Beyond The Joke
@beyondthejoke.bsky.social
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I'm Bruce Dessau and I run the comedy news/reviews website beyondthejoke.co.uk
beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/1701...
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Transmission Details for Mackenzie Crook's Small Prophets
The BBC has commissioned Small Prophets, a new comedy created, written and directed by BAFTA-winning Mackenzie Crook (Detectorists, Worzel Gummidge) and produced by BAFTA-winning Gill Isles (Car Share...
https://beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/17016/transmission-details-mackenzie-crooks-small-prophets
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Review: I'm Chevy Chase And You're Not, Sky
Eight years ago I saw Chevy Chase onstage in London at the Apollo being interviewed by DJ Mike Read. It was one of those nights you don't forget easily. Not because of Chase, but because of Read, whos...
https://beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/17014/review-im-chevy-chase
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UK Comics' Comic Awards 2025 Announced
This year's winners of the UK Comics' Comic Awards – the awards voted by the comedy insutry – have been announced.This year's awards are sponsored by The Jokes with Mark Simmons podcast will sponsor i...
https://beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/17013/uk-comics-comic-awards-2025-announced
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Taskmaster 21 Line-Up Confirmed
Hot on the heels of Taskmaster’s annual celebration which saw five famous faces compete for glory in New Year Treat, it has been revealed which five brand-new stout-hearted contestants are set to gras...
https://beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/17012/taskmaster-21-line-confirmed
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Comedians Battle It Out To Be Top Tourist
Channel 4has partnered with VisitScotland on a new branded entertainment series, Where to Next? fronted by British comedians John Tothill and Fatiha El-Ghorri.Equipped with nothing but a sense of adve...
https://beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/17011/comedians-battle-it-out-be-top-tourist
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"Without getting too method about it, I did have to try and think like her. I had to think, why is she doing this?"
beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/1701...
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Interview: Dawn French On Intriguing New Sitcom Can You Keep A Secret?
Dawn French returns to sitcoms in Can You Keep A Secret? The Vicar of Dibley star plays widow Debbie Fendon - granny, lawn bowler, tinpot dictator - who will stop at nothing to make sure her family is...
https://beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/17010/dawn-french-new-sitcom
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One of our biggest stories of 2025.
beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/1619...
#taskmaster
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Alex Horne Discusses Speculation About The One Taskmaster Person He Didn't Like
During an interview on Radio X Taskmaster's Alex Horne has said that since he last appeared on the show and mentioned there was one person on Taskmaster that he didn’t like, there’s been lots of specu...
https://beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/16196/alex-horne-discusses-speculation-about-one-taskmaster-person-he-didnt
4 days ago
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comedy news round up. If you can subscribe that would be a great start to my year.
open.substack.com/pub/beyondth...
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Thinking of taking in some live comedy in 2026 (or 2027)? Of course you are. Here are some hot tickets.
www.standard.co.uk/culture/come...
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Schedule some laughs: The best comedy shows to see in 2026
The unmissable comedy tours you really should book now or risk missing out on big laughs this coming year
https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/comedy/the-best-comedy-shows-to-see-in-2026-b1264403.html
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Interview: Ronni Ancona On Swapping EastEnders Spoofs For A Real Walford role
Ronni Ancona is heading to Walford for a stint to play the character of Bea – Linda Carter’s acquaintance from school.Multi-award-winning Ronni has had a highly versatile career, spanning over 30 year...
https://beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/17009/ronni-ancona-eastenders
7 days ago
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Beyond The Joke's Top Stories 2025
Every year the comedy world throws up stories you least expect and 2025 was no exception. Here's a run-down of our biggest stories of the year. Maybe down to our brilliant investigative journalism. Ma...
https://beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/17007/beyond-jokes-top-stories
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Celebrity Judges and Guests Revealed For New RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs The World
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs The World is due to return in the new year.Regular judges Michelle Visage, Alan Carr and Graham Norton will all return to the judging panel alongside a stellar cast of celebri...
https://beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/17006/rupaul-drag-race-uk
8 days ago
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best Xmas comedy by a mile.
beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/1700...
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TV Review: Amandaland, BBC One & iPlayer
OK, I’m putting it right out there. Comedy on TV this year has been about as disappointing as the sagyy jumper I was given on December 24. Guz Khan was too sentimental in Stuffed, Mammoth was so retro...
https://beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/17000/tv-review-amandaland
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New Year's Honours for Bill Bailey, Meera Syal, Warwick Davis, Matt Lucas And More
Bill Bailey, Meera Syal and Matt Lucas are among the recipients of honours in the New Year's Honours List.Bailey, actor Sally Lindsay and children's TV star Paul Chuckle receive MBEs while Davis and L...
https://beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/17005/new-years-honours-bailey
8 days ago
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Worst kept secret in showbiz?
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Chat Show For Claudia Winklemen
BAFTA award-winning television presenter Claudia Winkleman will host her own chat show, The Claudia Winkleman Show, launching on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in spring 2026.Produced by So Television - part...
https://beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/17004/chat-show-claudia-winklemen
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BBC Dominates Christmas Ratings
The BBC’s Christmas Day line-up proved a winning formula once again securing nine out of the top ten most watched programmes across the day as audiences chose an outstanding range of drama, comedy and...
https://beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/17003/bbc-dominates-christmas-ratings
9 days ago
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Celebrity Apprentice – Interviews With The Comedians
A host of famous faces are stepping into the boardroom as The Apprentice returns with two celebrity Christmas specials in aid of BBC Children in Need.The celebrities taking part are TV presenter AJ Od...
https://beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/17002/celebrity-apprentice
9 days ago
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Best thing I've seen this Christmas. What are your favourites?
beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/1700...
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TV Review: Amandaland, BBC One & iPlayer
OK, I’m putting it right out there. Comedy on TV this year has been about as disappointing as the jumper I was given on December 24 that didn’t fit and the jar of chilli peanut sauce that was leaking ...
https://beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/17000/tv-review-amandaland
11 days ago
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Comedy News Round Up
Get your comedic baubles here.
https://beyondthejoke.substack.com/p/comedy-news-round-up-8de
11 days ago
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Pleasance London Launches Work In Progress Season
The Pleasance London has launched of their brand new monthly mixed-billed comedy night, Cut Price Comedy and announced over 100 acts for their annual Work in Progress Comedy Season for 2026. Featuring...
https://beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/16999/pleasance-london-launches-work-progress-season
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Jordan Brookes Releases Titanic Show On YouTube
Edinburgh Comedy Award winner Jordan Brookes has released his stand-up/musical theatre hybrid show Fontanelle for free on YouTube.Fontanelle is a darkly funny exploration of vulnerability, irony and t...
https://beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/16998/jordan-brookes-youtube
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Rob Auton Release Classic Show In Unusual Way
Multi-award-winning comedian, writer and podcaster Rob Auton has announced that his first stand-up comedy special The Time Show will be streamed for 24 hours from 8am on December 28th. What does that ...
https://beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/16997/rob-auton-youtube
11 days ago
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need any more tips on what comedy to catch this Christmas? Here's some from me.
www.standard.co.uk/culture/tvfi...
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The best comedy on TV this Christmas
Here are the best comedy shows to keep you chuckling despite being with your family
https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/tvfilm/best-comedy-on-tv-this-christmas-b1263362.html
13 days ago
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Long Read – Interviews: Taskmaster Champion of Champions, Greg Davies & Alex Horne
Alex Horne & Greg DaviesWhat are the key differences between a Champion of Champions show and a full series of Taskmaster, other than the obvious?Greg: It’s definitely a different atmosphere because C...
https://beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/16994/long-read-interviews-taskmaster-champion-champions-greg-davies-alex-horne
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Alan Carr and Amanda Holden: “…he’s bringing his Traitors cloak!”
Amanda Holden and Alan Carr return to the sun-drenched village of Moclín in southern Spain, the same spot where they rolled up their sleeves for their summer renovation, to throw a spectacular festive...
https://beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/16993/alan-carr-amanda-holden
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Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Cook-Off Champion - "I think I’m quitting comedy and I’m going to be full-time, Michelin-starred chef."
Iain Stirling has been named Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Champion 2025 in tonight’s Celebrity MasterChef: Christmas Cook-Off by judges Grace Dent and John Torode.The comedian and voice of Love Isla...
https://beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/16992/celebrity-masterchef
14 days ago
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Goodnight. I'll leave you with Bob's legendary
#chrisrea
story.
beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/6341...
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News: Bob Mortimer's Chris Rea Story On Would I Lie To You? Goes Viral
Bob Mortimer's latest appearance on Would I Lie To You?
https://beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/6341/bob-mortimer-egg-WILTY
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I'm not saying the Celebrity Mastermind questions are easy but the first contestant's subject was the Bridget Jones movies & her first question was "who plays Bridget Jones?"
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Christmas Tributes To Tony Slattery
This Christmas, podcast Tony Slattery’s Rambling Club will mark the life and talent of one of Britain’s most beloved performers with two special events, honouring Tony Slattery’s wit, warmth and formi...
https://beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/16991/christmas-tony-slattery
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US Chat Show Host Jimmy Kimmel Gives C4’s 2025 Alternative Christmas Message
US chat show host Jimmy Kimmel is to share a personal message with the nation in The Alternative Christmas message airing on Channel 4 this Christmas Day. Jimmy Kimmel has had quite a year. The US cha...
https://beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/16990/us-chat-show-host-jimmy-kimmel-gives-c4-s-2025-alternative-christmas-message
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Comedy News Round Up.
open.substack.com/pub/beyondth...
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Tour Dates For Simon Evans
Simon Evans has announced a huge UK tour of his new stand up show Staring at the Sun with over 50 dates from January - June 2026. Staring at the Sun sees Simon Evans (Live at the Apollo, Michael McInt...
https://beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/16986/tour-dates-simon-evans
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Tour Dates For Jess Robinson
Impressionist Jess Robinson (BBC Radio 4’s Dead Ringers, Channel 4’s The Last Leg) is kicking off a UK tour of her joyous comedy-cabaret show: Elton Reimagined.Channelling a variety of legendary femal...
https://beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/16985/tour-dates-jess-robinson
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Applications Open for Best in Class 2026 Edinburgh Showcase
Best in Class, the award-winning initiative supporting working-class comedians, has announced that applications are now open for its Edinburgh Fringe Comedy Showcase 2026. The project will offer eight...
https://beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/16984/applications-open-best-class-2026-edinburgh-showcase
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Comedians Join Celebrity Mastermind Line-Up
Lucy Beaumont, Felicity Ward, Chloe Petts, Desiree Burch, Laura Smyth, Stephen Bailey, Janine Harouni, Grace Campbell, Susie McCabe and Jen Brister are maong the contestants taking part in the new ser...
https://beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/16983/comedians-join-celebrity-mastermind-line
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Leicester Square Theatre New Comedian of the Year Finalists Revealed
The finalists have been announced for this year's Leicester Square Theatre New Comedian of the Year competition.The best acts from almost 40 heats will compete in the grand final in Leicester Square T...
https://beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/16982/leicester-theatres-final
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Very much looking forward to seeing this.
beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/1698...
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Images And Trailer Released for U&Gold's Becoming Victoria Wood
First-look images and a trailer have been released today for the upcoming documentary-film, Becoming Victoria Wood coming to cinemas on 9th January and airing on UKTV’s U&GOLD in February.
https://beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/16981/becoming-victoria-wood
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Theatre Review: Christmas Day, Almeida Theatre
The are good Christmas dinners, there are bad Christmas dinners and then there is the Christmas dinner in Christmas Day, the new dark comedy by Sam Grabiner. A mix of family and friends gather in an i...
https://beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/16980/theatre-review-christmas
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Review: Adam Riches – The 12 Beans Of Christmas, Soho Theatre
I was recently listening to a fascinating in-depth interview with Adam Riches on the Comedian's Comedian podcast, in which he talked about how he fitted into the comedy firmament. Or rather didn't fit...
https://beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/16979/adam-riches-sean-bean
21 days ago
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Line-Up Confirmed for New Series Of Out Of Order
Comedy Central UK has confirmed that its hit comedy panel show Out of Order will return in early January with a second series.
https://beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/16977/line-confirmed-new-series-out-order
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Jimmy Carr Talks About Appearing At The Riyadh Comedy Festival – "I loved it".
Jimmy Carr has spoken about his recent appearance at the Riyadh Comedy Festival.Speaking on the The Louis Theroux Podcast Carr opened about about the festival. Comedians including Carr, Lousi CK, Dave...
https://beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/16976/jimmy-carr-talks-about-appearing-riyadh-comedy-festival-i-loved-it
21 days ago
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Please sort out that bookshelf it's giving me the ick.
22 days ago
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Glenn Moore Stand Up Show To Be Released On Sky
Comedian Glenn Moore’s (Live At The Apollo, Have I Got News For You, Mock The Week, 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown) debut special, Will You Still Need Me, Will You Still Feed Me, Glenn I’m Sixty Moor...
https://beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/16974/glenn-moore-stand-show-be-released-sky
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Gold Launches Annual Christmas Crackers Competition
The nation’s favourite comedy channel Gold has announced the return of its annual Christmas cracker joke competition, which challenges the British public to write their best festive gags – inspired by...
https://beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/13978/gold-christmas-crackers
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Stand Up Special On Sky And More Tour Dates for Ania Magliano
This month will see the release of star of Taskmaster series 20 Ania Magliano’s debut stand-up special on Sky Comedy as well as on streaming service NOW. The special will see Ania perform her Edinburg...
https://beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/16970/tour-dates-ania-magliano
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Edinburgh Debut Tour for Comedy Award Nominee Molly McGuinness
Following a sold-out Fringe run, Molly McGuinness is taking her debut show on the road with her first ever UK tour! Nominated for Best Newcomer at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards, ‘SLOB’ is heading to Lon...
https://beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/16969/edinburgh-debut-tour-comedy-award-nominee-molly-mcguinness
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Video: Watch Amandaland Trailer
Amandaland is back for a Christmas special that "begins and ends with a pavlova and has loads of laughs in between."Amanda (Lucy Punch) and the family head to Aunt Joan’s country house, but the plans ...
https://beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/16967/video-watch-amandaland-trailer
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2026 Tour Dates For Ivo Graham
After a sellout tour this year, Ivo Graham’s Orange Crush tour has been extended into 2026. What is the best orange thing in the world? Aperol spritz? Sunsets? Claudia Winkleman? You probably never st...
https://beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/16966/2026-tour-dates-ivo-graham
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Phil Wang Joins Great British Menu Judging Panel
Phil Wang is joining the judging panel of BBC Two’s Great British Menu, replacing Ed Gamble. The cookery competition for the very best professional chefs has been filming the latest series in Stratfor...
https://beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/16965/phil-wang-joins-great-british-menu-judging-panel
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Review: Sh!t Theatre, Evita Too, Purcell Room
I previously saw a version of Evita Too at the Soho Theatre a few years ago. Now that it has expanded and moved to the South Bank ("our biggest shit yet" they announce) I suppose there is the slimmest...
https://beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/16964/review-shit-theatre-evita
25 days ago
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