The best of the week's comedy on TV and radio

This week’s comedy on TV and radio is dominated by showcases of live performers.

Sunday August 12

THE ARTS HOUR MONTREAL COMEDY SHOW: The BBC World Service was at Montreal’s Just For Laughs comedy festival last month, to record this showcase of global stand-up talent.  Maz Jobrani introduces Ali Hassan, Martha Chaves, Wassim El-Mounzer, Hoodo Hersi, Eman El-Husseini, Jess Salomon and Rodney Ramsey.  BBC World Service, 3pm, then on iPlayer.

THE BBC NEW COMEDY AWARD FINAL: Live from the Edinburgh Fringe, Mark Watson introduces the last men and women standing after a series of nationwide heats. Helen Bauer, Isa Bonachera, Stephen Buchanan, Mamoun Elagab, Sarah Mann and William Stone will all be vying for a £1,000 prize and a script commission. Radio 4, 6.15pm

Wednesday August 15

COMEDY CENTRAL AT THE COMEDY STORE: Suzi Ruffell hosts Brennan Reece, Rosie Jones and Lauren Pattison in tonight’s episode. Comedy Central, 10pm:

FAGS, MAGS & BAGS: The Scottish-Asian corner shop sitcom returns for an eight-part series, written by and starring Sanjeev Kohli and Donald Mcleary In the opening episode, Ramesh discovers than Sanjay hasn’t been entirely truthful about his college education after The Bish (played by Michael Redmond) spots him busking in East Kilbride. Future guest stars include  Moray Hunter, Mina Anwar and Scottish actress Lorraine McIntosh of Deacon Blue fame. Radio 4, 11.30am

DOUBLE ACTS: In the fourth episode of this Radio 2 documentary series, Michael Crawford tackles the most enduring of them all:  Laurel and Hardy. Radio 2, 9pm

Thursday August 16

FRESH FROM THE FRINGE: The first of two programmes showcasing the best of Edinburgh comedy. Radio 4, 6.30pm

Friday August 17

THE BIG ASIAN STAND-UP: The Mash Report’s Nish Kumar hosts the first of two stand-up showcases, this one with Tez Ilyas, Eshaan Akbar, Isma Almas, Anuvab Pal and Emily Lloyd Saini. BBC Two, 10pm

Published: 12 Aug 2018