

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

Mar 31, 2025 • 29min
Dan Tiernan: Going Under
Dan Tiernan doesn't just perform stand up - he attacks it. In Going Under, he debuts his unique brand of furious, unpredictable and wildly entertaining comedy on the radio, covering living with dyspraxia, becoming a dinner lady, and his sister's cancer diagnosis.An exhilarating mix of raw personal chaos, cutting observations, and gloriously queasy gags, recorded live at Backyard Comedy Club.Written and Performed by Dan Tiernan
Produced by Ewan McAdamProduction Manager - Laura Shaw
Executive Producer - Charlie Dinkin
A Daddy's SuperYacht Production for BBC Radio 4.

Mar 24, 2025 • 15min
DMs Are Open
The secret of the bees, an unusual secret Santa and the secret to a happy marriage all feature in this week’s show, written by the next generation of comedy writers.DMs Are Open is back for a brand new series. Stevie Martin is your host and she’s brought together an incredible cast of comedy legends: Al Roberts, Charlotte Ritchie, Sunil Patel and Emily Lloyd-Saini.Written by the public. This week it was written by:Steve Blair
Jo Bunting
Caitriona Dowden
Aruhan Galieva
Ben Pope
Vicky Richards
Christina Riggs
Pete TelloucheScript Edited by Cameron Loxdale and Mike Shephard.Producer: Georgia Keating
Assistant Producer: Katie Baum
Executive Producer: James Robinson
Production Coordinator: Sarah Nicholls
Recorded by David Thomas
Sound Design by Charlie Brandon-KingRecorded at Up The Creek.A BBC Studios Audio Production for Radio 4.
An EcoAudio certified production.

Mar 17, 2025 • 28min
The 13 Million Club
More than 13 million people in this country can be classed as disabled, often in ways we don’t think or talk about – sometimes in ways which even they are not fully conscious of. The spectrum of mental and physical disability is far wider than most of us have ever thought about. It’s an elephant in the room - we can all see it (unless we’re visually impaired) but none of us talk about it (unless we have Tourette Syndrome).If you’re uncomfortable with these jokes, don’t worry, this show isn’t always going to be comfortable. But it will be subversive, celebratory, and absolutely unlike anything else you’ve ever heard on the radio – or, very likely, anywhere else.Under the stewardship of sassy American import, Spring Day, The 13 Million Club brings together a remarkable range of talents and a collection of fresh perspectives in a smorgasbord of stand-up and spiky consumer pieces.From dwarfism to Parkinson’s, via cystic fibrosis, hearing loss, Tourette’s, life in a wheelchair and more besides, we laugh at and with our spectacular cast, which includes Paul Sinha, Will Robbins, Esther Manito and Jess Thom. While they laugh at the attitudes of others, and the madness of a world which is struggling to catch up with - let alone accommodate - them.Produced by Lianne Coop and Mark Watson.
An Impatient production for BBC Radio 4.

Mar 10, 2025 • 29min
Alexei Sayle's Imaginary Sandwich Bar
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.

Mar 3, 2025 • 29min
One Person Found This Helpful
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

Feb 24, 2025 • 15min
The Island
In a hilarious twist, Stephen Mangan, the British actor and comedian, finds himself stranded on an island with fellow former guests of Desert Island Discs. As chaos ensues, he navigates the quirky dynamics of camp life, with characters like Sandi Toksvig as chief and Hugh Bonneville causing mischief. The tension rises with food raids and power struggles. Stephen's survival instincts kick in, leading to a plot involving a tempting egg, a message of warning, and plenty of absurdity. Tune in for a comedic journey of survival and bizarre alliances!

Feb 17, 2025 • 29min
ReincarNathan
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!

Feb 10, 2025 • 15min
Sunil Patel: An Idiot's Guide to Bagging an Heiress
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.

Feb 3, 2025 • 28min
P.O.V.
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.

Jan 27, 2025 • 29min
Just a Minute
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.


