In 2009 the comedian Mark Watson vowed that he would be doing no more sanity-threatening marathon shows. Here he explains how he spectacularly broke his own promise in aid of this year's Red Nose Day

That's strange, says Luke Blackall, as the politicians are funny

He's the comedian you've seen on telly but whose name you might not know. That's about to change. Hugh Montgomery meets the next big thing

Gaun yersel ya beauty! Another year, another corking line-up to deflect the attention, for a wee while, from Glasgow's noisier neighbour.

You know when Russell Brand is in town. Outside the Duchess Theatre in London’s Theatreland are trucks and trailers denoting that this is no ordinary event.

Alice Jones' Arts Diary

Alice Jones' Arts Diary

Comedian and former drug addict Russell Brand has admitted that he is still tempted to take heroin.

Stand-up, actor, director, and now stand-up again. Malcolm Tucker's whipping boy is having the time of his life, but where does he get the energy? Nick Duerden meets Chris Addison

American drama has had us on the edge of our seats. Now we're going to be in stitches, says Hugh Montgomery

The 42-year-old is not afraid to rile his Beeb bosses

Rosy-cheeked Devonian Josh Widdicombe is a young man in the pink. The 29-year-old is currently enjoying exposure on Channel 4 in The Last Leg with Adam Hills and his stand up continues to go from strength to strength.

Alice Jones' Arts Diary

The comedian came top in a poll of 'weird crushes'

Harry Hill's return to the stage after eight years  reminds us that he is both a jester and a plate spinner: there are numerous elements to his shows that must simultaneously gather momentum to produce a full effect.