

Comedy of the Week
BBC Radio 4
Brighten your week with the latest BBC Radio 4 comedy.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 26, 2026 • 29min
You Heard It Here First
Angela Barnes, quick-witted comedian who thrives in daft games; Luke McQueen, vocal comic known for expressive soundwork; Amy Gledhill, sharp stand-up and panel regular. They decode bizarre TV adverts, mimic whole scenes using only mouth sounds, and try to interpret kids describing famous objects and shows. Fast-paced rounds, chaotic soundscapes, and plenty of playful banter.

14 snips
Jan 19, 2026 • 28min
Why in the Name of Pierre Novellie
Join comedian Pierre Novellie as he humorously tackles our obsession with food, mixing erudite bafflement with sharp wit. He explores medieval overeating habits, from monastic feasts to misused soap, and draws funny comparisons to modern snacking. Pierre discusses the appeal of tasty food over health options, critiques Jamie Oliver’s school interventions, and highlights the engineering behind addictive snacks. With insights on self-control and the societal impacts of appetite suppressants, his comedic reflections make for an engaging listen.

Jan 12, 2026 • 15min
The Squid: Sketch a Minute
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.

11 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 29min
Best of The News Quiz 2025
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.

19 snips
Dec 29, 2025 • 29min
Time of the Week
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.

Dec 22, 2025 • 28min
I Don’t Do… with Julian Clary
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

Dec 15, 2025 • 15min
David Eagle: See No Eagle
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!

Dec 8, 2025 • 29min
One Person Found This Helpful
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.

Dec 1, 2025 • 28min
Rum Punch
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!

Nov 24, 2025 • 28min
It's a Fair Cop: Scam Special
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.


