In Stitches || December 2014

The last month of 2014, saw some lovely moments rise up in the world of comedy. Some which were expected like the Big Fat Quiz of the Year, which is always a treat, and then some not so expected like Noel Fielding's tour being postponed. But lets get straight into the round-up for December 2014, as we've got quite a lot to cover!

Toast of London Series 3 Confirmed

Last months round-up saw much discussion towards Matt Berry's Channel 4 hit, 'Toast of London'. Fans were up in arms celebrating, as it was announced that series three was on the horizon for 2015. Although it is argued that 'Toast' has rather low viewing figures, the whacky show has gained a cult following, only increasing its success. So make sure to be on the look out for series three, and while we're all waiting on updates for series three, why not catch up on the previous two on 4od here. 

©Channel 4

The British Comedy Awards 2014

A special treat towards the run up to Christmas, is the always brilliant 'The British Comedy Awards' presented by Jonathan Ross. This years awards, saw continuous jokes and references to its sponsor Lidl as well as Jack Whitehall winning King of Comedy for the fourth year running. A favourite up and coming comedian of mine, Nick Helm, won 'Best Comedy Breakthrough Artist' from his work on the BBC Three programme 'Uncle'. A few old favourite faces won including Katherine Parkinson for 'Best TV Comedy Actress' and everybody's favourite Monty Python came away with the 'Lifetime Achievement Award'.

©SickChirpse

An Evening with Noel Fielding Postponed

Fans of 'The Mighty Boosh' and 'Noel Fielding's Luxury Comedy' know the great man behind it all Noel Fielding had been venturing around the UK with his brother Mike Fielding and Tom Meeten on his latest stand-up tour. I had the chance to go watch one of the brilliant shows in November in Manchester Apollo, and it wasn't a disappointed. Due to such a high demand and success, extra dates were put on that ran into 2015. Sadly however, the dates which were supposed to start in late January have now been postponed to December time. Its recently come to light that the change came about due to unforeseen filming commitments in 2015. A list of the new dates has been placed on TVO, for those who have booked tickets (like myself) as some tickets may no longer be valid please check here. 

©ArtsCentreMelbourne

Nevermind The Buzzcocks Christmas Special

Carrying on with more Noel Fielding based news, was the Christmas Special to 'Nevermind The Buzzcocks' alongside Phill Jupitus and host Rhod Gilbert. This years special showed no exception with the outfits, as we saw both panellists dressed as Wizard, X Factor judge Louis Walsh as Joko Ono, singer Melissa Steel as East 17, comedian Lloyd Langford as a choir boy alongside Sex Pistols bassist Glen Matlock. The show had its usual conventions going on with several Christmas themed questions, and an identity parade which featured The Snowman. You can watch it over on iplayer by clicking here. 

©BBC

Big Fat Quiz of the Year 2014

If one brilliant panel show wasn't enough, then after all the Christmas cheer was over you could sink your teeth into BFQOTY which you stuff your face with turkey leftovers. This year saw the return of the much loved, Richard Ayoade and the quiz's usual host Jimmy Carr. The other team members consisted of Mel B, Sarah Millican, David Mitchell, Kevin Bridges and Micky Flanagan. The teams this year, unlike others seemed more focused of actually gaining points and winning although that didn't stop unconventional bouts of the weird and wonderful from peering its head. You can relive the night simply by clicking here. 

©Talkback / Brian Ritchie

In Stitches || November 2014

    November has not been a disappointing month in the world of comedy, the month kicked off with a blast bringing us Toast of London series 2. The first series of Toast was aired last year on Channel 4 and received more than a warm welcome. With the brilliant Matt Berry playing the main character, Toast who is a struggling actor, we follow him through his adventurous lifestyle while meeting some quirky characters along the way. Toast is definitely tailored towards those who're previous fans of Berry's work such as Garth Marenghi's Darkplace, Snuff Box, The IT Crowd and The Mighty Boosh due to its surreal and satirical material. I for one am a huge fan of Berry, so I found the second series to be just as funny and entertaining as the first, definitely search this out if you've got half an hour to kill. 

© Channel 4

 
  This month we've surprisingly got two lots of Toast related news, as fans of the show are now able to begin buying related merchandise to decorate their humble abodes. Smart Giant Design have released four prints starting from £20 each, featuring the main characters; Steven Toast, Jane Plough, Ray Purchase and Clem Fandango. You could equally purchase all four for £50 to show your dedication to the show. The prints themselves are really simplistic showing the key features of each character, and I personally wouldn't mind purchasing myself one for my flat. You can click here, to have a nosey at the prints, treat yourself!

© Smart Giant Designs

    
     After a good couple of years, I was able to go see Noel Fielding again, and this time it was on the third row for his latest stand up gig. Renowned for his work as Vince Noir in The Mighty Boosh with his partner in crime Julian Barratt, Noel went on his own and produced two series of Noel Fielding's Luxury Comedy. The show, being more outlandish and surreal to the Boosh seemed to tighten his fans but still had huge success. A few months after the end of series two, Noel released tour dates around the UK, which are still currently running into 2015. I'm tempted to do a full review on the gig as it was so mental, but if I say anything its that Noel Fielding has not lost his comedy touch! With modern references to Tinder and other 2014 nonsense, Noel pulls it out the bag once again and proves his brilliance in the field. 

© Love Southend

    
   Questionably the most surreal and controversial man in comedy, the likes of Chris Morris the creator of The Day Today, Jam and Brass Eye graced our radios this month. BBC 4extra broadcasted a three hour long documentary called Raw Meat Radio in dedication to Morris, featuring interviews from those who've worked with him over the years including the man who suspended him from Radio 1. Alongside this is also clips and unheard scenes from his shows unfortunately there is no actual input from Morris himself, who tends to stay out of the media's limelight due to his shows. You can still listen on catch up here, its definitely something not to miss out on if you're a Morris fan. 

© Pix Good