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Friday Night Comedy from BBC Radio 4

Friday Night Comedy from BBC Radio 4

268 episodes — Page 5 of 6

Party's Over - 29th July

What happens when the prime minister suddenly stops being prime minister? One day you're the most powerful person in the country, the next you're irrelevant, forced into retirement 30 years ahead of schedule and find yourself asking 'What do I do now?''I can't just disappear like Gordon Brown. They say he barely gets out of bed now. Just sits there doing word-searches and eating Kit Kat Chunkies. Miserable. I hate the chunky ones.' Former British Prime Minister Henry TobinAfter some unsuccessful attempts last summer to get back to the top, Henry returns with some new ideas on how to delay his impending descent into national irrelevance. In this first episode of the new series, Henry and team travel to Birmingham for the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games and immediately spy an opportunity for a comeback.Starring Miles Jupp, Ingrid Oliver, Emma Sidi, Justin Edwards and David Momeni.Recorded at The Crescent Theatre in BirminghamWritten by Paul Doolan and Jon Hunter Producer: Richard Morris Production co-ordinator: Caroline Barlow Sound recordist and designer: Chris MacleanA BBC Studios Production

Aug 26, 202227 min

Dead Ringers - 22nd July

Topical satire show, featuring characters drawn from the worlds of celebrity and politics.

Aug 19, 202226 min

Dead Ringers - 15th July

Topical satire show, featuring characters drawn from the worlds of celebrity and politics.

Aug 12, 202226 min

Dead Ringers - 8th July

Topical satire show, featuring characters drawn from the worlds of celebrity and politics.

Aug 5, 202225 min

Dead Ringers - 1st July

Topical satire show, featuring characters drawn from the worlds of celebrity and politics.

Jul 29, 202225 min

Dead Ringers - 24th June

Topical satire show, featuring characters drawn from the worlds of celebrity and politics.

Jul 22, 202225 min

Dead Ringers - 17th June

Since the last series there’s been Sue Gray’s report, tractorgate, a war in Europe, 1970s-style inflation, Liz Truss has become foreign secretary and Michael Gove still exists. Such calamities are the life blood of satirists. The supply chain of human folly is functioning better than ever. Performed by Jon Culshaw, Jan Ravens, Lewis MacLeod, Debra Stephenson, and Duncan Wisbey. Written by Tom Jamieson and Nev Fountain, Laurence Howarth and others. Produced and created by Bill Dare. Production Co-ordinator: Caroline Barlow Sound design: Rich Evans A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4

Jul 15, 202227 min

The News Quiz - 10th June

Andy Zaltzman presents the last in the current series of the topical quiz show.

Jul 8, 202227 min

The News Quiz - 3rd June

Andy Zaltzman hurls the week's headlines at a panel of comedians and journalists.

Jul 1, 202227 min

The News Quiz - 27th May

Andy Zaltzman presents the News Quiz from the 2022 Hay Festival.

Jun 24, 202227 min

The News Quiz - 20th May

Topical panel quiz show, taking its questions from the week's news stories.

Jun 17, 202227 min

The News Quiz - 13th May

Topical panel quiz show, taking its questions from the week's news stories.

Jun 10, 202227 min

The News Quiz - 6th May

Topical panel quiz show, taking its questions from the week's news stories.

Jun 3, 202227 min

The News Quiz - 29th April

Andy Zaltzman reflects on a week of headlines in the company of guests including Andy Hamilton and host of BBC Radio Scotland's 'Breaking the News', Des Clarke. Producer: Richard Morris Production co-ordinator: Katie Baum A BBC Studios Production

May 27, 202227 min

The News Quiz - 22nd April

Series 108 of the topical quiz where Andy Zaltzman grabs the week’s headlines and hurls them at four of the nation’s best comedians and journalists. This week Andy is joined by Hugo Rifkind, Felicity Ward, Daliso Chaponda and Eleanor Tiernan. Producer: Richard Morris Production co-ordinator: Katie Baum A BBC Studios Production

May 20, 202227 min

The Now Show - 15th April

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches.

May 13, 202227 min

The Now Show - 8th April

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches.

May 6, 202227 min

The Now Show - 1st April

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches.

Apr 29, 202227 min

The Now Show - 25th March

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches.

Apr 22, 202227 min

The Now Show – 18th March

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches.

Apr 15, 202227 min

The Now Show - 11th March

The Now Show returns with Steve and Hugh being joined by Stevie Martin and Kieran Hodgson, alongside stand-up from Ian Smith and Chloe Petts, and music from Huge Davies.

Apr 8, 202227 min

Friday Night Comedy is now first on BBC Sounds

Looking for the latest episode? New episodes of Friday Night Comedy will now be available first on BBC Sounds for four weeks before other podcast apps.If you haven’t already, you can download the BBC Sounds app to listen to the Friday Night Comedy podcast first.BBC Sounds is also available in lots of other places. Find us on your voice device or smart speaker, on your connected TV, in your car, or at bbc.co.uk/sounds.The latest episode is available on BBC Sounds right now.BBC Sounds – you can find exclusive music mixes, live BBC radio and more podcasts like this one.

Mar 12, 20221 min

News Quiz 4th March 2022

Recorded at the BBC Radio Theatre, this week Andy Zaltzman is joined by Mark Steel, Sindhu Vee, Daniel Finkelstein and Lucy Porter to discuss war in Ukraine and the international reaction. Last in the series.Hosted by Andy Zaltzman Chairs script by Andy Zaltzman Additional Material from Alice Fraser, Mike Shephard, Cameron Loxdale, Jade Gebbie and Peter Tellouche. Production Co-ordinator: Katie Baum Sound Editor: Marc WillcoxThe Producer is James Robinson, and it is a BBC Studios Production.

Mar 4, 202228 min

News Quiz 25th February 2022

Recorded at the BBC Radio Theatre, this week Andy Zaltzman is joined by Angela Barnes, Ian Smith, Desiree Burch and Geoff Norcott to discuss Putin's invasion of Ukraine and the reaction at home and abroad. The team also look at the end of COVID restrictions in England, Johnson's questionnaire from the Met, and Trump's new social media venture.Hosted by Andy Zaltzman Chairs script by Andy Zaltzman Additional Material from Alice Fraser, Suchandrika Chakrabarti, Sean Stoakes and Cameron Loxdale. Production Co-ordinator: Katie Baum Sound Editor: Marc WillcoxThe Producer is Gwyn Rhys Davies, and it is a BBC Studios Production.

Feb 25, 202228 min

News Quiz 18th February 2022

Recorded at the BBC Radio Theatre, his week Andy Zaltzman was joined by Elis James, Olga Koch, Tim Shipman and Shaparak Khorsandi to look at the situation in Ukraine, and how the cream of British politics are dealing with the delicate situation; we looks at the Met Police, in a week that the Met Police are looking at Prince Charles, and in a (possible) world first, we have an audio-only picture round!Hosted by Andy Zaltzman Chairs script by Andy Zaltzman Additional Material from Alice Fraser, Catherine Brinkworth, Ken Cheng and Rajiv Karia Production Co-ordinators: Katie Baum & Caroline Barlow Sound Editor: Marc WillcoxThe Producer is Gwyn Rhys Davies, and it is a BBC Studios Production.

Feb 18, 202228 min

News Quiz 11th February 2022

After 5-and-a-half series, 44 episodes and 714 days, The News Quiz welcomes a live studio audience once again.Recorded at the BBC Radio Theatre, this week Andy Zaltzman was joined by Mark Steel, Athena Kugblenu, Hugo Rifkind and Jackie Weaver to look at NHS backlogs, the end of all COVID restrictions in England, a minor reshuffle and a major scientific breakthrough.Hosted by Andy Zaltzman Chairs script by Andy Zaltzman Additional Material from Alice Fraser, Alex Kealy, Eleri Morgan and Rajiv Karia Production Co-ordinator: Katie Baum Sound Editor: Marc WillcoxThe Producer is Gwyn Rhys Davies, and it is a BBC Studios Production.

Feb 11, 202228 min

News Quiz 4th February 2022

Andy Zaltzman is joined by Elis James, Ola Labib, Zoe Lyons and Ed Balls to give an un-redacted update on the week’s news.The panel look at Partygate and Johnson's precarious position in No.10, find out what the Levelling Up whitepaper can teach us about the birth of civilisation, and discover how little we know about trees.Hosted by Andy Zaltzman Chairs script by Andy Zaltzman Additional Material from Alice Fraser, Benjamin Partridge, Ray Badran and Tasha Dhanraj Production Co-ordinator: Katie Baum Sound Editor: Marc WillcoxThe Producer is Gwyn Rhys Davies, and it is a BBC Studios Production.

Feb 4, 202227 min

News Quiz 28th January 2022

Andy Zaltzman and the News Quiz satirise the week's news from the UK and beyond.This week Andy is joined by Nish Kumar, Rachel Fairburn, Neil Delamere and Isabel Hardman. They try to make sense of a week of war mongering and cake ambushes.Chair's Script: Written by Andy Zaltzman Additional Material: Written by Alice Fraser, Heidi Regan, Rhiannon Shaw and Tasha Dhanraj. Production Coordinator: Katie Baum Sound Editor: Marc Willcox Producer: James RobinsonA BBC Studios Production

Jan 28, 202227 min

News Quiz 21st January 2022

Andy Zaltzman and the News Quiz satirise the week's news from the UK and beyond.This week Andy is joined by Alice Fraser, Chris McCausland, Daliso Chaponda and Hugo Rifkind. They try to make sense of a week of big dogs, pork pies and red meat.Chair's Script: Written by Andy Zaltzman Additional Material: Written by Heidi Regan, Cameron Loxdale, Stephen Buchanan and Tasha Dhanraj. Production Coordinator: Katie Baum Sound Editor: Marc Willcox Producer: James RobinsonA BBC Studios Production

Jan 21, 202227 min

News Quiz 14th January 2022

Andy Zaltzman presents a look back at the week's headlines, in a tough week for the Prime Minister.Joined by a panel of Ayesha Hazarika, Paul Sinha, Kiri Pritchard-McLean and Simon Evans, Andy looks back over the events of 20th May 2020 with Sue Gray-like focus. As well as Downing Street parties, the panel discuss rising energy bills, pig heart transplants, space telescopes and Michael Gove being trapped in a lift.Chair's Script: Written by Andy Zaltzman Additional Material: by Alice Fraser, Mike Shephard, Celya AB and Rajiv Karia Production Coordinator: Katie Baum Sound Editor: Marc Willcox Producer: Gwyn Rhys Davies.A BBC Studios Production.

Jan 14, 202227 min

News Quiz 7th January 2022

Andy Zaltzman and the News Quiz return to satirise the weeks news from the UK and beyond.This week Andy is joined by Alice Fraser, Chris McCausland, Katie Perrior and Ahir Shah. They look at the smallprint on Keir Starmer's 'contract with Britain', rate Boris Johnson's new look, and discuss Novak Djokovic's double fault.Chair's Script: Written by Andy Zaltzman Additional Material: Written by Simon Alcock, Nathan D'Arcy Roberts, Alice Fraser, Rajiv Karia and Hannah Platt Production Coordinator: Katie Baum Sound Editor: Marc Willcox Producer: Gwyn Rhys DaviesA BBC Studios Production

Jan 7, 202227 min

News Quiz: Best of 2021

Andy Zaltzman raids the 2021 archive to remember amongst other things, a man in a horned helmet running around the Capitol Building, the leader of the opposition not being allowed into a pub and Britain's favourite alpaca.Producer: Richard Morris Production co-ordinator: Katie BaumA BBC Studios Production

Dec 31, 202127 min

Dead Ringers - Christmas Specials 2021 - The Multiverse Special

A "Today programme" special which takes a satirical look back at recent events in alternative earths around the multiverse. There are worlds in which England attempts to break free from the yoke of Scottish rule, the most serious pandemic is Man Flu, Love Island is an important world power, Ronnie Corbett is worshipped as a god and TV series Succession is also wildly popular - but not as you would know it.Performed by Jon Culshaw, Lewis Macleod, Jan Ravens, Debra Stephenson and Duncan Wisbey.Written by Nev Fountain & Tom Jamieson, Laurence Howarth, Ed Amsden & Tom Coles, Edward Tew, Sophie Dickinson, Rob Darke, Dan Audritt and Kat Butterfield, Cody Dahler, and Duncan Wisbey.Producer... Bill Dare Production Coordinator... Caroline Barlow Sound Designer... Rich Evans A BBC Studios Production

Dec 24, 202142 min

Dead Ringers - Christmas Specials 2021 - Episode 2

For the first time broadcast live, from the BBC Radio Theatre, London on Friday. This live show will feature Professor Sir Chris Whitty as you’ve never seen him before, Boris Johnson seeks the help of The Repair Shop, there's guidance on how to have fun without the office party and the epic quest to get a booster jab.With, Lewis Macleod, Jan Ravens, Debra Stephenson and Duncan Wisbey.Written by: Nev Fountain & Tom Jamieson, Laurence Howarth, Ed Amsden & Tom Coles, Edward Tew, Sophie Dickson, Rob Darke, Cody Dahler and Rachel Ethorn.Producer: Bill Dare Production Coordinator: Caroline Barlow A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.

Dec 17, 202127 min

Dead Ringers - Christmas Specials 2021 - Episode 1

The team delve into what really happened at Downing Street last Christmas, the real source of the Omicron variant, and follow Boris and Carrie’s baby’s first day at her new job.Performed by Jon Culshaw, Lewis Macleod, Jan Ravens, Debra Stephenson and Duncan Wisbey.Written by Nev Fountain & Tom Jamieson, Laurence Howarth, Ed Amsden & Tom Coles, Edward Tew, Rob Darke, Natasha Dhanraj and Cody Dahler.Producer: Bill Dare Production Coordinator: Caroline Barlow A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4

Dec 10, 202125 min

The Now Show - 3rd December - feat Janine Harouni, Jamie MacDonald, Tim Sutton and Sooz Kempner

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches in front of a remote audience - and all from their own home!Joining them for the final episode of the series and all from a safe distance is Janine Harouni, Jamie MacDonald with music supplied by Tim Sutton and Sooz Kempner.Voice Actors: Kieran Hodgson and Nimisha Odedra.Producer: Rajiv Karia Production Co-Ordinator: Sarah SharpeBBC Studios Production

Dec 3, 202127 min

The Now Show - 26th November - feat Athena Kugblenu, Geoff Norcott, and Huge Davies

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches in the BBC's Radio Theatre in front of a remote audience.Joining them from a safe distance is Athena Kugblenu taking on MPs wages, and Geoff Norcott on must-see TV. This week's music is supplied by Huge Davies.Voice Actors: Emma Sidi and Jason ForbesProducer: Rajiv Karia Production Co-Ordinator: Sarah SharpeBBC Studios Production

Nov 26, 202127 min

The Now Show - 19th November ft Ria Lina, Josh Pugh and Beardyman

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches in front of a remote audience - and all from their own home!Joining them from a safe distance is Ria Lina taking on back-seat scientists, Josh Pugh pondering on dinosaur discoveries, and Beardyman playing us out with a jazzy ode to staying calm.Voice Actors: Luke Kempner and Natasha Hodgson Producer: Rajiv Karia Production Co-Ordinator: Sarah SharpeBBC Studios Production

Nov 19, 202127 min

The Now Show - 12th November ft Gareth Gwynn, Michael Spicer, Priya Hall and Ignacio Lopez

Steve Punt and Gareth Gwynn present the week via topical stand-up and sketches in front of a remote audience - and all from their own home!Joining them from a safe distance is Michael Spicer tackling non-sensical poiticians, Priya Hall wonders why we're experiencing shortages of pretty much everything and Igancio Lopez plays us out with a Bowie-inspired song about billionaires in space.Voice Actors: Luke Kempner and Karen Bartke.Producer: Pete Strauss & Rajiv Karia Production Co-Ordinator: Sarah SharpeBBC Studios Production

Nov 12, 202127 min

The Now Show - 29th October ft Felicity Ward, Aurie Styla and Jess Robinson

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches and they're back in the BBC Radio Theatre in front of a remote audience.Joining them from a safe distance is Felicity Ward who has a foolproof plan for improving food in this country and Aurie Styla giving survival tips for the pandemic and the smug benefits of owning an electric car.We also get a sneak peek at Adele's 23rd album, 96, from Jess Robinson. Music composed by Alex Silverman.Voice Actors: Gemma Arrowsmith and Luke KempnerProducer: Pete Strauss Production Co-Ordinator: Sarah SharpeBBC Studios Production

Oct 29, 202127 min

News Quiz 22nd October 2021

In the last of the current series, Andy Zaltzman and the panel take on the week's headlines.Ayesha Hazarika, Matt Winning, Geoff Norcott and Elis James join Andy in 'convivial, fraternal spirit' to look take a close look at COP26, and whether Brian Cox is right about earth's extinction leaving the galaxy bereft of meaning. They also discuss Southend's newly-minted city status, online anonymity and Sajid Javid's winter plan.The chair's script is written by Andy Zaltzman, with additional material by Alice Fraser, Mike Shephard, Hannah Platt and Rajiv Karia.Producer: Gwyn Rhys Davies Production Co-ordinator: Katie Baum Sound Editor: Marc WillcoxA BBC Studios Production.

Oct 22, 202127 min

News Quiz 15th October 2021

Catherine Bohart, Michael Deacon, Chris McCausland and Eshaan Akbar join host Andy Zaltzman to look back over the week's news. This week, they look at the COVID report's findings, Boris Johnson's holiday hobby, the Northern Ireland Protocol and a sacked wizard.The chair's script is written by Andy Zaltzman, with additional material by Alice Fraser, Catherine Brinkworth, Rhiannon Shaw and Rajiv Karia.Producer: Gwyn Rhys Davies Production Co-ordinator: Katie Baum Sound Editor: Mike SmithA BBC Studios Production.

Oct 15, 202127 min

News Quiz 8th October 2021

Kerry Godliman, Anand Menon, Kiri Pritchard-McLean and Ola Labib join host Andy Zaltzman to pore over the week's news. This week, they get their teeth into the Tory party conference, the scrapping of the Universal credit uplift in the week it was announced fuel prices could go up by 30%, Facebook's 6hr lost weekend and the Nobel Prizes.The chair's script is written by Andy Zaltzman, with additional material by Alice Fraser, Heidi Regan, Suchandrika Chakrabarti and Tasha Dhanraj.Producer: Gwyn Rhys Davies Production Co-ordinator: Katie Baum Sound Editor: Marc WillcoxA BBC Studios Production.

Oct 8, 202127 min

News Quiz 1st October 2021

Lucy Porter, Angela Barnes, Alun Cochrane and Matt Forde join host Andy Zaltzman to chew over the week's news. On the menu this week: the fuel crisis, Labour conference, end of the furlough scheme, Amazon's new house robot and the new Bond film.The chair's script is written by Andy Zaltzman, with additional material by Alice Fraser, Max Davis, Tasha Dhanraj and Heidi Regan.It was produced by Sam Michell for BBC Studios.

Oct 1, 202127 min

News Quiz 24th September 2021

Andy is joined by journalist Hugo Rifkind and comedians Susie McCabe, Ria Lina and Andrew Maxwell to dismantle and discuss the week's news, including the energy crisis, lack of Co2 and Boris's trip to the US.The script is written by host Andy Zaltzman with additional material by Alice Fraser, Mike Shephard, Rajiv Karia and Esther Manito.It is produced by Sam Michell for BBC Studios.

Sep 24, 202127 min

News Quiz 17th September 2021

Andy Zaltzman is joined by comedians Paul Sinha, Neil Delamere and Zoe Lyons to discuss the week's news, including Boris Johnson's reshuffle, winter covid plans and Emma Raducanu's heroics in New YorkHosted and written by Andy Zaltzman with additional material by Alice Fraser, Max Davis, Richard Stott and Rajiv Karia.Producers: Sam Michell and Gwyn Rhys Davies Production Coordinators: Caroline Barlow and Katie Baum Sound Editing: Marc WillcoxA BBC Studios Production.

Sep 17, 202127 min

News Quiz 10th September 2021

Andy and the team talk tax hikes, the Taliban, Texas, and tennis stars.

Sep 10, 202127 min

News Quiz 3rd September 2021

Andy Zaltzman is joined by Rachel Fairburn, Hugo Rifkind, Helen Lewis and Ian Smith.

Sep 3, 202127 min

Party's Over: ep6 Going Green 27th August 2021

What happens when the Prime Minister suddenly stops being Prime Minister?One day you're the most powerful person in the country, the next you're irrelevant, forced into retirement 30 years ahead of schedule and find yourself asking 'What do I do now?'Miles Jupp stars as Henry Tobin - Britain's shortest serving and least popular post war PM (he managed 8 months).We join Henry soon after his crushing election loss. He’s determined to not let his disastrous defeat be the end of him. Instead Henry's going to get back to the top - he's just not sure how and in what field..This week Christine encourages Henry to make the most of his green credentials.Henry Tobin... Miles Jupp Christine Tobin... Ingrid Oliver Natalie... Emma Sidi Jones... Justin Edwards Lizzie... Alice FraserWritten by Paul Doolan and Jon HunterProduced by Richard Morris and Simon Nicholls Production co-ordinator: Caroline BarlowA BBC Studios Production

Aug 27, 202127 min

Party's Over: ep5 The Great Outdoors 20th August 2021

What happens when the Prime Minister suddenly stops being Prime Minister?One day you're the most powerful person in the country, the next you're irrelevant, forced into retirement 30 years ahead of schedule and find yourself asking 'What do I do now?'Miles Jupp stars as Henry Tobin - Britain's shortest serving and least popular post war PM (he managed 8 months).We join Henry soon after his crushing election loss. He’s determined to not let his disastrous defeat be the end of him. Instead Henry's going to get back to the top - he's just not sure how and in what field..This week Henry's protection officer, Jones takes him on an ill-advised survival weekend in "the jungle".Henry Tobin... Miles Jupp Christine Tobin... Ingrid Oliver Natalie... Emma Sidi Jones... Justin EdwardsWritten by Paul Doolan and Jon HunterProduced by Richard Morris and Simon Nicholls Production co-ordinator: Caroline BarlowA BBC Studios Production

Aug 20, 202127 min