Comedy of the Week

Stand-up, philosophy and memoir from the godfather of alternative comedy, Alexei Sayle.In this episode, Alexei recalls his unorthodox upbringing in Liverpool, his subsequent move to London, and a woman called Mrs Cocker who said something that has stuck with him for ever.Written and performed by Alexei Sayle.The song was written and composed by Tim Sutton with:Sophie Creaner - clarinet and sax Tom Ellis - acoustic guitar Matt Sharp - celloProducer - Richard Morris Production Co-ordinator - Jodie CharmanA BBC Studios Audio Production for Radio 4.

Frank & guests Laura Smyth, Sunil Patel, Simon Evans & Kyrah Gray discuss googling, goggling, groping, gropping and the correct way to punch yourself in the face.This is the panel game based on what we all sit down and do at least once a day - shop online and leave a review, as an all-star panel celebrate the good, the bad & the bafflingEveryone has an online life, and when the great British public put pen to keyboard to leave a review, they almost always write something hilarious. And our all-star panel have to work out just what they were reviewing – and maybe contribute a few reviews of their own... and more... So if you’re the person who went on Trip Advisor to review Ben Nevis as “Very steep and too high”, this show salutes you!Written by Frank Skinner, Catherine Brinkworth, Sarah Dempster, Jason Hazeley, Rajiv Karia, Karl Minns, Katie Sayer & Peter TelloucheDevised by Jason Hazeley and Simon Evans with the producer David TylerA Pozzitive Production for BBC Radio 4

Fresh from his appearance on Radio 4's Desert Island Discs, actor Stephen Mangan finds himself in the kind of trouble where the Bible, the Complete Works of Shakespeare, and his luxury item will be no help whatsoever.From Bill Dare (Dead Ringers), Jon Holmes (The Skewer) and writers Tom Oxenham and Simon Alcock, actor Stephen Mangan washes up on the actual island from Desert Island Discs, only to discover that he is not alone.Living among the palms and rocky outcrops and thousands of copies of the Bible lying in the sand are every former guest of the show - and it’s all gone a bit Lord of the Flies.Through Stephen’s audio diary, we learn that all TV chef Nadiya Hussain wants to do is hunt, that Richard Madeley’s gone feral, and that Sandi Toksvig has the Conch. But there’s something lurking in the forest, and when Stephen suspects foul play in the power struggle to be chief, he soon finds himself making a dangerous enemy.Can he win over his fellow islanders before it’s too late? What lengths will he go to to survive? And what the hell is he going to do with this useless coffee machine he chose as his luxury item?Written by Tom Oxenham and Simon Alcock Starring Stephen Mangan as himselfSound Design: Tony Churnside Executive Producer: Jon Holmes Producer: Bill DareAn unusual production for BBC Radio 4

Daniel Rigby, known for his role as Nathan Blakely, and Ashley McGuire, who plays Carol, dive into the surreal comedic world of Nathan's reincarnation as a rat. They navigate London sewers while tackling humor about fame, failure, and Egyptology. The discussion weaves through absurdities of the music industry and Nathan's existential crises—think chaotic adventures with a disgruntled crocodile and a mission to save a lost terrapin. Prepare for witty banter and whimsical insights on friendship and redemption!

Join Sunil Patel on his outrageous quest to marry an heiress for a quick fortune. He hilariously navigates a premium dating agency and struggles with modern dining etiquette. In a comedic twist, he ventures into an escape room where wealth chats become a game of social dynamics. A disastrous date raises his eyebrows as he contemplates the true motivations behind affluent matchmaking. With laughter and self-reflection, Sunil explores the absurdity of seeking love and riches simultaneously.

Kylie Brakeman, one of the talented writers and performers from the sketch show 'P.O.V.', chats about the hilarity behind absurd town council meetings discussing leftover stones and hilarious proposals for a new henge. She humorously critiques a celebrity's attempt at writing a children's book, while also diving into awkward HR dialogues over profile pictures. The podcast takes a wild turn as it explores the ethical dilemmas of celebrity news reporting, showcasing the chaotic yet comedic nature of communication in modern settings.

In a lively challenge, contestants are pushed to talk for 60 seconds without faltering. They tackle topics like the comedic chaos of WhatsApp groups and the fleeting feelings of 'getting butterflies.' A hilarious monologue on pinstripe suits adds cultural flavor, while personal teenage band stories result in a fun storytelling showdown. The banter escalates with fridge-related improv games, showcasing quick wit and playful exchanges. Finally, they dive into quirky interpretations of 'bottling it,' wrapping up with competitive charm.

Alison Spittle hilariously revisits her childhood grievances stemming from a nativity play exclusion that still stings decades later. She shares laugh-out-loud tales of festive mishaps and awkward family traditions, especially around Christmas. With a critique of beloved holiday TV dramas, she reflects on the unique blend of nostalgia and trauma they evoke. Alison's childhood ambition to play Mary sets the stage for a humorous discussion on the trials of fitting in, while a comedic twist on the nativity brings laughter to this playful journey.

Helen Sharman, the first British person in space and a pioneering chemist, shares her incredible journey into outer space. She talks about the whimsical side of astronaut training and the quirky role of animals like tortoises in space missions. With a humorous nod to bizarre fashion trends, the conversation touches on the vital role women played in making Apollo spacesuits. Lastly, the logistics of enjoying ice cream in zero gravity spark laughter as Helen reflects on life aboard the International Space Station.

Inspired by an email from his 74 year-old father, comedian Ahir Shah introduces us to the The Seven Blunders of the World.In 1925, Mahatma Gandhi published an article in the journal Young India, outlining what he called the Seven Social Sins. They were wealth without work, pleasure without conscience, knowledge without character, commerce without morality, science without humanity, religion without sacrifice, and politics without principle.One hundred years on, the world is a very different place (this was written on a computer, for crying out loud!). Yet, Ahir reckons Gandhi's century-old list of the great societal blunders still feels relevant today. Could they teach us anything going forward?Join Ahir (and sometimes his dad, who started this whole thing), as he explores these seven blunders through his trademark combination of philosophical inquiry, political vigour and sweet gags.Created and Performed by Ahir Shah Additional Material by Glenn Moore Cast: Vikram Shah and Meera Syal Producers: Daisy Knight and Jules Lom An Avalon production for BBC Radio 4