...and Mark Steel is back in town in this week's TV and radio picks

Here’s our pick of the best comedy programmes on TV, radio and on demand this week:

Monday August 22

MARK STEEL’S IN TOWN: The comedian is back with the 12th series of his award-winning show, starting with a visit to Nottingham, a city full of heroes, rebels, caves and lovers of mushy peas. He learns about local legends, Robin Hood, Lord Byron, DH Lawrence, Brian Clough, and the most famous of all, Frank the xylophone player. He looks at the history of the Luddites, the cheese riots and visits three pubs that are all the oldest in the country. Later in the series he will visit the Isles of Scilly, Tring, Salisbury, Newport and Paris. And for the first time, there will be extended versions of each episode available on BBC Sounds. BBC Radio 4, 6.30pm

Tuesday August 23

THE OTHER HALF: Dave is piloting four sitcoms this week, starting with The Other Half Written by Kate Reid and Zak Ghazi-Torbati and executive produced by Romesh Ranganathan, this short film stars Vahid Gold as a closeted, mixed heritage 20-something who gets the chance to escape his small Welsh town when he lands an internship in the big city: Bristol. The cast also includes Paul Chahidi from This Country, Samantha Spiro from Grandma's House and Justin Edwards from The Thick Of It. Dave, 10pm. At the same time tomorrow, it’s Dead Canny, starring Loose Woman Denise Welch, Mark Benton, Fraser Ayres and newcomer Sarah Balfour as Kay, a questionable young psychic from Consett, Co. Durham, whose ability to see dead people not only earns her a few quid down the pub, but also lands her as the prime suspect in a murder enquiry. On Thursday, Holier Than Thou (pictured) revolves around three young adults as they navigate sex, faith, and relationships, while attending a conservative, African evangelical church; and on Friday, Perfect, written by comedian Laurence Clark, revolves around three young disabled people who become unexpected friends when they meet on a pointless work preparation scheme.

ROSIE JONES’ TRIP HAZARD: The comic is back on the road looking for accessible breaks in the UK, starting with a tour of the Scottish Highlands with Big Brother presenter AJ Odudu. Channel 4, 10pm

MAX WALL: IT’S GOT TO BE FUNNY: A fascinating documentary about the comic and clown including a candid interview about his life, including the affair that nearly ended his career. Talking Pictures TV, 7pm

Thursday August 25

THE EDINBURGH COMEDY AWARDS NOMINEE GALA 2022: recorded at the Pleasance the day after the shortlists are announced at the Fringe, this gig showcases the nominees for the 40th Edinburgh Comedy Awards. Radio 4, 11pm

Friday August 26

SOUTH PARK THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT: Filmed at the Red Rocks Park in Colorado, this concert celebrates the role music has played in the animate comedy, which launched in 1997. The gig features series co-creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, with the bands Primus – who recorded the theme tune – and Ween Comedy Central, 11pm, then on Paramount+ from tomorrow.

WOULD I LIE TO YOU? With guest panellists Sara Barron, Ed Gamble, Claudia Winkleman and Rev Kate Bottley. BBC One, 9.30pm

8 OUT OF 10 CATS DO COUNDOWN: Roisin Conaty and Joe Wilkinson take on Jon Richardson and Nabil Abdulrashid. Channel 4, 9pm

THE LAST LEG: Ed Gamble makes his second TV appearance of the night, joining Suzi Ruffell as a guest alongside Adam Hills, Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker. Channel 4, 10pm

SEAN LOCK: PURPLE VAN MAN: The much-missed comic’s 2013 show, recorded at the Hammersmith Apollo, features him ‘ spouting inspired jibber jabber as he crosses the country in his purple van’. Channel 4, 11.05pm

Published: 21 Aug 2022