Comedy of the Week

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

Bill Bailey stars as Guy Starling, a middle aged man who, after 45 years, and for reasons quite unknown to him, is suddenly revisited by his imaginary childhood friend, Hennikay.When Guy’s great business idea – developing a phone-based app designed to stop people using phone based apps – unsurprisingly fails, he needs to find a job. And so he attends a sales seminar with Shining Path, who are apparently, "the number one providers of after-life finance packages in the UK".However, his attention is constantly derailed by the constant chatter of Hennikay, his imaginary childhood friend, who is still determinedly living in his head. And if that wasn’t enough, he also has to cope with Tony, his old boss, who is also there, competing with him to land a job.But try as he might, Guy really can’t get enthused by the idea of a career selling pre-paid funeral plans to the people of Maidstone. Was this what he thought his life was going to be, when he and Hennikay were young together, way back in 1976?Acclaimed comedian - and Strictly Come Dancing champion - Bill Bailey leads a series cast which includes Tony Gardner and Elizabeth Carling in this warm, funny look at childhood, adulthood and some of the follies of modern life, where a man with a confused child in his head might just be the sanest person in the room.Written by David SpicerGuy: Bill Bailey Hennikay: Max Lester Tony: Tony Gardner Stacia: Rebecca BoeyProducer: Liz Anstee A CPL production for BBC Radio 4

In this Christmas special, Frank Skinner and his guests decipher the good, the bad, and the baffling, as they try to work out a mystery item - based entirely on its online reviews. Which traditional panto features an animatronic dinosaur? What’s the worst present they’ve ever received? And is that one star write-up “bit claggy, made me feel sick” a review of some stuffing or Love Actually? Written by Frank Skinner, Catherine Brinkworth, Sarah Dempster, Jason Hazeley, Rajiv Karia, Karl Minns, Katie Sayer and Peter Tellouche Devised by Jason Hazeley and Simon Evans, with the producer David Tyler A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4

Sarah Mills' comedy guide to dealing with a fallible and embarrassing body.Since losing part of her bowel, comedian Sarah Mills has used a stoma bag. She might tell you that having a bag attached to her belly to collect her poo has made her unembarrassable - but the truth is she has always been completely shameless. Now, with the assistance of her outrageously candid celebrity guests, she wants to smash the taboos around bodily malfunctions and help us all banish bodily embarrassment for good.Recorded in her home town of Stevenage, in this this week’s episode, Leaky, Sarah explores bodily spills with comedian and writer Ola Labib.Created and written by Sarah Mills Starring Sarah Mills with special guest Ola LabibRecording Engineer and Editor: Jerry Peal Recording Assistant: Guy Thomas Script Editor: Zoe Tomalin Associate Producer: Antonia Gospel Executive Producer: Alan Nixon Production Manager: Co- Producers: Gordon Kennedy and Sarah MillsRecording in front of a live audience at Stevenage Lytton Players TheatreAn Absolutely production for BBC Radio 4Additional information on issues in this episode: https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-incontinence/

"No Script. No Prep. No Clue."Alasdair Beckett-King plays host to a panel of improv comedy all stars in this new spontaneous series, full of ridiculous challenges & completely made up games.Presented by Alasdair Beckett-King.Starring Cariad Lloyd, Steen Raskopoulos, Alexander Jeremy, and Emma Sidi.Devised by Shoot From The HipProducer: Sam Holmes Executive Producer: James Robinson Production Co-ordinator: Becky Carewe-Jeffries Sound Editor: Joe BayleyA BBC Studios Audio Production