Comedy of the Week

General Election

19 oct 2026, 4:00 · 28 min

<p>In this episode, the 2005 General Election inspires Glenn to stand in his school’s own mock election, as the candidate with the most unlikely set of policies ever.</p><p>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.</p><p>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, and many more).</p><p>A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4</p>

Room 101 with Paul Merton

12 oct 2026, 4:00 · 28 min

<p>Paul Merton interviews a variety of guests from the world of comedy and entertainment to find out what they would send to Room 101.</p><p>Kicking off the series, Miles Jupp attempts to banish touchscreens, people who take the aisle seat on a train when the window seat is available, and people who do not park well.</p><p>To hear more episodes from this series, search "Room 101" on BBC Sounds.</p><p>Additional material by John Irwin and Suki Webster Producer: Claire Broughton A Hat Trick production for BBC Radio 4</p>

Geoff Norcott's Working Men's Club

5 oct 2026, 4:00 · 28 min

<p>Geoff Norcott examines modern masculinity in this stand-up series for Radio 4, by creating the safe space of a working men’s club so he can speak freely about the problems men are facing and how we might go about fixing them in a way that benefits everyone.</p><p>This week, Geoff looks at men’s reluctance to put on sunscreen. Why not take a simple, basic precaution against the hottest and largest thing in the entire solar system? Vanity? Bravado? Or something else? With the help of his studio audience, Geoff looks at whether this is connected to men’s reluctance to seek medical advice and their habit of dying early.</p><p>Written and presented by Geoff Norcott</p><p>Recorded by Richard Biddulph</p><p>Production manager: Sarah Wright Executive producer: Caroline Raphael Producer: Ed Morrish</p><p>A Pier production for BBC Radio 4</p>

Your Mum

28 sept 2026, 4:00 · 28 min

<p>Laura Smyth speaks to celebrity guests to find out about the mothers who made them.</p><p>This week Laura is joined by comedians Sara Barron and Nish Kumar and boy is it the battle of the big personality mums! We hear all about Sara’s mum’s main character energy and her mantra ‘we’re not like other girls’. We learn about Nish’s mum leading her entire family to England aged just 15, and the mic drop way in which she introduces herself to strangers. And we conclude that maybe it makes total sense for all mothers to be a little bit mad?</p><p>Producer: Sasha Bobak Assistant Producer: Eve Delaney Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Production Co-ordinator: Asha Osborne-Grinter</p><p>A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.</p>

Omid Djalili: Namaste

21 sept 2026, 4:00 · 27 min

<p>Omid Djalili explores a world that's louder, angrier, and stranger than ever.</p><p>Who gets to decide who we are before we've even opened our mouths? Omid Djalili examines the stereotypes that shape our lives - from growing up as the son of Iranian immigrants to the labels, assumptions and snap judgements we all make about each other. Through stand-up, audience contributions and personal stories, he asks whether comedy can break through prejudice and remind us that people are always more complicated than the boxes we put them in.</p><p>This is the first episode of the Stand-Up Specials series Omid Djalili: Namaste. To hear more episodes, search "Stand-Up Specials" on BBC Sounds.</p><p>A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.</p>

Unspeakable

14 sept 2026, 4:00 · 28 min

<p>In this episode we hear Jessie Cave’s word for letting your kids explore their canine side, Armando Iannucci's description for excessive false modesty, and Chloe Petts’s coinage for when you need something but you don't want to be a bother.</p><p>Ever struggled to find the right word for a feeling or sensation? Unspeakable sees comedian Phil Wang and lexicographer Susie Dent invite celebrity guests to invent new linguistic creations, to solve those all too relatable moments when we're lost for words.</p><p>Hosts: Phil Wang and Susie Dent Guests: Jessie Cave, Armando Iannucci and Chloe Petts Created by Joe Varley Writers: Matt Crosby and Katie Storey Recorded by Jerry Peal Producer: Jon Harvey Executive Producers: Joe Varley and Akash Lockmun</p><p>A Brown Bred production for BBC Radio 4</p>

The Skewer

7 sept 2026, 4:00 · 14 min

<p>The multi-award-winning satire returns, as Jon Holmes mashes up news with pop-culture into a current affairs comedy concept album. This week - Andy Burnham embarks on his Odyssey, and Harry and Meghan's dog barks at The Gentlemen on Netflix.</p><p>To hear more episode from this series, search "The Skewer" on BBC Sounds.</p><p>Producer: Jon Holmes An unusual production for BBC Radio 4</p>

Edinburgh Comedy Awards Gala 2026

1 sept 2026, 4:00 · 56 min

<p>The prestigious Awards turns 46 this year and as always is recognising a Best Newcomer and a Best Comedy Show. In this gala, hosted by 2024 Best Show nominee Catherine Bohart, we hear from the nominees and winners to give listeners around the UK the chance to hear what's hot at the Fringe this year. The Gala was recorded at The Grand in the Pleasance Courtyard, one of the Edinburgh Fringe’s iconic comedy venues.</p><p>Audible Best Comedy Show winner is Chris Cantrill Taffner Family's Best Newcomer winner is Marty Gleeson</p><p>Also nominated for Best Comedy Show are: Harriet Dyer, Li Jin Hao, Dan Tiernan, Lara Ricote</p><p>Also nominated for Best Newcomer are: Fatiha El-Ghorri, Dom McGovern, Freddie Meredith, Tom Towelling, Underground Monk Show</p><p>Host: Catherine Bohart Producer: Georgia Keating Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Production Co-ordinator: Jodie Charman Edited by Chris Maclean Recorded by Sean Kerwin</p><p>Recorded at The Pleasance Grand in Edinburgh. A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.</p>

The People Have Spoken

24 ago 2026, 4:00 · 28 min

<p>It's time for the people to speak. Taking on the headlines, Ian Smith is joined by Harriet Kemsley and Ashley Storrie to work out what is going on, and together with an Edinburgh Fringe audience, solve the biggest problem facing the world right now.</p><p>Which family member would you send to negotiate with Hamas? How should we help Trump meet his self-imposed deadlines? And how to we protect Andy Burnham from scam phone calls?</p><p>Written by Ian Smith, Angela Channell, Cameron Loxdale and Katie Storey Production Coordinator: Asha Osborne-Grinter Sound Editing: David Thomas Executive Producer: James Robinson Recorded the Edinburgh Fesitval Fringe</p><p>Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios Production</p>

Paul Sinha's Perfect Pub Quiz

17 ago 2026, 4:00 · 28 min

<p>Kicking off a fifth series, Paul takes his audience in Boston, Lincolnshire, through an ideal range of questions for a perfect pub quiz.</p><p>He also has rounds inspired by the area, on subjects like suspension bridges, the tallest buildings in the world, and the way in which Boston avenged Lincoln. And he gets asked - again - about the Lincolnshire football club that's had three England captains, Jack Daniels, and the Lincolnshire town that used to be the capital of England.</p><p>This Comedy of the Week episode features the first episode of the fifth series of Paul Sinha's Perfect Pub Quiz. All series are available to listen on BBC Sounds.</p><p>Written and performed by Paul Sinha Additional material: Oliver Levy</p><p>Additional questions: The Audience</p><p>Recorded at the Blackfriars Theatre, Boston, by Jerry Peal at Peal Sound Mixed by Rich Evans at Syncbox Post</p><p>Producer: Ed Morrish Executive producer: Lyndsay Fenner</p><p>A Lead Mojo production for BBC Radio 4</p>

Just a Minute

10 ago 2026, 4:00 · 28 min

<p>We're back with a bang this week with some of our toughest subjects to date. They include my advice for a blind date, I refuse to go back to..., and the last time I made a citizen's arrest. Plus who makes the classic repetition mistake of saying BBC?</p><p>This Comedy of the Week features the first episode of series 97 of Just a Minute.</p><p>Host: Sue Perkins Players: Paul Merton, Lucy Porter, Rachel Parris, Gyles Brandreth Producer: Georgia Keating Executive Producer: James Robinson Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman Production Manager: Katie Baum Sound Editor: Marc Willcox Additional material by Angela Channell</p><p>An EcoAudio certified production. A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.</p>

Best Medicine

3 ago 2026, 4:00 · 28 min

<p>Joining Kiri Pritchard-McLean this week is comedian Michelle Wolf who reflects on home births, Professor Stephen Wallace explains how old plastic bottles can be transformed into a form of Dopamine that can be used to treat Parkinson’s disease, and Dr Matt Clarke demonstrates the power of medical collaboration in helping to identify and treat brain tumours.</p><p>Best Medicine is your weekly dose of laughter, hope and incredible medicine. Award-winning comedian Kiri Pritchard-McLean is joined by a funny and fascinating panel of comedians, doctors, scientists, experts and historians to celebrate medicine's inspiring past, present and future.</p><p>Each week Kiri challenges a panel of experts and a comedian to make a case for what they think is 'the best medicine'. Each guest champions anything from world-changing science or an obscure invention to an everyday treatment, an uplifting worldview, an unsung hero or a futuristic cure.</p><p>Whether it’s groundbreaking surgery, seaweed underwear, AI glasses to help people with dementia, horse therapy, sports, revolutionary gene therapy for Huntington’s disease or yesterday’s rubbish becoming tomorrow’s medicines - it’s always something worth celebrating.</p><p>Hosted by Kiri Pritchard-McLean</p><p>Featuring: Dr Matt Clarke, Professor Stephen Wallace and Michelle Wolf</p><p>Written by Edward Easton, Jordan Gray, Kiri Pritchard-McLean and Ben Rowse</p><p>Producer: Tashi Radha</p><p>Executive Producer: Ben Worsfield</p><p>Theme tune composed by Andrew Jones</p><p>A Large Time production for BBC Radio 4</p>

Current-ish

27 jul 2026, 4:00 · 28 min

<p>Lucy Porter is joined by John Tothill, Kyrah Gray and Amy Annette to talk all things current-ish events. Should politicians wear ties? Should children learn to read? And should we all now identify as Spanish?</p><p>Hosted by Lucy Porter</p><p>Written by Lucy Porter, Ruth Husko and Katie Sayer, with additional material by Mike Shephard</p><p>Producer - Katie Sayer Assistant producer - Lorna Reader Executive producer - Victoria Lloyd A Mighty Bunny production for BBC Radio 4</p>

Sunil Patel: An Idiot's Guide To Living Forever

20 jul 2026, 4:00 · 14 min

<p>Comedian Sunil Patel is trying to make a documentary that young people will like. It’s sexy, it’s vice, it’s Hunter S. Thompson, but he’s already completely blowing it. Listen to Sunil embarrass himself on national radio and be forced to change tack immediately.</p><p>This is the first episode of this series. To hear more episodes, search "Sunil Patel: An Idiot's Guide To Living Forever" on BBC Sounds. </p><p>Starring Sunil Patel</p><p>Featuring Helen Bauer</p><p>Written by Sunil Patel, Charlie Dinkin, Em Humble and Benjamin Sutton</p><p>Produced by Benjamin Sutton and Laura Shaw</p><p>A Daddy’s SuperYacht Production for BBC Radio 4</p>

Dead Ringers

13 jul 2026, 4:00 · 28 min

<p>The Dead Ringers team train their vocal firepower on the week’s news. This week: Trump turns tricks, Tuchel talks tactics, and Count Binface is unmasked.</p><p>Starring Jon Culshaw, Jan Ravens, Duncan Wisbey and Kieran Hodgson.</p><p>To hear more episodes of Dead Ringers, search "Friday Night Comedy" on BBC Sounds.</p><p>Produced by: Jon Holmes Executive Producer:James Robinson Production Co-ordinator: Giulia Lopes Mazzu</p><p>A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.</p>

The Big Idea with Alistair Green

6 jul 2026, 4:00 · 14 min

<p>Tabitha Beckworth is the founder and CEO of globally successful wellness brand, The Whisper. But, like any super driven hyper successful business person she does many different things, all of them to great success - over 3 million subscribers to her YouTube channel is a testament to this. But for this interview, Tabitha found time in her packed schedule to sit down with Alistair to explain more about what The Whisper is and the global community it has created.</p><p>This episode featured on Comedy of the Week is titled Wellness guru Tabitha Beckworth. To hear more from the series, search "The Big Idea with Alistair Green" on BBC Sounds.</p><p>Alistair would like to take this moment to put it in writing that he doesn’t necessarily endorse the views of the guests.</p><p>The Big Idea with Alistair Green is brought to you by Are You Okay? Mental Health. It’s a lot isn’t it?</p><p>Written and performed by Alistair Green.</p><p>Produced by Alex Burnard.</p><p>A Cup & Nuzzle production for BBC Radio 4.</p>

P.O.V.

29 jun 2026, 4:00 · 28 min

<p>P.O.V. returns for a second series of sketches from the internet's best comedians. This week we hear a sports commentary for the green-fingered, a policeman who is very determined to tell you something, and a trailer for every true crime podcast ever.</p><p>Written and performed by Davina Bentley, Jake Bhardwaj, Kylie Brakeman, Stephen Buchanan, Nathan Caton, The Exploding Heads, Rachel Fairburn, Daniel Foxx, Matt Green, Kelechi Okafor, Elaine Owusu and Ed Night and Paddy Young.</p><p>Recorded at The Soundhouse Studios and Guilt Free Post, London; Maximum Fun, Los Angeles; and Sonido Studios, Clydebank.</p><p>Sound design ... Rich Evans at Synbox Post.</p><p>Producer ... Ed Morrish Executive producer ... Lyndsay Fenner</p><p>A Lead Mojo production for BBC Radio 4</p>

John Tothill Forgives Your Sins

22 jun 2026, 4:00 · 28 min

<p>In a world of crossfit and kink-shaming, budgeting and meal prep, John Tothill presents the antidote to self-improvement.</p><p>In this episode John tackles the workplace - rejecting the nauseating barrage of self-betterment and productivity, in favour of your worst impulses and transgressions.</p><p>Listen, we all have regrets that make us wince to remember and consider booking a one-way ticket to Nepal. But do you know what the biggest killer in the UK is? That's right: shame. So come on in, darlings. Curl up with a lovely big pint of Negroni and share your naughtiest stories. John is here to celebrate your vices and absolve you of your sins. You have nothing to be ashamed of.</p><p>Producer: Sasha Bobak Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Co-Writer: Eve Delaney Production Coordintor: Asha Osborne-Grinter</p><p>A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.</p>

The Many Wrongs Of Lord Christian Brighty

15 jun 2026, 4:00 · 29 min

<p>Brighty’s holiday in Bath is interrupted by Babs insisting he make amends to his sister, Flan, after he ended her engagement with the entrepreneurial industrialist Mr Poach. Unfortunately the plan to fix the wrong of meddling in his sister’s life, involves more meddling in his sister's life. Meanwhile Churley has to contend with making ‘arrangements’ for an unexpected boxing match.</p><p>Lord Christian Brighty used to be the most notorious rake of the Regency. But after a hazing ritual for a new chambermaid led to a self-inflicted cannonball injury, Brighty, compelled by the chambermaid in question - the uneducated but forthright Babigail – resolves to mend his ways. Accompanying him in his quest are Babs (elevated beyond her station to a chambermaid-cum-adviser role), and his butler, Mr Churlington (although Churley would actually prefer everything to stay exactly as it used to be).</p><p>Written by Amy Greaves & Christian Brighty</p><p>Cast: Lord Christian Brighty ….. Christian Brighty Babs ….. Jessica Knappett Churlington ….. Colin McFarlane Lady Flan Brighty ….. Jodie Mitchell Lavinia – a boxing trainer ….. Chiara Goldsmith Mr Poach – an industrialist ….. David Reed Amelia – a lady at the spa ….. Amy Greaves Pierce Egan – a boxing commentator – Jason Forbes Bob Gregson – a boxing pundit – Joz Norris</p><p>Script Editor ….. David Reed Sound & Recording ….. Sonica Studios Photographer ….. Will Hearle Producer ….. Ben Walker</p><p>A DLT Entertainment Production for BBC Radio 4</p><p>Christian Brighty and Amy Greaves’ viral sketches based on Bridgerton, Poldark and Jane Austen have catapulted them to viral stardom, securing Christian’s place as the internet’s answer to Mr Darcy and amassing 250 million views across TikTok and Instagram (@brightybuoy). Amy and Christian both have a deep love for the work of Jane Austen, traditional regency romance (not smut), and historical romance set in the regency (smut). The first series of The Many Wrongs of Lord Christian Brighty was nominated for Best Radio Show at the Chortle Awards 2025, and listed in The i's Best Radio Comedies Ever.</p>

One Person Found This Helpful

8 jun 2026, 4:00 · 28 min

<p>Frank Skinner and guests Dee Allum, Pierre Novellie, Zoe Lyons and Hasan Al-Habib discuss the tactics of Genghis Khan, the ethics of mousetraps and the morals of forgetting to wear trousers. Also, Swedish sheep wagons.</p><p>Everyone 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. 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!</p><p>Written by Frank Skinner, Catherine Brinkworth, Sarah Dempster, Jason Hazeley, Karl Minns, Katie Sayer & Peter Tellouche</p><p>Devised by Jason Hazeley and Simon Evans with the producer David Tyler</p><p>A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4</p>

Ian Smith is Stressed

1 jun 2026, 4:00 · 28 min

<p>Ian Smith is back on his quest for calm. In this episode, Ian is going through one of the most stressful life experiences... moving house. Is he middle class now? How can he keep in touch with his friends? And just how much damage can an entire chickpea cause? Let’s find out together in Ian Smith is Stressed.</p><p>Written and performed by Ian Smith Additional Material from Mike Shephard and Rhiannon Shaw Featuring Stuart Laws Assistant Producer - Em Humble Production Manager - Laura Shaw Produced by Benjamin Sutton A Daddy’s SuperYacht Production for BBC Radio 4</p>

Hajj & Seek

25 may 2026, 4:00 · 28 min

<p>A spiritual journey like no other… just with more chaos, queueing, and a missing pair of sandals.</p><p>Blending storytelling, stand-up and documentary, comedian Ali Shahalom (aka Ali Official) takes us on a deeply personal comic journey through one of the most important acts of worship in Islam: Hajj. What begins as a sacred pilgrimage becomes a test of patience, endurance, and broadband speed.</p><p>From battling the notoriously stressful Nusuk booking system (“depression you pay for”) to convincing his entire family to commit to the trip, Ali charts every step of the journey with warmth, honesty and razor-sharp humour. There are frozen bank accounts, passport panics, and a £40,000 leap of faith - and that's all before he’s even left the UK.</p><p>Written and performed by Ali Shahalom Script editor - Laura Major Sound design - Andy Goddard Producer - Victoria Lloyd</p><p>A Mighty Bunny Production for BBC Radio 4</p>

The Skewer: Hard Labour

18 may 2026, 4:00 · 14 min

<p>Streeting wants in and Starmer styles it out. The multi-award-winning satire is back as Jon Holmes mashes up the news with pop-culture to create a current affairs satirical comedy concept album. </p><p>Producer: Jon Holmes </p><p>An unusual production for BBC Radio 4</p>

Emer Maguire: Patron Saint of Bad Luck

11 may 2026, 4:00 · 28 min

<p>A year ago, Emer Maguire had it all. Now she’s sleeping on the floor of her brother’s student flat in a shady part of Belfast – no girlfriend, no home, no hope. Where did it all go wrong? How did she end up all alone, broken hearted and with only an assistance dog called Dougal for company? Is she the Patron Saint of Bad Luck?</p><p>Comedian Emer Maguire recalls how the worst year of her life - including messy break-up, serious medical issues and not one, but two life-changing diagnoses – put her on the path to living her best life. Told with her trademark honesty and songwriting brilliance, Emer’s tale is both heartfelt and uplifting, a laugh-out-loud rollercoaster journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance.</p><p>One of Northern Ireland’s most exciting comedic voices, Emer Maguire (who was dubbed by one critic as the “indie Victoria Wood”) is a double Irish IMRO award-winning presenter and four times TEDx speaker.</p><p>Written and performed by Emer Maguire Produced by Anna Hinds Executive Producer: Keith Martin Sound: David Walker</p><p>A FABEL radio production for BBC Radio 4</p>

Geoff Norcott's Working Men's Club

4 may 2026, 4:00 · 28 min

<p>This week, Geoff looks at the “angry middle-aged white men” that Gary Neville identified as the source of all division within the UK. Is that fair? If so, why are they angry? And could there be both a deeper reason for their anger and also a better outlet for it?</p><p>As ever, these serious points are intercut with “manly hypotheticals”, the sort of question men ask each other to avoid talking about stuff that matters, like - if you’re drinking non-alcoholic beer, are you still obliged to buy a round?</p><p>This is episode 2 of Series 2 of Geoff Norcott's Working Men's Club. To hear more from this series, search "Stand-Up Specials" on BBC Sounds.</p><p>Written and presented by Geoff Norcott</p><p>Recorded by Sean Kerwin Production manager: Dawn Williams Executive producer: Caroline Raphael</p><p>Producer: Ed Morrish</p><p>A Pier production for BBC Radio 4</p>

Brian & Roger

27 abr 2026, 4:00 · 14 min

<p>This is episode 1 of the latest series of Brian & Roger, titled Carla.</p><p>There’s not much that could quell Roger’s positive mood; he’s got a plan for a very special bonding activity with his teenage son Jamie and Brian may be able to help. There’s romance on the cards too but he'll need some dating advice...</p><p>Brian & Roger are friends that met at a support group for divorced men. Both are starting again, both are finding it hard. One of them is nice.</p><p>To hear more episodes from this series, search "Brian and Roger" on BBC Sounds.</p><p>Written and performed by Harry Peacock and Dan Skinner. Produced by Joel Morris and Sally Harrison. Music by Bach, arranged by Hywel Davies. Hywel Davies (piano), Luke Belcher (bass), Tilly Tremayne (vocals).</p><p>Executive Producer: Johnny Vegas A Woolyback production for BBC Radio 4</p>

Nature Table

20 abr 2026, 4:00 · 28 min

<p>In this episode Sue checks out a fiendish Church-eating fungus, the mad lifecycle of Marine Midges and a potential orgasm fungus.</p><p>This is episode 2 of series 5 of Nature Table - Miraculous Marine Midges and Church-Eating Fungus.</p><p>‘Sue Perkins’ Nature Table - possibly the funniest “natural science” series, ever.’ Pick of the Week, The Telegraph</p><p>Recorded at the Natural History Museum, this episode of Sue Perkins’ ARIA-winning ‘Show and Tell’ wildlife comedy features special guests: comedian Sara Pascoe, the Natural History Museum’s Queen of flies Dr. Erica McAlister and Fungarium Collections Manager at Kew Gardens, Lee Davies.</p><p>Nature Table has a simple clear goal: to positively celebrate our planet’s wonderfully wild (and funny) flora and fauna in a fun accessible way... whilst always having a giggle.</p><p>Hosted by: Sue Perkins Guests: Sara Pascoe, Dr. Erica McAlister, Lee Davies and Elizabeth. Written by: Jon Hunter and Jenny Laville. Additional material by: Jade Gebbie. Researcher: Catherine Beazley Executive Producer: James Robinson Sound Editor: Jerry Peal Music by: Ben Mirin Production Coordinator: Sarah Nicholls & Caroline Barlow Producer: Simon Nicholls</p><p>A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.</p>

Unspeakable

13 abr 2026, 4:00 · 28 min

<p>This episode we hear Hugh Dennis's word for decision fatigue, Katy Wix's coinage for when you find yourself stuck telling a story in public to break an awkward silence, and Jess Fostekew's word for that nuggety squashed sock you find stuck inside a duvet cover.</p><p>Ever struggled to find the right word for a feeling or sensation? Unspeakable sees comedian Phil Wang and lexicographer Susie Dent invite celebrity guests to invent new linguistic creations, to solve those all too relatable moments when we're lost for words.</p><p>This is episode four from series three of Unspeakable. To hear more from this series, search "Unspeakable" on BBC Sounds.</p><p>Hosts: Phil Wang and Susie Dent Guests: Hugh Dennis, Jess Fostekew and Katy Wix Created by Joe Varley Writers: Matt Crosby and James Farmer Recorded by Jerry Peal Producer: Jon Harvey Executive Producers: Joe Varley and Akash Lockmun</p><p>A Brown Bred production for BBC Radio 4</p>

Live from the UK: Live Comedy Day

6 abr 2026, 4:00 · 42 min

<p>It's the first every Live Comedy Day, and Live From the UK brings a special, extended episode to the Radio 4 listener.</p><p>Angela Barnes is back at the comedy club where she did her first ever gig, the Brighton Komedia. She did a comedy course with comedy guru Jill Edwards, so catches up with her to chat about starting out, and grassroots comedy.</p><p>We also tour to all 4 nations of the UK, bringing you insights on a night tour of Edinburgh Zoo, useless stuff you learn in school, nans playing rugby and the dystopian world of fast food restaurants.</p><p>Throughout the show, some of the UK's best loved comedians will also pop up to tell you about their first ever gig.</p><p>In this episode, you can hear;</p><p>Christopher Macarthur-Boyd at the Monkey Barrel in Edinburgh Emer Maguire at the Empire Music Hall, Belfast Carwyn Blayney at the Swansea Grand Seann Walsh at Komedia Brighton</p><p>Additional Material by Ruth Husko</p><p>Recorded by David Thomas, Sean Kerwin and Davy Neil Sound design by David Thomas Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman Executive Producer: Pete Strauss</p><p>Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios Audio Production for Radio 4.</p>

The Matt Forde Focus Group

30 mar 2026, 4:00 · 28 min

<p>We like to think we vote with our heads. But what if we've always voted with our tribe? Top political comedian Matt Forde convenes his Focus Group in front of a live theatre audience with a razor-sharp panel — former Conservative adviser Salma Shah, ex-SNP MP and broadcaster John Nicolson, and stand-up comedian Pierre Novellie — to ask whether tribal loyalty is the secret engine of political life. From parties haemorrhaging members to rivals, to the flag-wrapped contradictions of nationalist politics, to the question of whether multicultural Britain is importing conflicts it never signed up for, this is an episode about belonging, identity - and the ridiculous places both can lead</p><p>This featured episode is The Politics of The Tribe from Series 2 of The Matt Forde Focus Group on BBC Radio 4.</p><p>Written and performed by Matt Forde Additional writing from Karl Minns, Ruth Husko and Richard Garvin Producer: Richard Garvin Co Producer: Daisy Knight Broadcast Assistant: Ocean Holder Sound Design: David Thomas Editor Chris Maclean An Avalon production for BBC Radio 4</p>

Slim's Guide to Life

23 mar 2026, 5:00 · 14 min

<p>53 year old Slim looks back on his first proper decade of adulthood.</p><p>Driving the buses of London in this period leads Slim to reflect on why bus drivers don't get respect. He's also a father of two at this point, and recalls some of his favourite, and least favourite dad duties, and we also hear about his first time in front of an audience.</p><p>This is the third episode from the series Slim's Guide to Life. For more episodes, search "Stand-Up Specials" on BBC Sounds.</p><p>Written and performed by Slim Script Edited by David Ajao Production Coordinator: Caroline Barlow Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Recorded at Up The Creek comedy club by Chris Maclean. Sound design by Chris Maclean Music by Slim</p><p>Slim's Guide to Life is produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies, and is a BBC Studios production for Radio 4.</p>

Wing It

16 mar 2026, 5:00 · 28 min

<p>Cariad Lloyd, Steen Raskopoulos, Luke Manning, and Emily Lloyd-Saini embark on a new series of improv mayhem. Host Alasdair Beckett-King presides over a series of games full of emotional butchers, a three-headed movie director, and the inner monologue of a spider trapped in the bath.</p><p>"No Script. No Prep. No Clue."</p><p>To hear more episode from this series, search "Wing It" on BBC Sounds.</p><p>Presented by Alasdair Beckett-King</p><p>Devised and produced by Sam Holmes</p><p>Executive Producer: James Robinson Production Co-ordinator: Katie Baum Additional material: Ruth Husko Sound Editor: Chris Maclean</p><p>A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4</p>

Aurie Styla: Tech Talk

9 mar 2026, 5:00 · 14 min

<p>Comedian Aurie Styla returns to rampage through the history of technology, through his own experience as a self-confessed tech nerd growing up in the 90s, and various things you thought you’d forgotten.</p><p>With his interactive, wildly funny style, tonight the focus is on the role tech has played in our fitness lives: for better or worse</p><p>This episode is from the Stand-Up Specials brand on BBC Sounds.</p><p>An Impatient production for BBC Radio 4.</p>

The Making of Colin Hoult

2 mar 2026, 5:00 · 27 min

<p>An audience show in which Colin explores how his bizarre family made him the man he is today. Now, as a 45 year-old dad, he wonders if it’s too late to do anything about it. Based on his hugely successful 2024 Edinburgh show, Colin weaves anecdotes and musings with all too real stories about his early life, featuring a recurring cast of characters: his perennially pessimistic mum, his not-quite-in-reality brothers and his long-suffering Dad who screams ‘why can’t we just be a normal family?’ Colin asks “is it a surprise my neurodiversity was missed?' But growing up in Nottingham we just had a simple phrase that covered everything - ‘he’s not right’. Colin paints a picture of a childhood full of secrets and lies, dominated by Mum’s terror of ending up in the local ‘madhouse’ whilst espousing paranoid conspiracies and pulling out the Ouija board on Christmas Day. Whilst inherently funny, the craziness is recounted with love and sympathy. A brilliant storyteller, Colin intercuts tales of that childhood life with stories about his own contemporary family and how one has been shaped by the other. What does he want to pass on and what does he absolutely not want to? How does he be the best dad he can when his basic understanding of the world is so scrambled? Each episode begins with Colin telling us how he’s, possibly inappropriately, reacted to something mundane that has just happened or been said to him. He’ll unpick the story across the episode tracing his reaction back to his upbringing with other themes, stories and observations along the way. Colin’s stand-up is intercut with childhood and contemporary scenes. Colin plays all his family members, neighbours, distant relatives, postmen, etc.</p>

Evil Animals - Spiders

23 feb 2026, 5:00 · 32 min

<p>Join comedian Russell Kane as he and his guests spill the beans on spiders. Consistently ranked amongst the most creepy and crawly, we ask are spiders abusive arachnids or kooky cuties?</p><p>Helping Russell decide whether spiders are evil or genius are top comedian Josh Jones and leading entomologist & England Manager for Buglife, Dr. Karim Vahed.</p><p>To hear more from this series, search "Evil Genius" on BBC Sounds.</p><p>Additional material by: Eve Delaney, Ruth Huskisson & Christina Riggs Researcher: Catherine Beazley Sound Recordist: Gareth Wood Digital Editor: Jerry Peal Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy Executive Producer: Paul Smith Producer: Simon Nicholls</p><p>Evil Animals with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios production for BBC Sounds.</p>

Fatiha El-Ghorri: A Match Made Inshallah

16 feb 2026, 5:00 · 14 min

<p>A Match Made Inshallah is a fearless, funny show where the 44-year-old, twice-divorced stand-up comedian Fatiha El-Ghorri is looking for love and ready to date - and she wants us all to be her wingman.</p><p>Mixing stand-up, commentary, and the actual date itself, we will hear Fatiha’s deepest thoughts, hopes, dreams, and judgements as we join her every step of the way through the dating minefield.</p><p>Written and Performed by Fatiha El-Ghorri Producer: Laura Grimshaw Executive Producers: Jon Holmes and Carrie Rose</p><p>An unusual production for BBC Radio 4</p>

Finlay Christie Is Younger Than You

9 feb 2026, 5:00 · 28 min

<p>In this Stand-up Special Finlay Christie makes his Radio 4 debut in front of a live audience at The Brunswick in Brighton.</p><p>He provides insight into how he and his generation have grown into the adults they’re now expected to be. Using new and existing material from his critically acclaimed Edinburgh shows he’ll cover topics like; the expectations of different generations; “pensioners complaining they can’t heat their house. That sounds like a boast – You’ve got a house?!’ ...”</p><p>- the differences between the generations; “People say young people are more sensitive, but every generation is sensitive, we’re just sensitive about different stuff. We’re sensitive about pronouns, old people are sensitive about Princess Diana.”</p><p>- how his generation feel about the world; "Gen Z are very nihilistic. World’s gonna end in our lifetimes and we don’t care. One girl in Sweden cared and that made the news.”</p><p>“TikTok has made me see people who watch films as intellectuals. Ooh, you have a penchant for cinéma?? Ohohoho.” And how it now feels to be a man; “ the difference between Man and Boy - "Landlord bad…. rent boy..nice….” " “It’s a boy” - “congratulations”. “It’s a man” - “allegations.”</p><p>At 19, Finlay became one of the youngest ever winners of the prestigious So You Think You’re Funny competition, following in the footsteps of Peter Kay, Lee Mack and Sarah Millican. 3 years later, his debut Edinburgh show “OK Zoomer” was nominated for NextUp’s “Best Show” award and was released as a special in October 2023. His material, based around his experience as a Gen Z, led Chortle to describe him as “the voice of his generation.”</p><p>Producer: Julian Mayers</p>

What's the Story, Ashley Storrie?

2 feb 2026, 5:00 · 29 min

<p>Despite a complex childhood, and with her teenage years spent guiding the career of her controversial comedian mother Janey Godley whilst caring for her depressed autistic father, Ashley has just had the most surreal, dramatic, tragic… and successful year of her life.</p><p>Her dream job was always in the magical world of TV with all its escapism, justice and happy endings. But the universe has a twisted sense of humour, and just as Ashley finally gets her big break, Janey is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Yay.</p><p>In this episode, we jump inside the brilliant and unhinged autistic brain of our “adult perma-child” protagonist and attempt to unspool this tragicomedy with some hilarious digressions en route.</p><p>Produced by Julia Sutherland Sound Design by Sean Kerwin A Dabster production for BBC Radio 4</p>

You Heard It Here First

26 ene 2026, 5:00 · 28 min

<p>Chris McCausland asks Amy Gledhill and Luke McQueen to take on Angela Barnes and Kiell Smith-Bynoe. The teams must figure out what on earth is being advertised on TV, guess what famous objects or locations children are trying to describe, and guess what soundscapes their teammates are trying to convey using their mouths alone.</p><p>This is the first episode from the third season of You Heard It Here First, titled The Live Disintegration of a Man's Being. To hear more episodes, search "You Heard It Here First" on BBC Sounds.</p><p>Producer: Sasha Bobak Assistant Producer: Eve Delaney Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman</p><p>A BBC Studios Production.</p>

Best of The News Quiz 2025

5 ene 2026, 5:00 · 28 min

<p>A satirical smorgasbord of The News Quiz's best bits of the year, covering local elections, flag fever, Starmer's struggles, Trump's travails, and a very special meeting between King Charles and Pope Leo XIV.</p><p>To hear more episodes of The News Quiz, search "Friday Night Comedy" on BBC Sounds.</p><p>Written and presented by Andy Zaltzman.</p><p>Producer: Rajiv Karia Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Production Coordinator: Giulia Lopes Mazzu</p><p>A BBC Studios Audio Production for Radio 4 An Eco-Audio certified Production</p>