A tight 5: October 15

RADIO 4's Friday night comedies are the most-downloaded audio podcast made by the BBC, new figures have revealed. Since its launch in 2007, 70.4million episodes of The Now Show and The News Quiz have been downloaded – seven million more than nearest rival The Archers. Also in the top 20 is Robin Ince and Professor Brian Cox' Infinite Monkey Cage, with 20.5million downloads.

BILL COSBY is to release his first stand-up special in 30 years. Far From Finished will be released as a DVD on the Pias Comedy label in the UK on November 10. Click here to preorder from Zavvi. If first aired on Comedy Central in the States last year.
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BRISTOL is getting a new comedy club. Riproar – which rose from the ashes of the old Jesters comedy club – has found a new home above the Steam Cafe Bar in the city centre. The venue will operate a new act night on Thursdays and traditional weekend club on Fridays and Saturdays from November 1. Listings.

INDIE comedy label Go Faster Stripe is having is first sale, with some titles featuring the likes of Richard Herring, Robin Ince and Kevin Eldon, at up to two-thirds off. Details.

DINNERLADIES and Shameless star Maxine Peake has become a patron of the Women In Comedy festival, currently taking lace in Manchester. She said 'A festival filled with laughter combined with feminist principles taking place in the North – what's not to support?'

Published: 15 Oct 2014