The best comedy on demand

The best comedy on demand.

Swag

David Elms has posted up this 12-minute silent film, which earned him a nomination for best actor at the Los Angeles Short Film Festival last year. The musical comedian and former Chortle student finalist also wrote the script, about dull, boring and insecure office worker who becomes taken by a 'cool guy' he sees on the Tube wearing a baseball cap. The film features a raft of names familiar from the comedy circuit, including Ellie White, Adam Hess, Lolly Adefope, Rhys James, Natasia Demetriou, Phil Wang, Pierre Novellie, Lizzie Daykin and Mark Davison. It was directed by Matt Holt and produced by Sara Shulman.

The 1Xtra Comedy Club

Just released on iPlayer yesterday, this stand-up showcase, recorded in Birmingham last month, features a line-up of black comics working the British circuit: Annette Fagon, Slim, Axel Blake, KG Tha Comedian, Aurie Styla, Kane Brown, Dana Alexander and Will E. Watch here.

Hip Hop Saved My Life

Before his comedy career, Romesh Ranganathan engaged in rap battles under the name Ranga, and now he indulges his passion for hip-hop with this podcast, where he and a guest discuss their favourite artists, as well as anything else that comes on to the radar. The latest features fellow comic Suzi Ruffel.

The Palace Of Laughter

For devotees of the history of comedy and live entertainment, this BBC radio series looks at the history of some of Britain's best-known variety halls. Episodes of Geoffrey Wheeler's 2002 series featuring London's Windmill, the Glasgow Pavilion and the Manchester Playhouse have been repeated on Radio 4 Extra – which makes them available on iPlayer – with the Blackpool Grand, Leicester Square Alhambra and Belfast Grand Opera House yet to come. Listen here.

Published: 5 Mar 2016