Friday Night Comedy from BBC Radio 4

Join a lively discussion where humor meets the world of wealth, politics, and punctuation! The hosts tackle the outrageousness of billionaires in society, offering quirky ideas for reality shows about the elite. They dive into the complexities of Brexit and the ironic twists of agricultural deals. Amidst political tensions, there's playful banter about the semicolon and the decline of punctuation. Expect amusing anecdotes and sharp commentary as they navigate the zany intersections of history, identity, and language.

Get ready for a whirlwind of wit as panelists tackle the week's hot topics! They dive into the UK's immigration White Paper, exploring what defines a 'skilled job' while poking fun at political double talk. The absurdity of chimpanzees performing first aid adds a hilarious twist to discussions about health trends, like the Ozempic craze. And as they reflect on the job market, nostalgia meets sharp critiques of government policies, all served with a generous side of humor. This lively banter is both entertaining and thought-provoking!

Join comedian Alasdair Beckett-King, known for his surreal humor, as he dives into a whirlwind of current affairs. The panel humorously critiques the recent UK local elections and dissects the hilarity of political oddities and campaign promises. They also tackle the perplexities of misinformation in contemporary conflicts, especially relating to India and Pakistan. Expect laughs as they ponder the impact of the new American Pope and the quirky urban traditions surrounding statues, all while blending witty banter with sharp political commentary.

In this installment, comedian Ed Byrne, known for his sharp wit and appearances on Mock the Week, joins a spirited panel to dissect the week's news. They hilariously navigate the chaos of power outages across Spain and France, poking fun at human behavior during crises. The conversation dives into a quirky mineral deal involving the U.S. and Ukraine, mixed with political satire. Lively banter ensues over a study linking champagne to heart health, as they explore the absurdities of modern life and the oddities of food regulations.

Joining Andy Zaltzman, Andrew Maxwell—a sharp-witted author and journalist—takes listeners through a comedic rollercoaster of politics. They hilariously navigate the local elections, tackling voter disillusionment and quirky British nationalism. The fun continues as they speculate on the whimsical possibilities during a Papal Conclave, along with a satirical look at Trump's upcoming UK visit. Expect laughs and insightful commentary as they intertwine humor with current events, proving that comedy and politics make a lively mix!

Andy Zaltzman is joined by Zoe Lyons, Mark Steel, Athena Kugblenu and Hugo Rifkind to unpack bin workers strikes in Birmingham, pop stars popping to the stars, talks of tariffs, steeling oneself in Scunthorpe, and how Toby took his carvery one step too far.Written by Andy Zaltzman.With additional material by: Mike Shephard, Christina Riggs, Eve Delaney and Ben Pope. Producer: Rajiv Karia Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman Production Coordinator: Beanna Olding Sound Editor: Marc WillcoxA BBC Studios Audio Production for Radio 4

This week, journalist Freya Parker brings her sharp wit to the forefront as she dissects the absurdities of tariffs and the fading charm of globalization. The conversation takes a whimsical turn with a comedic tour of a proposed theme park celebrating political chaos. They also engage in a hilariously insightful game of Twister that mocks impartiality in elections. Amid laughter, Parker navigates the quirks of political funding, highlighting its absurdities with a satirical flair that keeps listeners both entertained and informed.

This week, the satirical team tackles the outrage of political retaliation and the overreach of the Thought Police. They humorously analyze a proposed 10% tariff on everyday items while poking fun at Trump's antics and U.S.-Russia dynamics. Absurd incidents involving police and public antics highlight the clash between authority and civil liberties. The hosts dive into whimsical news, celebrity feuds, and the revolving door of government officials to private sector jobs. Local elections and Birmingham's budget blunders provide fresh material for laughter and critique.

Bethany Reeves, a talented music teacher known for transforming complex political statements into catchy tunes, joins the discussion. They dive into the absurd satire of budget allocations for pothole repairs, critiquing the celebrations surrounding such minimal achievements. Political lobbying is humorously dissected, revealing the peculiar absurdities in rhetoric. Plus, Bethany brings a musical twist by adapting educational budget cuts into engaging songs, making serious topics surprisingly delightful. Expect laughter and insightful commentary throughout!

The team delivers sharp satire on modern politics, playfully critiquing youth unemployment and the absurd job application process. A whimsical game contrasts former Prime Minister Liz Truss with amusement park rides, showcasing clever banter and political wit. They creatively utilize haikus to address pressing issues, while tackling the ethical dilemmas of lobbying with humor. Expect a blend of nostalgia and comedy that sets the stage for a future exploration of history, revealing the quirky intersections of current events and entertainment.