A tight 5: July 4

RADIO 4 has commissioned a second series of Tim FitzHigham: The Gambler, in which the comic adventurer attempted to win bizarre bets from history. The new series of four episodes will air in the higher profile slot of 6.30pm on a weekday, rather than the 7.15pm Sunday slot the first had in April this year. Fitzhigham said: 'I can't wait to find new and interesting ways to nearly kill myself in the interests of making people smile.'

SCOTTISH comedy legend Stanley Baxter has written an autobiography – which will only be published after his death. The 88-year-old denied the book contained shocking revelations –but said the delay was because he hated the idea of a book-signing tour. 'I can’t imagine anything more horrible than to have to go to all those different cities and be asked questions by the press. Not all of them may be kind,' he told the Radio Times. 'I can’t stand it. I’m not doing it.'

Eddie Izzard has announced a run of four dates Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, where he grew up,  starting next week. The performances of Force Majeure at Bexhill College include support from French comic Yacine Belhousse. Tickets.

THE FINALISTS in the English Comedian Of The Year Award, to be held at the Udderbely in London on Monday, have been named as Archie Maddocks, Jack Campbell, James Dowdeswell, Jolly Boat, Pete Phillipson, Phil Walker, Robyn Perkins, Scott Bennett, Tony Cowards and Will Mars. The competition is open to stand-ups of any level of experience, not just newcomers.

COMEDY fan Paul Baker is trying to put together an archive of Edinburgh Fringe posters. He's only just started compiling them here. E-mail info@edfestposters.co.uk to make contributions.

Published: 4 Jul 2014