Friday Night Comedy from BBC Radio 4

This week, Simon Evans, a regular panellist and sharp-witted stand-up comedian, joins Neil Delamere, an Irish comic known for his witty storytelling. They dive into the chaos of the Lib Dem Conference and its marketing strategy against the Conservatives. The duo humorously examines Trump’s bizarre UN speech and the political ramifications of a Seagull Summit in Inverness, shedding light on both human and feathered follies. Prepare for laughter as they tackle everything from leadership ambitions to the quirks of seagull behavior!

Join Hugo Rifkind, a witty columnist known for his sharp takes on current affairs, as he delves into the hilarities of the week with fellow comedians. They tackle Trump's state visit and royal shenanigans, including the curious topic of reserve banquet fillers. The panel also pokes fun at chimps getting tipsy on fermented fruit and discusses the absurdity of made-up countries. Plus, they explore Penny Mordaunt's bleak take on being a Conservative and dissect the shifting political landscape in the UK. Expect laughs and insightful jests throughout!

Join the hilarity as a lively panel dissects recent political shake-ups, including the surprising return of Mandelson and the deputy leadership contest. They dive into international drama with Russian drones and a controversial strike in Qatar. Tech takes a quirky turn with discussions on a telepathy device that could change communication forever. Plus, enjoy some zany headlines and a nod to Banksy’s latest controversy. It's a wild mix of news, comedy, and sharp wit!

Join a hilarious roundtable as the team digs into the latest political antics, from Angela Rayner's escapades with stamp duty to the curious rise of St George's flags. There's witty commentary on nationalist tensions and a zany take on a global summit featuring prominent figures. The absurdity of youth policies and energy drink bans also gets a comedic twist. With playful banter and fun quiz formats, the hosts make light of political blunders, leaving you entertained and chuckling at the world's quirks.

Guesting are Kate Devlin, a leading expert on AI and society, and comedian Sunil Patel. They dive into the humorous implications of AI in our lives, tackling the absurdity of treating robots as overlords. Devlin shares insights on the emotional complexities of AI-human interactions, while Patel offers comedic takes on the reliance on technology. The conversation also touches on data privacy concerns and the quirkiness of nostalgia in today's digital world, all wrapped in a playful critique of our tech-saturated lives.

Join Felicity Ward, an Australian comedian known for her witty takes on current issues, as she dives into the quirky dynamics of the UK-US 'special relationship' in 2025. The discussion humorously compares international diplomacy to dating, highlighting Keir Starmer's political intrigue and personal mishaps. From Brexit's impact to absurdities in global alliances, this conversation sheds light on evolving political norms while blending laughs with thoughtful insights on self-acceptance and credibility in the digital age.

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.