Comedy of the Week

In this Stand-up Special Finlay Christie makes his Radio 4 debut in front of a live audience at The Brunswick in Brighton. 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?!’ ...” - 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.” - 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.” “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.” 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.” Producer: Julian Mayers

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. 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. 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. Produced by Julia Sutherland Sound Design by Sean Kerwin A Dabster production for BBC Radio 4

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. 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. Producer: Sasha Bobak Assistant Producer: Eve Delaney Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman A BBC Studios Production.

Unarguably tall comedian Pierre Novellie uses his unique style of erudite bafflement to focus on the deep and the shallow in a comedic answer to In Our Time. In this episode, all about why we can’t stop eating, Pierre discusses the misuse of soap, weaponised crisps, Saint Aetholwold, and George Orwell vs the pizza. As Pierre says, “I’m delighted to be given the chance to perform my own comedy on the BBC, the original source of my obsession with comedy as a child. It’s a chance to bring my stand up to a hypothetically grateful nation.” Written and performed by Pierre Novellie and produced & directed by David Tyler (Cabin Pressure, One Person Found This Helpful, Armando Iannucci’s Charm Offensive) A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4

Rapid-fire sketch show featuring original comedy sketches from breakout online stars The Squid. Taking listeners from Michaelangelo repainting his spare bedroom, to the Scooby Doo gang buying Velma contact lenses for her birthday, each sketch is a fun and unpredictable concept rooted in The Squid’s trademark dry humour. The Squid are a Manchester-based comedy trio made up of writers/performers Liam Shaw, Zoe Freeman and Jack Holding. They have been creating one-minute-long comedy sketches for the last two years, which have gained them 151,000 followers on TikTok, 205,000 on Instagram, and 12 on Facebook. A Hat Trick production for BBC Radio 4

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. To hear more episodes of The News Quiz, search "Friday Night Comedy" on BBC Sounds. Written and presented by Andy Zaltzman. Producer: Rajiv Karia Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Production Coordinator: Giulia Lopes Mazzu A BBC Studios Audio Production for Radio 4 An Eco-Audio certified Production

Chloe Slack presents an Anniversary Special celebrating 81 years of Time Of The Week alongside former host Ruth Paul (special guest Ellie White). Plus: items on Tall Sons, viral dances and we answer the question ‘Do women feel storms more than men?’ Sian Clifford stars as self-important journalist Chloe Slack in this comedy series parodying women’s current affairs and talk shows, surrounded by an ensemble cast of character comedians. Chloe Slack - Sian Clifford Ruth Paul - Ellie White Ensemble cast: Ada Player Alice Cockayne Aruhan Galieva Ayoade Bamgboye Caroline Elms Em Prendergast Jodie Mitchell Jonathan Oldfield Lorna Rose Treen Mofé Akàndé Created by Lorna Rose Treen and Jonathan Oldfield Writing team: Alice Cockayne Jodie Mitchell Jonathan Oldfield Lorna Rose Treen Priya Hall Will Hughes Script Editors - Lorna Rose Treen and Jonathan Oldfield Photographer - Will Hearle Producer - Ben Walker A DLT Entertainment Production for BBC Radio 4

I Don’t Do…Christmas! is a brand new, gloriously mischievous panel show for people who’d, well, rather not. Julian Clary hosts a yuletide celebration like no other, joined by comedians Jo Brand, Glenn Moore and Fatiha El-Ghorri, with special guest Gareth Malone. Hosted and Created by Julian Clary Featuring: Jo Brand, Fatiha El-Ghorri, Glenn Moore Special Guest: Gareth Malone Additional Material: Andrew White Sound: David Thomas Production Manager: Laura Shaw Producer: Charlie Dinkin Executive Producer: Benjamin Sutton A Daddy’s Superyacht production for BBC Radio 4

Comedian and folk musician David Eagle (of the three time BBC Radio 2 Folk Award Winning group "The Young'uns") brings his brand new comedy show to Radio 4. In episode 1 of 'See No Eagle', David's unpacking his childhood, from those memorable moments of his first go at the keyboard, to gracing the stage for the very first time (headlining the Teddy Bears picnic).] This is the first episode of the series David Eagle: See No Eagle. To hear more episodes from the series, search for "Stand Up Specials" on BBC Sounds. Written and performed by David Eagle. Editor: David Thomas Production Co-ordinator: Jodie Charman Producer: Rajiv Karia

Frank & guests Dee Allum, Hasan Al-Habib, Marcus Brigstocke & Bella Hull discuss the most fashionable way to wear a pizza, the most unfashionable way to wear a Tam o’Shanter and the tallest swimming trunks in the world 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 baffling 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... 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! This is the second episode of series three of One Person Found This Helpful. To hear more episodes, just search "One Person Found This Helpful" on BBC Sounds. Written by Frank Skinner, Catherine Brinkworth, Sarah Dempster, Jason Hazeley, Karl Minns, Katie Sayer & Peter Tellouche Devised by Jason Hazeley and Simon Evans with the producer David Tyler A Pozzitive Production for BBC Radio 4

Marley wants to join a new gym with a legendary trainer. Unfortunately, he can’t afford the fees. Meanwhile Taylor needs an interesting character to write about – Angie thinks she knows just the person. Created by Travis Jay, Rum Punch is an award-winning sitcom that follows a multigenerational family as they juggle pursuit of their individual ambitions with their responsibilities to the family business - a Caribbean restaurant in the heart of Lewisham. Rum Punch cast: Charlie - Ninia Benjamin Des - Kevin Garry (KG Tha Comedian) Taylor - Kyrah Gray Lydia - Letitia Hector Marley - Travis Jay Angie - Angie Le Mar Delroy - Eddie Nestor Writer – Travis Jay Additional Material – Danielle Vitalis Script Editor – Atlanta Green Sound Engineer – David Thomas Editor – David Thomas Production Assistant – Sahar Malaika Rajabali, Eunice Oshiguwa, Jessica Fatoye Producers – Daisy Knight and Jules Lom Executive Producers – Richard Allen-Turner and Jon Thoday An Avalon Television Production for BBC Radio 4

Ever had a text from a non-existent offspring? A call from someone claiming to be from your bank? Or an email from a Nigerian prince….? Cop turned comic is here to guide you through the modern world of scams. With him, as always, are his audience of sworn in deputies, who’ll help him pick his way through some true crime conundrums, as part of the BBC’s Scam Safe Week. Written and presented by Alfie Moore Script Editor: Will Ing Production Co-ordinator: Giulia Lopes Mazzu Producers: James Robinson and Carl Cooper A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4

Tom and Lauren are getting ready to go on holiday together. Unfortunately Tom has never flown with a budget airline before and doesn't realise that suitcases and carry-on are extras. Lauren is struggling to choose which clothes to leave behind, because she's worried about being judged by other women and she refuses to do laundry while she's on holiday. Tom is mortified to discover that he needs to pay extra for them to be seated together while Lauren is dismayed at the prospect of hours in a middle seat with a giant on one side and chronic B.O. on the other. Neil drops by to ask Tom to sort out some cardboard that Lauren has left in the bin store because "she's not a great Greta", so Tom asks him to water Lauren's plants while they're away - much to Lauren's horror. Cast: Tom Machell as Tom Lauren Pattison as Lauren Julian Clary as Neil Writers: Tom Machell & Lauren Pattison Director: Katharine Armitage Recording Engineer: Philip Quinton Sound Design: Philip Quinton Theme Music: Scrannabis Producers: Maria Caruana Galizia & Zahra Zomorrodian A Candle & Bell production for BBC Radio 4

Scott Bennett: Blood Sugar Baby tells the amazing true story of Scott and Jemma Bennett’s infant daughter Olivia and her battle with a rare genetic condition, how she was nearly fatally misdiagnosed and how Scott challenged the hospital to improve their care - by taking his dad’s advice to “Put a tie on”. First-time parents Scott and Jemma are taken from the apparently idyllic world of having a new-born baby who sleeps through the night and suddenly plunged into months of misguided treatments, genetics, bizarre side effects and private jets. Recorded in Scott and Jemma’s home town of Nottingham - where the real-life story began - this is an emotional show about a critically ill baby but it’s also a really funny one with a happy and hopeful ending. Written and Performed by Scott Bennett Produced by Ben Walker A DLT Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4

Jon Long and Dr Tara Shine join forces for more of the hybrid comedy-magazine show that emits jokes and facts that (carbon) capture all things climate to demystify the issues and offer advice on how to make positive choices in our everyday lives. This week - The Carbon Cost of Tech, The Internet and AI with special guests Chris McCausland and Mike Berners-Lee. In previous episodes, we’ve covered Food, Travel and Christmas, so what’s next? Well, it turns out that our previous episodes did not solve the climate crisis on their own. So, for this series, we will be looking at the topics of Tech and AI, Waste Management and Recycling, and The Fashion Footprint. Expect new in-studio guests and on-location experts, more games, more practical advice, more cold hard stats, and the return of Greenwash of the Week to shout out the heroes and villains of the climate crisis. Presenters: Jon Long and Dr Tara Shine Guests: Chris McCausland and Mike Berners-Lee Producer: Laura Grimshaw Executive Producer: Jon Holmes Live Sound: Jerry Peal Post-production Sound: Tony Churnside An unusual production for BBC Radio 4.

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 Waugh With Phil Ellis and Katia Kvinge Additional voice by Kai Humphries Produced by Lauren Mackay Sound by Fraser Jackson Photographer: Chris Quilietti A 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, which you can hear in Ramblings, this Thursday on Radio 4. 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 Steel Additional material by Pete Sinclair Production co-ordinator Caroline Barlow and Katie Baum Sound Manager Jerry Peal Producer Carl Cooper A 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 Audience Original music: Tim Sutton Recording engineer: Jerry Peal Mixed by: Rich Evans Producer: Ed Morrish A 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. Cast Gladys – Kathryn Drysdale Lauren – Ania Magliano Clive – Garrett Millerick Harriett – Fay Ripley Achi – Ahir Shah Ken – Frank Skinner Writer – 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 Thoday An Avalon Television Production for BBC Radio 4

Former-forensic-scientist-turned-stand-up-comedian Ria Lina examines the gap between the science we’re sold by the wellness industry and the science that’s done in a lab – particularly when it comes to treatments that boast anti-aging effects. This episode, she’s joined by comedian Geoff Norcott to see if Microneedling can make their faces look any younger. Featuring Ria Lina and Geoff Norcott Written by Ria Lina and Steve N Allen Produced by Ben Walker A DLT Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4