BBC slashes comedy department

Quarter of jobs to go

15/04/2011 … The BBC’s in-house comedy department is to be slashed by a quarter – with the loss of 15 jobs.

BBC renews Twenty Twelve

Second series for Olympic sitcom

15/04/2011 … BBC Four’s Olympic comedy, Twenty Twelve, has been commissioned for a second series.

Yearning for a little bit of politics...

Dave Cohen on toothless topical comedy

15/04/2011 … One of the many myths about live comedy in the Eighties was that the circuit was awash with left-wing feminists spouting man-hating, racist-bashing polemic.

You'll have someone's eye out...

WTF: Weekly Trivia File

15/04/2011 … Richard Herring says his worst heckle came from a14-year-old boy, who told him: ‘The sleeves of your jacket are slightly frayed.

marx15

15/04/2011 … GROUCHO MARX's son Arthur has died in Los Angeles at 89.

Getting into comedy: All you need to know

Chortle to host beginners' seminar

14/04/2011 … Chortle is to stage a day-long conference for new and aspiring comedians, offering invaluable tips on all aspects of the industry.

Jane Horrocks to star in Sky sitcom

Trollied set in NW supermarket

14/04/2011 … Sky has commissioned a new sitcom starring Jane Horrocks and set in a supermarket in the North West.

Benidorm to return

Creator's U-turn over quitting

14/04/2011 … ITV1 has commissioned a fifth series of Benidorm, after creator Derren Litten had a change of heart about quitting the show.