Comedy of the Week

Returning in its original one-to-one incarnation, Paul Merton interviews a variety of guests from the world of comedy and entertainment to find out what they would send to Room 101. This week Paul welcomes Richard Ayoade.

Comedy fans can catch the nominees for The Edinburgh Comedy Awards 2025 in this showcase for BBC Radio 4.Guaranteed to be packed with laughs, this special will be hosted by last year’s Best Comedy Show winner, Amy Gledhill.The prestigious awards is celebrating its 45th year and is recognising a Best Newcomer and a Best Show. In this gala, hosted by 2024 Best Show winner Amy Gledhill, we'll hear from all the nominees to give listeners around the UK the chance to hear the cream of this year’s Edinburgh crop. The gala was recorded at the Gilded Balloon, one of the Edinburgh Fringe’s iconic comedy venues.Nominated for Best Show are: Ian Smith, Katie Norris, Ed Night, Sam Jay, John Tothill, Sam Nicoresti, Creepy Boys and Dan TiernanNominated for Best Newcomer are: Molly McGuinness, Toussaint Douglass, Ada & Bron, Elouise Eftos, Ayoade Bamgboye, Kate Owens and Roger O'Sullivan.Host: Amy Gledhill Producer: Georgia Keating Production Co-ordinator: Caroline Barlow Edited by Giles Aspen Recorded by Sean KerwinRecorded at The Gilded Balloon in Edinburgh. A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.

This first episode takes a cheeky look at the costs of end of life care and you might be surprised to find out just how pricey it is to pop your clogs!When it seems like everything is getting more expensive; comedian, former banker and serial funeral-organiser Stuart Mitchell breaks down the true Cost of Dying. Using his own experience Stuart aims to find out if can we even afford to kick the bucket? You’ll learn so much about the hidden costs of dying, you may well decide not to bother doing it!To find more episodes from this series, search "Stand-Up Specials" on BBC Sounds.Written and Performed by Stuart Mitchell Producer: Lauren Mackay Sound: Andy Hay and Chris Currie

Oliver Callan hosts a panel show in which comedians from both sides of the Irish border and Britain imagine what a united Ireland would look like if it ever happened.This week, Oliver Callan is joined by Neil Delamere, Alison Spittle, John Meagher and Ashley Storrie to debate a new national flag, who the head of state might be and the official, national breakfast.To listen to Part 2: Belfast, search Oliver Callan Bins The Border on BBC Sounds.Producer: Marc McElroy A BBC Northern Ireland Production for Radio 4.

Jeremy Moleskine is the biggest writer in bawdy greetings cards. So when his car veers off the road, his number one fan is on hand to nurse him back to health. But when R&R turns into B&B (belittling and bludgeoning), Jeremy’s agent must track him down with the help of incarcerated lunatic, Clinton Scards.Brace yourself for a psychological thriller as Crybabies bring the big screen to your normal sized radio.To hear more episodes from this series search "Crybabies Present" on BBC Sounds.Written and performed by Michael Clarke, James Gault & Ed Jones.Featuring Chiara GoldsmithProduction Co-ordinator - Laura ShawSound Design by David Thomas and Victoria FreundProducer - Benjamin SuttonExecutive Producer - Joe NunneryA Boffola Pictures production for BBC Radio 4

Today Lindsey is dragged to a rock climbing centre by her athletic friend Jenny which results in a life changing discovery about her over-zealous anatomy. She helps her mum rescue a missing rat and, with the help of Elton John, hosts an intimate funeral.Welcome to the life of the most beautiful princess in all of Birmingham and its surrounding areas. This week Lindsey Santoro has started a diary. But she’s not 13 years old daydreaming about her latest crush and sleepover plans. She’s a 37-year-old no-nonsense Brummy whose days are more likely to involve thrush cream and a bargy with a bus driver. You are cordially invited to step into her world and learn lessons from her lively life.Producer: Sasha Bobak Production Coordinator: Katie Baum Script Editor: Ruth Husko Executive Producer: Pete StraussA BBC Studios Audio Production for Radio 4.

Industry heartthrob and nation's sweetheart Kat is on her way to an exciting product launch in a long car, with long suffering sidekick Alex Macqueen.On the way, she shares the secrets of her success, and how series one of Screen Time made her the most famous woman to ever grace the UK. Now that she's the biggest influencer ever, Kat teaches you how you can stop being a big normo and maximise your online brand. Hear her improve her appearance with a novel technique at the gym, convene a writers room to work out how to appear most relatable, and purify her brand by cutting off an old friend who's just got the worst news a person can receive. He's been cancelled.And she barely thinks about Abbie at all!To listen to more from this series, search "Kat Sadler's Screen Time" on BBC Sounds.CastKat Sadler - Kat Alex MacQueen - Alex Abbie Weinstock - Abbie Al Roberts - Toby Lizzie Davidson - Various Jason Forbes - VariousWritten by Kat Sadler and Cameron LoxdaleProduction Coordinator - Caroline Barlow Executive Producer - Pete Strauss Sound Design - Rich Evans Recorded by Neil Goody at Premises StudiosProduced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.

"Americans have a long history of taking British things and ballsing them up. They took football and added helmets and cheerleaders; they took ice lollies and called them popsicles; and they took James Corden and then sent him back here."Among Ashley’s more unusual hyperfixations is a life-long love of professional wrestling. This special interest was first developed on Saturday afternoons at his grandparents’ house watching Big Daddy, Giant Haystacks and Kendo Nagasaki. It continued through the 1980s when Britain was invaded by Hulk Hogan and his colleagues from the then WWF (before they lost a court case to the World Wildlife Fund), and Ashley was fortunate enough to be in attendance at the legendary Summerslam show at Wembley Stadium in 1992, which so many British wrestlers have cited as the day that cemented their love of the grunt and grapple business. This undeniably extraordinary spectacle is sometimes called ‘sports entertainment’ - for many people it is neither!When Ashley Blaker was diagnosed with autism and ADHD, one of the most significant aspects of his diagnosis is his propensity for hyperfixation in special interests, which he now realises has entirely shaped his past and which he uses to mine comedy for this new series.It’s no exaggeration to say Ashley’s life has been driven by obsessions. He has variously been a schoolboy with a love of Star Wars and Doctor Who, a wannabe comedian who performed on the London comedy circuit at 16, a trivia nerd who appeared on University Challenge, a history PhD candidate at Cambridge, a BBC producer of hit comedy shows including Little Britain, a fanatical football fan who saw Liverpool play across England and Europe, a strictly Orthodox Jew who went to synagogue three times a day for over ten years, a father of six, and latterly, a heavily tattooed renegade in hiding from his former community.In this series, Ashley takes a comedic look at each of his obsessions in turn, merging personal memoir with a delve into subjects which have yet to be covered in stand-up comedy shows. The result is a series which, while based on the broader topic of neurodiversity, covers it with the lightest of touches and is focused more on Ashley’s individual hyperfixations, lifting the lid on many of the different worlds he’s inhabited.To hear more episodes from this series, search "Ashley Blaker's Hyperfixations" on BBC Sounds.Written and performed by Ashley Blaker co-starring Rosie Holt and Kieran HodgsonScript Editor: Steve Hall Recording engineers: Jerry Peal and Jon Calver Producer: Steve Doherty A Giddy Goat production for BBC Radio 4

Are you excited to watch England and Wales this summer?Comedian and football obsessed Maisie Adam can’t wait for the Euros and wants to capture the magic you only get before a big international tournament. This is her ultimate guide to the Euros and guarantees to get you in the mood for the highs, the lows and the drama of the Women’s Euros 2025.Maisie has encouraged the audience to come in their favourite footie strips, scarves and hats, the sillier the better – just no flares up any arses please. She’s joined by comedians Rhys James and Harriet Kemsley to chat about the glorious summer of footie we have ahead of us. They re-live some of their best/worst Euros moments, play games and give their predictions for the summer – is football coming home again? Plus Maisie gets some very special advice from former Lioness and Euros winner, the one and only Jill Scott MBE.If you can't get enough of the tournament, search ‘Women’s Euros’ on BBC Sounds for more coverage and reaction. Plus you can listen live to the games, including every England and Wales match, on 5 Live and BBC Sounds.Host: Maisie Adam Guests: Rhys James and Harriet Kemsley Producer: Georgia Keating Executive Producer: James Robinson Production Co-ordinator: Jodie Charman Production Assistant: Danita McIntyre Additional material by Matthew Crosby and Eve Delaney Sound Design by Arlie Adlington Recorded by Jerry Peal and Atharva Bankar at Backyard Comedy ClubA BBC Studios Audio Production for Radio 4.

Janine tells us what happened when she was swapped at birth, why her brother has a bunker in Arizona and how her mum rules the roost with her ‘feminine guile’. Russell gives his hot take on childbirth, makes a case against toddler food and thanks his mum for putting up with his extraordinary amount of energy.In this series, Laura Smyth sits down with some incredible guests to find out about their mums and explore the many faces of ‘motherhood’. Join her for a nostalgic, shameless, cathartic ride that asks what (if anything) our folks have taught us. To hear more episodes search "Your Mum" on BBC Sounds.Producer: Sasha Bobak Production Coordinator: Katie Baum Executive Producer: Pete StraussA BBC Studios Audio Production for Radio 4.

Join Henry Normal as he uses his unique blend of comedy and poetry to investigate what it truly means to be human.How are we different from other animals? Is there such a thing as a soul? Is it green or brown bin day today?These are just some of the unanswered questions Henry will be leaving unanswered in this new show, recorded live at the Hay-on-Wye Festival. This is the latest episode in his acclaimed, occasional series where the celebrated writer tackles subjects so vast only radio can possibly contain them.Written and performed by Henry Normal Production Coordinator - Katie Baum Produced by Carl CooperA BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4To listen to more episodes from this series search "Henry Normal" on BBC Sounds.-- Henry Normal is a multi-award winning writer, producer and poet. Co-writer of TV classics including The Royle Family, The Mrs Merton Show, Coogan’s Run and Paul Calf, and producer of, amongst many others, Oscar-nominated Philomena, Gavin and Stacey and Alan Partridge.He’s published twelve collections of poetry, including his most recent An Alphabet of Storms, and co-wrote the memoir A Normal Family with Angela Pell – the everyday adventure of life with their autistic son.Praise for previous episodes in this series:"Shove up National Treasures. We need to make room for Henry Normal" – Simon O'Hagan, Radio Times-"It's a rare and lovely thing: half an hour of radio that stops you short, gently demands your attention and then wipes your tears away while you have to have a little sit down"-"It's a real treat to hear a seasoned professional like Henry taking command of this evening comedy spot to deliver a show that's idiosyncratic and effortlessly funny"-"Not heard anything that jumps from hilarious to moving in such an intelligent, subtle way as Henry Normal's show"

Live from the UK brings you the best comedy talent from around the country, all from the comfort of your own headphones.Stand up legend Angela Barnes talks to Glasgow about their swearing, Newcastle about their love of getting starkers on holiday, and Manchester about the rude origins of their city's name.She brings you acts from all of these places and more, covering topics as far and wide as heatwaves, Gazza, hen dos and the George Foreman grill. How many shows can say that?This week you can hear;Mark Nelson at The Stand, Glasgow Louise Young at The Stand, Newcastle Hayley Ellis at the Frog and Bucket, Manchester and headliner Josh Pugh at the Glee Club, BirminghamAdditional Material by Eve DelaneyRecorded by Sean Kerwin and David Thomas Sound design by David Thomas Production Coordinator: Sarah Nicholls Executive Producer: Pete StraussProduced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios Audio Production for Radio 4.An EcoAudio Certified Production.

This week, we have a very special guest, Jon Stewart! Jon joins Armando and Helen to discuss whether Trump is the political equivalent of Miles Davis, the quaintness of UK politics compared to the US, Jon does a flawless Margaret Thatcher impression and they answer the age old question... are escalators the most emasculating form of travel?To hear more episodes from this series, search Strong Message Here on BBC Sounds.Have you stumbled upon any perplexing political phrases you need Helen and Armando to decode? Email them to us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.ukSound Editing by Charlie Brandon-King Production Coordinator - Sarah Nicholls Executive Producer - Pete StraussProduced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios Audio production for Radio 4. An EcoAudio Certified Production.

In this week’s case Alfie investigates an assault on an elderly man at a bus stop. But what could have provoked such a cowardly crime?Join former-cop turned stand-up comedian, Alfie Moore and his audience of sworn-in deputies as they ask if compassion is a thing of the past.It's a Fair Cop is the show where you, the audience, help deal with the cases Alfie's unearthed from 20 years of policing experience, to take a comic look at the law.For more episodes, search "It's a Fair Cop" on BBC Sounds.Written and presented by Alfie Moore Script Editor: Will Ing Production Co-ordinator: Caroline Barlow Producer: Sam HolmesA BBC Studios Audio Production for Radio 4

We hear Clive Anderson's new word for the mystery of hotel bathrooms, Sindhu Vee's term to measure cuteness, and a nail-biting finish from Ed Gamble.Ever struggled to find the right word for a feeling or sensation? Unspeakable sees comedian Phil Wang and lexicographer Susie Dent invite celebrity guests to invent new linguistic creations, to solve those all too relatable moments when we're lost for words.To hear more episodes, search "Unspeakable" on BBC Sounds.Hosts: Phil Wang and Susie Dent Guests: Clive Anderson, Ed Gamble and Sindhu Vee Created by Joe Varley Writers: Matt Crosby and Katie Storey Recorded by Jerry Peal Producer: Jon Harvey Executive Producers: Joe Varley and Akash LockmunA Brown Bred production for BBC Radio 4

Have you ever considered becoming a foster carer?Multi award-winning comedian Kiri Pritchard-McLean hadn’t - until a chance radio advert changed everything.In this heartfelt and inspiring half-hour special, recorded in front of a live audience, Kiri shares the unexpected and deeply personal journey that led her to become a Local Authority foster carer on the Welsh island of Ynys Môn. With her signature wit and warmth, Kiri lifts the lid on the system and offers a moving, candid, and funny account of what it truly means to open your home - and your heart - to a child in need.First broadcast during Foster Care Fortnight in the UK, this programme shines a timely spotlight on the extraordinary power of ordinary people to make a difference.Written and performed by Kiri Pritchard-McLean Producer: Tashi Radha Executive Producer : Suzy Grant Sound Engineers: Jerry Peal & Jon Last Production Manager: Sarah SharpeA Listen production for Radio 4

The standout satirist of the social media age, Michael Spicer, returns with his sketch comedy show that targets the exponential lunacy of the politics and culture that is overwhelming us.Apprentice hopefuls are challenged to create the perfect, sustainable planet. Can the boys' team rise to the challenge, or will they be fired directly into a supernova? And our government troubleshooters - all called Tim - solve the immigration crisis once and for all.The new series of No Room comes after a critically acclaimed first series that built on MICHAEL Spicer's social media output, which took off when he created his Room Next Door government advisor character. His withering takedowns of politicians have amassed more than 100 million views and helped keep his audience sane in fractured times.Writer, Performer and Co-Editor: Michael SpicerComposer and Sound Designer: Augustin BousfieldProducer: Matt TillerA Tillervision production for BBC Radio 4

Multi-award winning comedian and author Mark Watson continues his probably doomed, but luckily funny quest to make sense of the human experience.This series is about time - the days of the week, the stages of our existence - and the way we use it to make sense of things. We make our way through the working week, tonight considering 'hump day' - Wednesday. Wednesday's child, famously, is full of woe. Both Mark and Esther are in this category. Is the woe a real issue or merely a fairy tale? What is the bleakest joke ever told by a four-year-old? And what would Thomas Hardy make of this series?Expect jokes, observations and interactions galore as Mark is aided, and sometimes obstructed, by the sardonic musical excellence of Flo & Joan. There's also a hand-picked comedy colleague each week - here, we welcome Esther Manito.Producer: Lianne CoopAn Impatient production for BBC Radio 4

Jon Holmes remixes the news into a current affairs comedy concept album. News meets popular culture in a multi-award-winning mash up. This week: Charlie XCX is bumpin' that with Donald Trump, Minecraft Movie vs Russia, and Starmer: Man of Steel.Producer: Jon Holmes An unusual production for BBC Radio 4

The Naked Week team are back to place satirical news-tariffs on current events with a mix of correspondents, guests and, occasionally, live animals.This week we mourn the death of globalisation, take a tour of Keir's new theme park, and play a game of BBC Balance Local Elections Naked Week Joke Twister.From The Skewer’s Jon Holmes and host Andrew Hunter Murray comes The Naked Week, a fresh way of dressing the week’s news in the altogether and parading it around for everyone to laugh at.With award-winning writers and a crack team of contemporary satirists - and recorded in front of a live audience - The Naked Week delivers a topical news-nude straight to your ears.Written by: Jon Holmes Katie Sayer Gareth Ceredig Sarah Dempster Jason Hazeley.Investigations Team: Cat Neilan Louis Mian Freya Shaw Matt BrownGuests: Freya Parker and Alicia Fitzgerald.Production Team: Laura Grimshaw, Tony Churnside, Jerry Peal, Katie Sayer, Phoebe Butler.Executive Producer: Philip Abrams Produced and Directed by Jon HolmesAn unusual production for BBC Radio 4