A tight 5: January 11

Vic Reeves and Diane Morgan have joined the cast of Funny Cow, the comedy-drama film about a woman who becomes a comedian on the Northern Working Men's Club circuit in the 1970s to escape an unhappy home life. As previously announced, Maxine Peake takes the lead role with Paddy Considine, Kevin Eldon and writer Tony Pitts among the cast. Filming is currently under way.

REGISTRATION has opened for shows wanting to be part of the 70th Edinburgh Festival Fringe, which takes place from August 4 to 29. Register details here.

JON RICHARDSON has announced a further 35 dates for his new stand-up tour, Old Man, taking the total number of shows this year to 80. Schedule here.

AMY SCHUMER's next special will be distributed by Netflix, it has been announced. The show, which she taped in Denver, Colorado, in November, will launch globally on the on-demand platform on March 7. It has not yet been titled.

ALEXEI SAYLE is to offer free mentoring to one aspiring writer, thanks to an apprenticeship award run by Word Factory. Hopefuls must send a 2,000-word sample, a 500 letter of application and £20 'admin fee'. Details here.

Published: 11 Jan 2017