Beyond The Joke

I get the impression that Chris McGlade is always an in-your-face comedian, but never more so than at this performance. Despite playing one of the major Just The Tonic venues there were only two people in the audience the night I was in, so I got something of a personal performance, with McGlade pouring himself a mug of tea and doing his material right in front of me. Apologies if this is not the most detailed review.

The first image has been released of the cast of Back, the new Channel 4 sitcom starring David Mitchell and Robert Webb and written by Simon Blackwell.

In the new six-part series to be broadcast later this year Stephen’s (David Mitchell) father, a local legend and pub landlord, has died so Stephen is set to – finally – take over the pub. Mum Ellen and sister Cass have no interest in the family business - they're 'creative', with weed to buy and energy-centres to rebalance. 

The BBC New Comedy Award final took place today at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

The judges were Hugh Dennis, Jenny Eclair and Radio 4’s Commissioning Editor for Comedy Sioned William.

The winner is Heidi Regan from Newcastle in Australia. They will take home £1000 and a 15 minute script commission from BBC Studios.

Late night extravaganza The Asylum, led by Phil Nichol and Kirsty Newton, has been forced to look for a new venue following complaints that it is too noisy.

Comedian and junior doctor Ed Patrick had to pause his show to attend to a collapsed audience member.