Comedy of the Week

The team look at human hobbies and wonder, what is the point?Gareth goes on a date, purely for research purposes, and roving reporter Phil is back at the Swindon nest to observe his favourite family...from a safe and morally appropriate distance.To listen to more episodes from this series, search "Humanwatch" on BBC Sounds.Written and presented by Marjolein Robertson and Gareth WaughWith Phil Ellis and Katia KvingeAdditional voice by Kai HumphriesProduced by Lauren MackaySound by Fraser JacksonPhotographer: Chris QuiliettiA BBC Scotland production for Radio 4.

First stop of the new series is Oakham, nestled in the UK’s smallest county – Rutland.Rutland has a village that's proudly twinned with Paris (even if the Parisians don’t know), has Europe’s largest man-made lake (which required flooding a local village) and hangs its horseshoes the other way round (so the devil falls out, obviously).Joining Mark is Clare Balding, who’s also in town to take him on a ramble around Rutland.This is the 14th series of Mark's award winning show where he travels around the country visiting towns that have nothing in common but their uniqueness. After thoroughly researching each town, Mark writes and performs a bespoke evening of comedy for a local audience. As well as Oakham, in this series, Mark be will also be popping to Wrexham, Cambridge, Lewisham and, Lerwick and Unst in Shetland.To hear more episodes from this series, search "Mark Steel's In Town" on BBC Sounds.Written and performed by Mark SteelAdditional material by Pete Sinclair Production co-ordinator Caroline Barlow and Katie Baum Sound Manager Jerry Peal Producer Carl CooperA BBC Studios production for Radio 4

Paul Sinha tests his audience in Leicester on their knowledge of their home county, Trivial Pursuit-style - with all the colours of questions, from geography to entertainment, getting asked. Can they fill the wedges, and can Paul answer their favourite questions, about crisps, bells and cricket?To hear more episodes, search "Paul Sinha's Perfect Pub Quiz" on BBC Sounds.Written and performed by Paul Sinha Additional material: Oliver Levy Additional questions: The AudienceOriginal music: Tim SuttonRecording engineer: Jerry Peal Mixed by: Rich Evans Producer: Ed MorrishA Lead Mojo production for BBC Radio 4

Ken receives some bad news that requires him to spend more time at home and Achi is forced to cover his role with unexpected, rather peculiar consequences. Meanwhile Harriett furiously searches for a way to plug a hole in the charity’s finances.Garrett Millerick’s ensemble sitcom Do Gooders returns for another series. The show takes us back behind the curtain of fictional mid-level charity, The Alzheimers Alliance, as the fundraising events team continue their struggle for survival. Cue more office feuds, more workplace romances and more catastrophic fundraising blunders – all par for the course when trying to ‘do good’ on an industrial scale.To listen to more episodes, search "Do Gooders" on BBC Sounds.CastGladys – Kathryn Drysdale Lauren – Ania Magliano Clive – Garrett Millerick Harriett – Fay Ripley Achi – Ahir Shah Ken – Frank SkinnerWriter – Garrett Millerick Additional Material – Andrea Hubert Sound Engineer – David Thomas Editor – David Thomas Production Assistant – Jenny Recaldin Producer – Jules Lom Executive Producers – Richard Allen-Turner, Daisy Knight, Julien Matthews, Jon ThodayAn Avalon Television Production for BBC Radio 4

Ria Lina, a former forensic scientist, dives into the science behind microneedling as an anti-aging treatment. She and comedian Geoff Norcott discuss the societal pressure on women to maintain youthful appearances while unpacking male perspectives on beauty treatments. The duo explores the microneedling process, expected side effects, and its effectiveness for various skin concerns. Their one-week follow-up reveals initial redness but subtle improvements, likening microneedling to a workout for the skin that stimulates collagen production.

Comedian Glenn Moore looks in his almanac at world events and what he was doing at the time. In this episode, a deadly spy operation causes Glenn to suspect his completely innocent Russian flatmate who just happens to have a novelty cigarette lighter in the shape of a gun. And not a novelty gun in the shape of a cigarette lighter.Perhaps best-known for his outrageously brilliant one-liners on Mock The Week , Glenn delivers a tale of comic mishaps and extraordinary scenes interwoven with a big event in history – and looks back through his almanac to find out other strange connections to the day as well.This is the first episode of the Second series of Glenn Moore's Almanac. To hear more episodes, search "Stand-Up Specials" on BBC Sounds.Written by Glenn with additional material by Katie Storey (Have I Got News For You, Mock The Week, The Last Leg) and produced and directed by David Tyler (Cabin Pressure, Armando Iannucci’s Charm Offensive, etc)A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4

Join actress Margaret Cabourn-Smith, known for her comedic prowess, as she dives into a wildly entertaining discussion. The topics spiral from workplace hilarity involving insecure employees to whimsical solutions for peculiar odors with the fictional Mulligan's Noseologists. The sketches also tackle resurrected dodos causing a political ruckus in Jersey and critique the absurdities of clinical trials. With playful banter and quirky historical insights, this is a laugh-a-minute exploration of creativity and humor.

Join the antics in Icklewick, a town grappling with absurdity and nostalgia a year after Mischief Night. Chris navigates solo radio chaos, from eccentric callers to bizarre broadcasting dilemmas. Meet an amusingly proud mayor as he shares his outlandish tales of misadventures. Two old colleagues reconnect, mixing lighthearted banter with deeper reflections on life's quirks. Amid playful puppies and humorous reflections, the characters propel Icklewick FM back into the limelight with wit and charm.

Richard Ayoade, a multi-talented writer, actor, and director known for his unique humor, joins Paul Merton for a lively chat. They tackle the mental strain of constant news consumption and the pressures of staying informed. Ayoade humorously critiques the commercialization of care in language and reflects on chunky knit cardigans, pondering their relevance while deciding to send them to Room 101. The conversation also navigates the awkwardness of social events and the cult-like behavior of group cheers, blending insightful commentary with witty banter.

Comedy fans can catch the nominees for The Edinburgh Comedy Awards 2025 in this showcase for BBC Radio 4.Guaranteed to be packed with laughs, this special will be hosted by last year’s Best Comedy Show winner, Amy Gledhill.The prestigious awards is celebrating its 45th year and is recognising a Best Newcomer and a Best Show. In this gala, hosted by 2024 Best Show winner Amy Gledhill, we'll hear from all the nominees to give listeners around the UK the chance to hear the cream of this year’s Edinburgh crop. The gala was recorded at the Gilded Balloon, one of the Edinburgh Fringe’s iconic comedy venues.Nominated for Best Show are: Ian Smith, Katie Norris, Ed Night, Sam Jay, John Tothill, Sam Nicoresti, Creepy Boys and Dan TiernanNominated for Best Newcomer are: Molly McGuinness, Toussaint Douglass, Ada & Bron, Elouise Eftos, Ayoade Bamgboye, Kate Owens and Roger O'Sullivan.Host: Amy Gledhill Producer: Georgia Keating Production Co-ordinator: Caroline Barlow Edited by Giles Aspen Recorded by Sean KerwinRecorded at The Gilded Balloon in Edinburgh. A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.