The best comedy on demand

The best comedy on demand…

Call Me Lucky

Only the most dedicated of comedy fans will have heard of Barry Crimmins, but he is an influential name in American stand-up. A key player in the Boston comedy scene, he pioneered political material in the otherwise bland observational landscape of the 1980s. This documentary by Bobcat Goldthwaite – yes, the screechy-voiced one from the Police Academy series but now an increasingly respected film-maker – pays tribute to the man he calls a mentor. But also reveals a shocking incident from his past that made him an activist off-stage, too. Contributors to the film – which garnered critical plaudits at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year – include Margaret Cho, Steven Wright, Patton Oswalt and Marc Maron. Now on Netflix

Mr Gameshow

Mike Wozniak and delightfully deadpan co-host Diane Morgan present this new podcast gameshow from the Dave channel. John Robins and Elis James are the guests in episode one, which was released on Tuesday, and features lots for fans of Welsh history to enjoy… iTunes.

Desert Island Discs: Warren Mitchell

As we remember the man who will always be Alf Garnett, listen back to this 1999 edition of Desert Island Discs, when host Sue Lawley talks to Mitchell about his love of the theatre and the role that would make his name. ‘I had such admiration for the writing because he [creator Johnny Speight] reflected how daft racism was,’ the actor says. ‘Nothing Johnny wrote for me as in any way unsayable. I find a lot of things offensive in live: Never the true portrayal of a bigot.’ Listen here

BBC Asian Network: Big Comedy Night Edinburgh 2015

Recorded at the Fringe, there are just ten days left to watch this iPlayer showcase some of the Asian comics at the festival. It’s hosted by Tommy Sandhu and features Nish Kumar, Imran Yusuf, Tez Ilyas, Sajeela Kershi and Rahul Kohli.

Published: 20 Nov 2015