was a slogan stencilled all over major cities by climate change campaigners during the pandemic. It's a fair question. In this stand-up masterclass - adapted from one of the most lauded Edinburgh Fringe shows in recent years - Josie considers the responsibility we have to our children with the planet in the parlous state it is.

Desperately, even by his own standards, he's just answered the question, - ?What do you do in your spare time? - ? with - ?I went to a Van Morrison gig in 2016 - ¦ but it wasn't very good - ¦ - ? He remains mortified by just how hard he finds forcing himself to deal with new people.

In this comedy special, he unpacks why small talk is so utterly, existentially, horrible and invites you to 30 minutes inside Joz's head - ? it's a bit of a squeeze, but an intelligent, creative and rather noisy place!

Like his live shows, this half-hour special anchors itself around autobiographical moments, and incorporates some of his funniest, stupidest and most imaginative routines constructed into a narrative about loss, recovery and how small talk has ruined his life.

No Van Morrisons were harmed in the making of this programme.

CAST:

Joz - Joz Norris

Lucy - Lucy Pearman

Written by Joz Norris

Producer: Steve Doherty

A Giddy Goat production for BBC Radio 4

Joz Norris doesn't do small talk. Find out why.

Desperately, even by his own standards, he's just answered the question, “What do you do in your spare time? ? with “I went to a Van Morrison gig in 2016 - but it wasn't very good -  ? He remains mortified by just how hard he finds forcing himself to deal with new people.

In this comedy special, he unpacks why small talk is so utterly, existentially, horrible and invites you to 30 minutes inside Joz's head – it's a bit of a squeeze, but an intelligent, creative and rather noisy place!

Joz.... Joz Norris

Lucy.... Lucy Pearman

First performed in 2018 at Cardiff's Festival of Voice, it has been to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Machynlleth Comedy Festival and Adelaide Fringe Festival where it won Best Cabaret award.

The show tackles the stigma around loneliness and breaks it down scientifically for what it is and how Carys Eleri came to recognise it in herself and combat it by finding love in different ways through the medium of rats and songs and science. It is essentially a celebration of community, a wider sense of love and the scientific importance of kindness.

Bringing down this well researched lesson to a 28 minute radio format has been quite the challenge, where songs about tits have been sacrificed to make way for an updated narrative as the show is now visited through the lens of the pandemic with new lessons learned of ways to cope in isolation.

Writer composer and producer: Carys Eleri

Co-producers: Branwen Munn at Goldhill Studios and Jo Southerd at Little Wander.

Neuroscientist consultant: Dr. Dean Burnett

Originally co-produced for stage by Carys Eleri and Wales Millennium Centre

A Little Wander production for BBC Radio 4

A comedy-science-music-show about the neuroscience of love and loneliness.

In recent years, Lucy Porter has become a mum of two and a middle-aged orphan. Now she explores her relationship with the concept of family, and the lasting effects of a childhood spent in Croydon.

Lucy gives helpful tips for children, parents and grandparents alike, explaining helicopter parenting, the value of benign neglect, and the rise of the tiger mother - a mother who comes to tea, eats all the buns and drinks all of daddy's beer!

As she charts the life cycle of a typical nuclear family, Lucy addresses issues like siblings. Why do we all think 'it'll be nice for them to have each other to play with' when no siblings have ever played together nicely since the dawn of time?

Lucy takes us right to the end of the parenting process - when you end up having to parent your own parents. How do you tempt your parents out of the Morrison's cafe? Why is it essential to carry a pound coin at all times? What do you do when your dad insists he's a major international songwriter?

This is a warm and witty new show recorded at Stratford Circus Arts Centre, with a lot of laughs and a dollop of poignancy.

Cast:

Luke Kempner

Written by Lucy Porter

Additional Material by Gabby Hutchinson Crouch

Studio Manager and Editor- Jerry Peal

Production Manager- Sarah Tombling

Produced by Marilyn Imrie and Gordon Kennedy

Directed by Gordon Kennedy

An Absolutely production for BBC Radio 4.



As she charts the life cycle of a typical nuclear family, Lucy addresses issues like siblings. Why do we all think it'll be nice for them to have each other to play with when no siblings have ever played together nicely since the dawn of time?

An Absolutely production for BBC Radio 4.

Following up last year's In the Family Way, Lucy looks at the question of legacy - what do we receive from our parents, and what do we pass on to our children?

Lucy hasn't entirely been a winner in the genetic lottery. She has inherited dodgy knees, terrible teeth and a small third nipple. Her collection of family heirlooms consists of glass clowns, porcelain horses and offensive jam lids. Lucy does, however, want to instil in her own kids some of the values her parents taught her, including patience, courage and charity.

Talented comedian and impressionist Luke Kempner is on hand again to help Lucy illustrate the points she wants to make. As always, he displays his range of comic voices, including an impressive impersonation of Lucy's Welsh great-grandmother.

In The Family Way... Again is a kind of love letter from Lucy to her mum, and a tender reflection on the things our parents do that drive us mad - things we'll inevitably end up doing ourselves.

Recorded live at Circus Stratford

Written by Lucy Porter

With Additional Material by Gabby Hutchinson Crouch

Performed by Lucy Porter and Luke Kempner

Directed by Marilyn Imrie

Engineered and Edited by Jerry Peel

Production Managed by Sarah Tombling

Production Runner: Abbigayle Bircham

Produced by Gordon Kennedy

An Absolutely production for BBC Radio 4

Comedian Lucy Porter examines family life and the concept of legacy.

This time, Lucy looks at the effects of the pandemic on our relationships with family, friends and neighbours. The last year has been hard on people who were separated from their nearest and dearest, but it's also been no picnic for those who were locked up with their loved ones.

Home schooling, working from the kitchen table, zoom quizzes with cousins, clapping with the neighbours - Lucy explores all the things that have brought us together, while also driving us apart. We look forward to the year 2041 and ponder what they'll make of it in the future.

Talented comedian and impressionist Luke Kempner is on hand again to help Lucy bring her thoughts to life. As always, he displays his range of comic voices, including an impressive impersonation of Lucy's next door neighbour Yvonne.

Back In The Family Way was recorded at Lucy's local village hall, with a socially distanced audience of her family, friends and neighbours. Let's see if any of them are still speaking to her after this show.

Written by Lucy Porter

Starring Lucy Porter and Luke Kempner

Additional Material: Gabby Hutchinson Crouch and Mike Shepherd

Production Manager: Sarah Tombling

Studio Engineer and Editor: Jerry Peal

Production Runners: Sahara Dennis, Kareem Elshehawy, Sakshi Gupta

Produced and Directed by Gordon Kennedy

Would not have been possible without Marilyn Imrie

Recorded Live at Pinner Village Hall

An Absolutely production for BBC Radio 4

In a new show Lucy Porter examines family life and how it's been affected by the pandemic.

Comedy from Lucy Porter.

So yeah, in other words, in an odd way.

He's not done bad for a lad who failed his A-Levels, became a PE teacher (see 'failed his A-levels'), worked as an Elvis impersonator, and then signed up for a writing course but got the wrong day and turned up for a stand-up comedy course instead. Because it was raining, and his wife had already dropped him off, he decided he might as well stay.

Eleven years later, he presents his debut Radio 4 show.

We've all been through a lot, emotionally and psychologically, with the extraordinary events of the pandemic. In the middle of the biggest crisis the world has witnessed since the war, we all had to assess who we were, what our priorities were, what our core relationships are and how robust they really are.

Luckily, Bubbins isn't interested in any of that. He wasn't even involved in the pandemic. Because he lives in the 70s. In this show, he aims to take us back to a time before Covid and other complexities - a much simpler time .

An Impatient production for BBC Radio 4

Mike Bubbins, wearing Cuban heels and driving a Ford Cortina, whisks us back to the 70s.

What's needed is a little outside perspective. Enter: Phil Wang – a caustic British-Malaysian comedian who grew up on the island of Borneo. A centrist with a heart; an artist with an engineering degree.

In this pilot episode, Phil turns his attention to the British Empire - was British colonialism really one big crime? Modern liberalism would say so, but Phil's Dad sure misses those prompt British buses – “I wish they'd come take us over again. Maybe I'd get to work on time! ?

Written by and starring Phil Wang

Original music by Fauxe

Produced by Matt Stronge

Wangsplaining is a BBC Studios production.

Phil Wang Wangsplains the contentious topics of our time.

PIPPA EVANS has never felt like a grown-up. In theory she's reached the age where you really should, but somehow it's a feeling that's so far eluded her. In this brand new stand-up show she asks what it means to be a grown-up and how you know when you are one. There are lots of markers of adulthood, standing up for yourself is a sure sign that you're a step further towards it so perhaps this is a trick she must master.

With stand- up and music from her house band, Pippa involves her audience in her journey of self-discovery.

Star of the Now Show, PIPPA EVANS is a fixture at the Edinburgh Festival with sell-out shows and is a co-founder of the Sunday Assembly.

Producer: ALISON VERNON-SMITH.

Pippa Evans asks what it means to be a grown-up and how you know when you are one.



Producer: ALISON VERNON-SMITH.

Have you ever watched a feminist try and take ‘hench' as a compliment? It's like watching a snake eat, but funny. In this show, Jess extols the joys of weightlifting, decries the pressures put on women by the diet industry and explores the evolutionary advantage of having legs like a prize ham.

Powerhouse is adapted for BBC Radio 4 from Jessica's 2019 Dave's Edinburgh Comedy Award nominated show, Hench.

Written and Performed by Jessica Fostekew

Production Coordinator: Tamara Shilham

Producer: Lyndsay Fenner

Photo credit: Idil Sukan

A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Jessica Fostekew's award-nominated stand-up show about big strong strength.

Have you ever watched a feminist try and take ‘hench' as a compliment? It's like watching a snake eat, but funny. Edinburgh Comedy Award nominated stand-up from Jessica Fostekew.

Although JANE AUSTEN wrote about a particular class of women at a particular period in our history , the portraits she drew have resonated with millions of subsequent readers. But rarely is she considered from a feminist perspective.

In this stand-up comedy show recorded in front of a live, virtual audience, Rachel Parris asks us to re-appraise JANE AUSTEN's work and see it in a new light. Albeit a little irreverently.

Do Austen's books pass the Bechdel test? What do her sisters tell us about the sisterhood? What have her women got in common with women today and what can we learn from what JANE AUSTEN had to say about marriage, men and money?

A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4

JANE AUSTEN's feminist credentials are weighed-up by fan and comedian, Rachel Parris.

Jane Austen's feminist credentials are weighed-up by fan and comedian Rachel Parris.

Ruby Wax talks about mental health in her inimitable style, focusing on how we are all frazzled, how we got to be that way and what we can do about it - using comedy, mindfulness and chat with the audience.

There is so much to say about mental health and feeling frazzled and Ruby has the knowledge - a Master's degree in mindfulness-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. She also has the experience after years of struggles with mental health. And of course she has the comic gifts to say it in an articulate, funny and entertaining way

In this show, she wants to make us laugh at her and at ourselves, make our lives feel more manageable, and share tools for how to cope.

Written and performed by Ruby Wax

Producer: Liz Anstee

A CPL production for BBC Radio 4.



A CPL production for BBC Radio 4.

Another chance to hear a show recorded in February 2018.

Ruby has the knowledge - a Master's degree in mindfulness-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. She also has the experience after years of struggles with mental health. And of course she has the comic gifts to say it in an articulate, funny and entertaining way.

A CPL production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in April 2018.

Ruby Wax explains how we got to be so frazzled and what we can do about it.

Ruby's take on mental health - to make us laugh at her, ourselves, make our lives manageable and share coping tools. From 2018.

It follows her well-received show for Radio 4 last year.

Excellent' - The Guardian.

Appealing and wise' - The Times

Articulate and entertaining' - i

There is so much to say about mental health and, with a Master's degree in Mindfulness-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and years of struggles with mental health, Ruby has the knowledge, the experience and the comic gifts to say it in an articulate, funny and entertaining way, engaging the audience both in the room and at home.

She wants to make us laugh at her and at ourselves, share her thoughts about where we are now, how we can make ourselves think and feel a bit better and how we can all be a bit less isolated.

Written and performed by Ruby Wax

Producer: Liz Anstee

A CPL production for BBC Radio 4

Ruby Wax is frazzled. We all are!

Excellent - The Guardian.

Appealing and wise - The Times

Articulate and entertaining - i

An increasingly surreal dinner date turns into a trip down memory lane for the pair, as a curt waitress guides them grudgingly through some of their formative mixed-race memories.

Through break-out sketches, the duo narrowly avoid coming to blows with streetwise teenage schoolgirls Jacanda and Malika on the streets of north west London, culturally appropriate their own cultural heritage in a Portakabin in Nottingham, and befuddle renowned Race and Socio-Political expert Professor Jojo Mojojo with a simple question. All the while waiting for their main course to arrive.

Can the mixed-race experience really be defined in a single comedy special? The Egg girls aren't sure, but they take a crack at it in Scrambled Egg.

Cast:

Anna - Anna Leong Brophy

Emily - Emily Lloyd-Saini

Waitress - Rebecca Boey

Written by Anna Leong Brophy and Emily Lloyd-Saini

Producer: Mobashir Dar

A CPL production for BBC Radio 4

Stephen is seriously contemplating changing his name in 2022, as he believes being Stephen Bailey is hindering his success - after all, a name change is one of the oldest tricks in showbiz. If the name maketh the man, it's made a lot of Stephen Baileys and the rest of them are always doing something more newsworthy than our Stephen.

This is a bespoke stand-up special about identity, where Stephen will work out whether you can change your whole life, just by changing your name.

Written and performed by Stephen Bailey

Production Coordinator: Katie Baum

Produced by: Georgia Keating and Hayley Sterling

A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4.

Stand-up special from the Mancunian comedian with a common name.

In Talking Shop, Stephen outlines his chequered work history from shop worker to human ping pong ball. At home Stephen lives with his mum and a Vietnamese refugee Dove. Can Stephen help Dove onto the career ladder and can they both move up in the world?

Stephen Buchanan - Talking Shop encapsulates the trials and tribulations of his life so far, alongside the true story of Stephen and Dove's developing friendship - all of which have led to this very moment: Stephen's debut Radio 4 special.

Written and Performed by Stephen Buchanan.

Producer: Adnan Ahmed

A BBC Studios Production

Postcards to Portsmouth was written and performed by Suzi Ruffell, with additions from Ann Ruffell. It was produced by Suzy Grant and is a BBC Studios production.

Stand-up special from Suzi Ruffell about growing up in Portsmouth.

A stand-up special from Suzi Ruffell on the theme of growing up in Portsmouth and sending postcards to back home.

Produced by Suzy Grant.

A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2019.

Stand-up from Suzi Ruffell about growing up in Portsmouth.

Stand-up from Suzi Ruffell on growing up in Portsmouth with a large entertaining family and sending postcards home. From 2019.

Arthur's father Syd was an ordinary man in extraordinary times. Just 17 when he signed up, he fought at El Alamein, was captured and then imprisoned in Colditz and, after the war, joined the Metropolitan Police. He spent the rest of his working life patrolling the streets of London and had possibly the worst arrest rate in the force - having been a prisoner of war he had no desire to subject anyone else to suffer a loss of liberty.

In this funny and tender evocation of post-war Britain, Arthur brings us Syd's diary entries and conjures up the spirit of his father, a man of great integrity and humour.

Recorded in front of a live, socially distanced audience, with assistance from his brother Nick and music from Kirsty Newton.

Producer: Alison Vernon-Smith

A Yada-Yada Audio production for BBC Radio 4

Arthur Smith tells the story of his father Syd, an ordinary man in extraordinary times.

The show was recorded in front of a live audience at the Pleasance in London.

Written by Tessa Coates

Starring Tessa Coates

Additional Material: Amy Annette

Executive Producer: Simon Nicholls

Studio Engineer Jerry Peal

Editor: Chris Maclean

Production Manager: Georgina Brett

Production Co-ordinator: Tamara Shilham

Production Assistant: Emma Tremewan

Production Runners: George Hehir & Tehillah Hinds

Would not have been possible without Katie Churchill

Recorded Live at Pleasance London

A Tiger Aspect production for BBC Radio 4

In this stand-up special, Tessa Coates explores the rise of enthusiasm for witchcraft.

From gin and tonic to radar and completely useless units of measurement, Mary, Eleanor and Esyllt will tell you things you didn't know, and give a new perspective on things you did.

Written by and starring Mary Flanigan, Eleanor Morton and Esyllt Sears

Recorded and mixed by David Thomas

Produced by Ed Morrish

A Lead Mojo production for BBC Radio 4

Mary Flanigan, Eleanor Morton and Esyllt Sears look into Great British science and tech.

A new one-off show as part of Radio 4's season of Sunday night stand-up specials from TOM ALLEN, star of The Royal Variety Performance, 8 out of 10 Cats and Mock The Week amongst many others.

TOM ALLEN is Actually Not Very Nice explores what happens when Tom's calm and collected exterior collapses, be it when confronting someone at M&S who refuses to refund him on some trousers or arguing with his Mum's friend Joyce about ham. He used to be such a nice boy but what has happened to turn him naughty?

With help from the assembled studio audience, Tom works out how best to navigate some tricky social situations and how to keep a lid on his fury when confronted with life's small injustices.

Producer: Richard Morris

A BBC Studios Production.

TOM ALLEN is Actually Not Very Nice explores what happens when Tom's calm and collected exterior collapses, be it when confronting some rowdy teenagers on a bus or arguing with his Mum's friend Joyce about ham. He used to be such a nice boy but what has happened to turn him naughty?

Featuring Gabby Best.

Recorded in his hometown of Melbourne, Solastalgia is the first Radio 4 stand-up special from award-winning Millennial Australian comedian Tom Ballard. It's his terrified, emotional and hilarious response to the climate crisis - what it means, how it makes us feel, what if anything we can do about it, and whether any of it is funny.

He'll even tell you what Solastalgia means.

Tom was nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Newcomer in 2015 and for the main prize in 2016, and hosted his own daily late-night comedy show for ABC, Tonightly with Tom Ballard. He can be heard regularly on the smash-hit satirical podcast The Bugle, and his work is 'unrelenting and uproarious' (Chortle), 'brave, biting, ballsy and ultimately, brilliant' (Time Out), 'multi-dimensional and multi-layered, adding twist upon twist and full of little parcels of surprises' (Beyond The Joke), and 'engaged, conscientious and consistently, archly funny, Ballard is precisely the sort of political commentator the world needs' (The Scotsman).

Written and performed by Tom Ballard

Recorded by Kristina Miltiadou

Post production by Rich Evans

Produced by Ed Morrish

Recorded at Comedy Republic, Narrm/Melbourne – on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation.

A Lead Mojo production for BBC Radio 4

Award-winning comedian Tom Ballard tackles the climate crisis.

Tom was nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Newcomer in 2015 and for the main prize in 2016, and hosted his own daily late-night comedy show for ABC, Tonightly with Tom Ballard. He can be heard regularly on the smash-hit satirical podcast The Bugle, and his work is unrelenting and uproarious' (Chortle), 'brave, biting, ballsy and ultimately, brilliant' (Time Out), 'multi-dimensional and multi-layered, adding twist upon twist and full of little parcels of surprises' (Beyond The Joke), and 'engaged, conscientious and consistently, archly funny, Ballard is precisely the sort of political commentator the world needs' (The Scotsman).

Recorded at Comedy Republic, Narrm/Melbourne - on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation.

What does it mean to be British? To be a man? To be white or “of colour ?, gay or straight, young or old, or none of the above? It seems we can't see the woods for the trees.

What's needed is a little outside perspective.

Enter: Phil Wang – a caustic British-Malaysian comedian who grew up on the island of Borneo. A centrist with a heart; an artist with an engineering degree.

In this pilot episode, Phil turns his attention to the British Empire - was British colonialism really one big crime?

Modern liberalism would say so, but Phil's Dad sure misses those prompt British buses – “I wish they'd come take us over again. Maybe I'd get to work on time! ?

Written by and starring Phil Wang

Original music by Fauxe

Produced and edited by Matt Stronge

A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2019.

Phil Wang Wangsplains the contentious topics of our time.

The biggest laughs, the freshest faces.

Phil Wang focuses on the British Empire - was British colonialism one big crime? Phil's Dad has his own take. From 2019.