The story of her Yes Minister sketch and the rest of the week's TV and radio comedy

Our pick of the comedy on TV, radio and streaming this week.

Monday August 17

JUST A MINUTE: This week's players are Paul Merton, Zoe Lyons, Catherine Bohart and Paterson Joseph. BBC Radio 4, 6:30pm

Tuesday August 18

NO, PRIME MINISTER: This radio play from writer Mark Burgess revolves around the time when Margaret Thatcher appeared in a sketch based around Yes, Minister at an awards show. The idea was unexpectedly foisted upon Paul Eddington and Nigel Hawthorne at the last minute – exacerbating the anger Eddington espically already felt at having to share a stage with the Prime Minister for the ceremony. What’s worse, the script was written by the PM and her No10 advisers. The play follows civil servants as they rehearse the sketch, intercut with scenes showing the full horror dawning on left-leaning Eddington, as he learns, bit by bit, what is in store for him at the ceremony. Fenella Woolgar plays Margaret Thatcher, with Miles Jupp as Paul Eddington and Richard Attlee as Nigel Hawthorne. Below is the scene as it was broadcast. Radio 4, 2:15pm

PAUL SINHA'S PERFECT PUB QUIZ: Paul Sinha is back, with this episode recorded in Belfast. Radio 4, 6:30pm

JOE & DAVID'S MAGICAL SITCOM TOUR: Joe Wilkinson and David Earl visit locations from The Office for a nostalgic tour of lost sets and original props, capped off by an appearance from Ricky Gervais.
U&Gold, 9pm

RHYS DARBY: 25 YEARS: The Kiwi comic's greatest hits show lands on 800 Pound Gorilla’s YouTube channel, having previously been available on its streaming service.

Wednesday August 19

BEST MEDICINE: Comedian Stephen Bailey jokes about fighting while academic guests Ed Wild and Alessandra Devoto add scientific angles on Huntington's disease and plant remedies. BBC Radio 4 6:30pm

Thursday August 20

KIRI'S COMEDY CLUB: Kiri Pritchard-McLean talks to Morgan Rees about his writing, his upcoming tour and life as a queer working-class Welsh comic. BBC Radio Wales, 6:30pm

LUDWIG: David Mitchell returns as puzzle-setting crime consultant John 'Ludwig' Taylor who, in this episode, helps investigate a murder at a theatre. BBC One,  9pm

EDINBURGH UNLOCKED: Mark Nelson rounds up the best of this year's Festival Fringe. BBC Scotland, 10:30pm

Friday August 21

THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN: Ian Smith is joined by comedians Bella Hull and Ashley Storrie in front of an Edinburgh Fringe audience for topical comedy show pilot. BBC Radio 4, 6:30pm

Saturday August 22

YOU'RE DEAD TO ME: Morgan Rees is back on air, as a guest on a show discussing the flamboyant life of a Victorian aristocrat nicknamed 'the Dancing Marquess'. BBC Radio 4, 10am

Published: 16 Aug 2026