Friday Night Comedy from BBC Radio 4

Hugo Rifkind, a witty broadcaster and journalist for The Times, teams up with Isabel Berwick, head of the Financial Times Working It brand, to dissect the reasons behind rising unemployment in Britain. They explore whether AI, early retirements, or other factors are driving joblessness. The conversation humorously tackles the challenges of modern work culture, from workplace burnout to the need for better job mobility. With a mix of satire and insightful commentary, they reveal the evolving expectations of younger workers and the absurdities of hiring practices.

Zoe Lyons, a talented British comedian known for her sharp stand-up, joins Sunil Patel, a writer celebrated for his observational humor, and Ian Dunt, a political expert with years of Westminster insight. Together, they dive into the absurdities of Britain’s evolving political scene. They humorously tackle the challenges of new political parties, discussing ridiculous party names and the quirks of admin tasks. With witty banter, they explore robots in politics and the unpredictable outcomes shaping the future landscape of British society.

Join Ayesha Hazarika, a savvy political commentator, and Sunil Patel, a witty comedian, as they dive into the wealth tax debate in the UK. They tackle whether a wealth tax is a 'no-brainer' or a 'non-starter,' while also exposing the absurdity of billionaires' extravagant lifestyles. Expect sharp humor as they discuss societal narratives, tax loopholes, and the role of philanthropy in wealth redistribution, peppering their insights with relatable banter. It's a clever mix of comedy and serious topics that makes finance fun!

Phil Wang, a British-Malaysian comedian known for his witty stand-up, joins roving correspondent Sunil Patel to tackle the UK's water regulation crisis. They dive into rising costs and sewage pollution while mixing humor with sharp critiques of privatization. Anecdotes about quirky date ideas lead to a lighthearted yet critical discussion on water management. The pair even taste-test various water sources, poking fun at the absurdities surrounding water quality and infrastructure failures, revealing the comical side of a serious issue.

This installment dives into the quirks of super-injunctions and superheroes, bringing Diane Abbott's political escapades into the spotlight. A humorous exploration contrasts racism in politics with absurd fiction, featuring scandalous mishaps involving Wallace and a window-cleaning machine. The satire continues as comedians mimic government officials on serious topics like Palestinian recognition, while culinary chaos unfolds in a mock MasterChef crisis. Expect witty banter and playful critiques of media and society, all wrapped in a light-hearted yet insightful package.

Join a hilarious rollercoaster as the team tackles immigration policy with a satirical Prime Minister monologue. Experience dark humor in 'actual hell' with a chilly reporter and political chaos. Witness a superhero twist, as a 'Man of Steel' mocks Trump amid political absurdities. Enjoy the thrill of basketball intertwined with a comedic Ambridge saga and absurd tariffs. Plus, laugh through sketches on budget cuts affecting sound effects and a skit on bizarre fragrances, critiquing culture and accountability in a delightfully absurd way.

The hosts unleash their vocal talents to tackle news with humor, dissecting the government's welfare issues and the BBC's amusing mishaps at Glastonbury. Expect whimsical comparisons of workers to bees and absurd money-saving tips from royalty. Politically charged banter cleverly intertwines tennis commentary with global dilemmas, featuring a fictional AI line judge named Elon at Wimbledon. The absurdity of celebrity political advice brings laughs, as the team navigates British blunders and quirky tennis tales with sharp wit.

Dive into a wild ride of political satire as the team tackles everything from Trump’s explosive remarks to the antics at Glastonbury. Enjoy absurd skits on NATO's impractical money-saving tips and a fictional Iranian celebration amid chaos. They explore the clash of culture with the parody 'Gammonbury' festival, revealing the whimsical sides of serious issues. Plus, laugh along with their critique of binary political thinking and an eye-opening take on quirky festival-goers. It's a hilarious blend of humor, politics, and culture!

The hosts hilariously dissect the tense dynamics between Israel and Iran, cleverly contrasting past and present perceptions. They whimsically explore the absurdity of military actions versus calls for peace. The discussion turns serious with a critique of grooming gang issues in Rotherham, reflecting on societal inaction. A satirical take on the G7 summit injects humor into pressing global issues. Light-hearted banter also delves into gender dynamics in politics, showcasing both the absurdities and complexities at play. Amusing sketches round out the show.

Join a hilarious journey through the absurdities of UK politics! Greta Thunberg's witty repartee with government leaders and a cheeky take on Trump and Elon as Love Island contestants deliver laughs. Meet the Crap Crusader, a superhero parodying the madness of political discourse. Enjoy quirky ads like Eau de Farage and dive into satirical football banter. With humor shining a light on issues like free speech and political oddities, this satire serves up insightful commentary with a generous dose of laughter!