Archive for the ‘Panel Game’ Category

Have I Got News For You!

Thursday, April 17th, 2008

hignfy.jpgIt’s back - the most consistently funny comedy panel game/topical news quiz on television anywhere returns this evening with regular captains Ian Hislop and the excellent Paul Merton joined by Jack Dee in the chair.

Deadpan Jack Dee has been one of the better guest hosts, having sat in the chair 5 times now since Angus Deayton’s departure in 2002.

Expect some stinging Gordon Brown baiting, as the new PM doesn’t seem to have any idea of the meaning of presentation, and the BBC seems to be increasingly ambivalent towards Labour in their editorials.

Also expect plenty of digs at celebrity culture, Amy Winehouse and Pete Doherty are good bets there, as well as references to the sport Hislop knows nothing about (football) and if you’re very lucky, an Ian Hislop impersonation of one of only one people he can impersonate!

Have I Got News For You might have been on tv for 18 or so years, but it remains one of the most entertaining ways to spend 30 minutes in front of a television, and returns tonight at 9pm, BBC One.

I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue

Sunday, March 30th, 2008

isihac.jpgI’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue is on tour, this week kicking off at Hammermith Apollo. 

And when I say “on tour”, I mean “on tour”. 

Humphrey Lyttelton, Barry Cryer, Graeme Garden, Tim Brooke-Taylor, Jeremy Hardy and the pianist Colin Sell are appearing in the second phase of the tour that began in 2007, and comprising of favourite rounds from the shows 35 years. 

The tour is not being recorded for Radio 4, although there’s no reason why it shouldn’t end up on a special audio release.

I you haven’t come across I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue, then that is something you need to resolve quickly.  It is Quintessential Comedy, and can easily be purchased via download or on CD from varying outfits, including Amazon.

The series own description is “”the antidote to panel games”, and the four panel members of comedians are split into two teams and “given silly things to do” by the chairman, Humphrey Lyttleton. 

Now if that isn’t a recipe for success, I don’t know what is.

Clive Anderson’s Chat Room

Saturday, March 8th, 2008

Just tuned in for the first time to Clive Anderson’s Chat Room; a simple, honest formula with a good selection of guests providing radiophonic mirth on Saturday lunchtimes.

What we have is basically a topical discussion chaired by Anderson and contributed to by a group of comedians and veteran broadcasters, as well as some minor contributions from the audience; think Question Time with laughs.

 On Saturday March 8th we the audience were treated to Gyles Brandreth (bear with me), Andy Parsons, Helen Lederer and Paul Sinha – not a name I’m currently familiar with.  Former Liberal party leader Charles Kennedy was for some reason absent.

So what we have is a sideways and frankly honest look at the issues of the day; texting while driving, widening motorways, European Union Referendum, and anything you can think of, really. 

If we had some sort of recommended five star “Tune In” system, Clive Anderson’s Chat Room would be up there with 5 stars. 

The remainder of the series features:

Programme two - 13 March:
Arthur Smith, Kirsty Wark, Dom Joly and Miles Jupp

Programme three - 20 March:
Dave Gorman, Carole Malone and Frankie Boyle

Programme four - 27 March:
Kelvin Mackenzie, Julie Kirkbride MP and Griff Rhys-Jones

Programme five - 3 April:
Ed Byrne, Will Self and Nick Clegg MP

Programme six - 10 April:
Tony Hawks and Miranda Sawyer

Meanwhile you can find out more about the show at the BBC webpage.

Vic & Bob’s New Sitcom - but why stop there?

Thursday, February 28th, 2008

Reeves & MortimerDigital Spy have reported on a new sitcom to be penned by Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer, set to feature superheroes who acquire their powers from a telegraph pole.

“It’s about superheroes who get skills through a telegraph pole that malfunctions. Then they go around helping people in their local community.”

There’s also talk of a new series of Shooting Stars, depending on the BBC.

Frankly, it’s a disgrace.

Reeve & Mortimer should be starring in their own series of sketches, fun and frivolity with the best comedy writers the BBC can lay their hands on providing the path into Vic and Bob’s world.

Scrabbling around begging the BBC to let them make a sitcom which the BBC will then demand x amount of Shooting Stars episodes for is unbecoming of performers of Vic and Bob’s standing and influence in British Comedy.

They deserve the best contracts, the best teams behind them and the best material - as well as the best slots on BBC One on a Saturday night.