Comedy of the Week

Tom Rees, a former headteacher and CEO, discusses the urgent need for inclusion reforms in education, reflecting on personal experiences with his son's SEND. Education reporter Kate McGuff reveals how Ofsted's new criteria will impact school practices, while Helen, a SENCO, shares insights into the challenges of maintaining an inclusive reputation amidst overwhelming demand. They explore diverse family perspectives, local inequality in services, and innovative strategies for better resource allocation, highlighting the importance of teacher training in the landscape of mainstream inclusion.

Dive into a comedic recap of a year filled with political absurdities. Jokes fly as the panel dissects Starmer’s NHS plans and mocks the chaos surrounding Trump’s antics. Expect laughs over Spain’s power outages and pensioner backlash against Labour cuts. Ponder the awkwardness of a hypothetical Starmer-Trump meet-up and enjoy quips about King Charles meeting Pope Leo XIV. A satirical rollercoaster wraps with reflections on 2025 and hints at what 2026 holds in store.

In this special anniversary episode, Ruth Paul, portrayed by Ellie White, reunites with the current host Chloe Slack to celebrate 81 years of broadcasting. They share hilarious archival clips, roasting past segments with witty banter. The duo explores quirky topics like the phenomenon of tall boys in Dorset, the tongue-in-cheek theory on women's sensitivity to storms, and a viral dance craze with a traditional twist. With standout moments from an ensemble cast, this episode is a delightful nod to the show's legacy and comedic evolution.

I Don’t Do…Christmas! is a brand new, gloriously mischievous panel show for people who’d, well, rather not.Julian Clary hosts a yuletide celebration like no other, joined by comedians Jo Brand, Glenn Moore and Fatiha El-Ghorri, with special guest Gareth Malone.Hosted and Created by Julian ClaryFeaturing: Jo Brand, Fatiha El-Ghorri, Glenn Moore Special Guest: Gareth MaloneAdditional Material: Andrew WhiteSound: David Thomas Production Manager: Laura Shaw Producer: Charlie Dinkin Executive Producer: Benjamin SuttonA Daddy’s Superyacht production for BBC Radio 4

Join David Eagle, a blind folk singer and comedian from the award-winning group The Young'uns, as he hilariously reflects on his childhood. He shares how he stumbled upon folk music in a pub at 17, the comedic disaster of his first keyboard, and his strict music teacher's harsh words that fueled his passion. David recalls his unforgettable debut at a Teddy Bears picnic, merging humor with heartfelt stories about growing up, while poking fun at blind blues traditions. It's a mix of inspiration and comedy that showcases his unique perspective!

Dee Allum, a vibrant comedian known for her sharp wit, and Hasan Al-Habib, who brings a fresh perspective to comedy, join a hilarious discussion about the quirkiest online reviews. They dive into the world of strange fashion statements, like wearing pizza, and bizarre travel experiences, deciphering amusing reviews from places like the Burj Khalifa. Their banter about the oddities of purchasing novelty titles and identifying popular movies through ridiculous reviews makes for a delightful listen that celebrates the humor in everyday shopping adventures.

Marley dreams of boxing glory, but his gym ambitions clash with financial realities. Taylor, on a quest for inspiration, seeks out a compelling local figure to profile. Des shares his wild sneaker reselling escapades, including a hair-raising kidnapping scare over shoes. Meanwhile, hilarious mishaps arise as Marley attempts to fix a gym toilet with questionable tech advice. Taylor ultimately finds her muse in Angie, celebrating her unwavering commitment to family and community. Comedy, chaos, and heartwarming moments collide!

Jim Browning, an ethical hacker known for exposing phone scammers, joins D.I. Duncan Wynne, head of the Thames Valley Police Central Fraud Unit. They dive into modern scams like fake eBay listings and marketplace frauds. Jim shares his unique tactics, including using soundboards to confuse scammers and revealing the insidious 'pig butchering' scams. D.I. Wynne explains police procedures for investigating fraud cases and emphasizes the importance of reporting scams to protect others. Their insights clarify the complex world of scams and the fight against them.

Julian Clary, a well-known comedian, makes a charming guest appearance as Neil, adding flair to Tom and Lauren’s holiday planning chaos. They hilariously navigate the pitfalls of budget airlines, from hidden baggage fees to the nightmare of middle seats. Lauren grapples with wardrobe choices and the pressure of packing light, while Tom faces his fears of questionable seatmates. The comedic exchanges peak when Neil steps in to hilariously address the cardboard crisis and offers to care for their plants, much to Lauren's chagrin.

Scott Bennett, a stand-up comedian and storyteller, shares the touching journey of his daughter Olivia's battle with congenital hyperinsulinism. He cleverly intertwines humor with harrowing moments, like the shocking lows of Olivia's blood sugar and their frantic 999 call. Scott discusses the emotional turmoil of hospital stays, the need for assertiveness in confronting medical professionals, and the surreal experience of a private jet to Berlin for a crucial diagnosis. Ultimately, he reflects on resilience, family impact, and how Olivia's story is changing clinical practices for the better.