Friday Night Comedy from BBC Radio 4

Andy Zaltzman is joined by Scott Bennett, Sara Barron, Alex Massie and Lucy Porter for The News Quiz recorded from Scarborough. In the last of the current series, the panel unpack the Prime Minister's Washington visit, aid cuts and defence pastes, silent albums and AI-generated essays.Written by Andy Zaltzman.With additional material by: Simon Alcock, David Duncan, Laura Major, Christina Riggs and Peter Tellouche. Producer: Rajiv Karia Executive Producer: James Robinson Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman Sound Editor: Marc WillcoxA BBC Studios Audio Production for Radio 4 An Eco-Audio certified Production.

Comedian Zoe Lyons joins the discussion with her sharp observational humor. They tackle the absurdities of global politics, poking fun at Trump and Putin's recent talks. The episode delves into the hilarity of Britain's defense spending, balancing military ambitions with budget realities. They also explore prison overcrowding, proposing unconventional solutions with comedic flair. The conversation highlights the struggle between honesty and the comfort of lies, making for an engaging and entertaining take on serious topics.

Get ready for a comedic ride through the wacky world of news. Hosts scrutinize the irony of denying citizenship to refugees while laughing about homeopathy's 'water memory.' They tackle British identity and Generation Z’s views with a cheeky nod to modern entertainment. Corruption in football? Check! Climate issues? Of course! And who knew woolly mammoth hybrids could spark such a hilarious debate on ethics? A perfect blend of satire with insightful commentary!

Ayesha Hazarika, a sharp-witted comedian and political commentator, joins the panel to dive into the absurdities of modern news. They tackle tariffs and the chaotic landscape of UK politics with humorous takes on Trump's tumultuous policies. The discussion also highlights a comical critique of Ofsted's whimsical grading system, pokes fun at political misinformation, and playfully imagines messages for future generations. Hazarika's unique insights add a delightful twist to the serious topics at hand!

This week, comedian Simon Evans brings his sharp wit to the table as he joins a panel to dissect current affairs. They humorously tackle Keir Starmer’s growth agenda and the controversial Heathrow runway. A lively discussion ensues about the rise in shoplifting and quirky trends, like chess in car parks. Evans shares insights on British consumer habits and the oddities of modern shopping, offering a delightful mix of satire and reflection on today’s societal quirks.

Join comedian Jay Lafferty, known for her sharp wit and engaging comedic style, as she dives into a lighthearted discussion about the week's news. The panel hilariously dissects Donald Trump's quirky political antics and the UK health minister's questionable use of public funds amidst sporting thrills. They also explore the allure of Scottish accents, playfully debating the sexiness of Glaswegian tones. Expect laughter, sharp commentary, and a blend of serious and absurd moments as they unpack current events with humor.

Nish Kumar, a sharp-witted comedian and political commentator, joins author and journalist Zing Tsjeng to tackle the absurdities of political life. They dive into Donald Trump's upcoming inauguration and its quirky entertainment choices, including a nod to the Village People's 'YMCA'. The duo humorously critiques Keir Starmer's AI proposals and discusses the resignation of a corruption minister. Expect laughs about vaccine skepticism and personal tales that reveal the surrealism of modern governance, all wrapped in their uniquely insightful commentary.

Join comedians Paul Sinha, a sharp former physician, and Angela Barnes, known for her observational wit, as they tackle the week's headlines with humor. They delve into Trump's wild geopolitical ambitions, question the NHS's future amidst funding woes, and critique the fading art of fact-checking in today's misinformation era. The duo also shares hilariously quirky stories about lynxes and a light-hearted quiz that sparks laughter while revealing the absurdity embedded in politics and culture.

Dive into a hilarious recap of the year's news mixed with satire and sharp wit. From the whimsical mishaps of a Royal Mail scandal to the absurdity of political commentary, nothing escapes scrutiny. Enjoy a light-hearted talk about the arrival of a temporary second moon and its implications for werewolves. Revel in discussions advocating for a leadership shake-up, calling for change from women and children. Plus, laugh at the quirks of large novelty cheques, all while reflecting on the unpredictability of the future!

This festive-themed discussion dives into the absurdity of political memoirs, with hilarious critiques of their literary quality. The hosts tackle the pressing question of 'When is bins?' leading to comical interactions with MPs. Absurd comparisons liken newsagents to winter pests, adding a humorous twist. They also satirize Trump’s ambitious agenda and explore quirky holiday traditions. Expect a mix of lighthearted banter and political shenanigans that keeps the laughs rolling during the holiday season.