A Love Letter to Suburbia

In a delightful twist for fans of the dapper comedian turned wordsmith, Tom Allen has officially added a third book to his name: Common Decency. Slated for release on 12 March 2026 via Coronet, it's his first venture into fiction—after two warm and witty memoirs (No Shame in 2021 and Too Much in 2022)

Tom describes this debut as a “love letter to suburbia”—a setting we all know, but seldom explore so intimately. He’s spent two years sculpting the streets of “Oak Drive”, where everyday civility faces unexpected chaos: beloved trees threatened by developers, gossip-riddled WhatsApp groups, local theatre snafus, barbecues gone awry—and, yes, even death and drug dealers in the mix.

Meet the Neighbours of Oak Drive

The novel centres on a tight-knit community that rallies to save a cherished oak tree. But as tensions spike and buried resentments bubble to the surface, the veneer of suburban propriety cracks—revealing a cast of characters as colourful as they are flawed

From Stand-Up to Storytelling

Fans will instantly recognise Tom’s witty narrative voice. In his words: “I have based Common Decency on my life living here, and observing the often incidental happenings which actually reveal the most dramatic aspects of life.

Beyond the laughs, readers can expect sprinkled moments of tenderness and truth—hallmarks of Tom’s memoirs—backed by his sharp eye for comedic detail. Plus, Tom himself will narrate the audiobook edition.

Mark Your Calendar

  • Title: Common Decency

  • Author: Tom Allen

  • Publisher: Coronet

  • Publication Date: 12 March 2026

  • Format: 320 pages, hardback, plus ebook & audiobook versions available

Pre-orders are already live, and the buzz is building across Tom’s social channels. He posted with excitement—“Delighted to announce I’ve written a novel! … it’s called Common Decency

Why You Should Pre-Order

  • A fresh voice in contemporary fiction—Tom’s humour is perfectly balanced with insight and warmth.

  • A suburban drama filled with unexpected drama and eccentric characters.

  • A nod to everyday life: Tree-planting, block parties, small triumphs—and how big emotions can hide in small places.

  • Authentic narration: Tom’s own voice brings the audiobook to life.

Final Thoughts

Common Decency promises the wit, charm, and occasional poignancy we’ve come to love from Tom Allen, now framed within a fictional tapestry that celebrates—and pokes gentle fun at—neighbourhood life. Whether you’re a fan of stand-up, memoirs, or simply a juicy suburban saga, this one’s worth a spot on your bookshelf (or your headphones).

Bonus tip: Want to hear Tom’s own voice once it drops? Keep an eye out for the audiobook—Tom’s narration promises a touch of stand-up flair, perfect for long commutes through your own Oak Drive.

🎬 Katherine Ryan Joins The Bad Guys 2 as Maureen!

🎬 Katherine Ryan Joins The Bad Guys 2 as Maureen!

Exciting news just dropped for fans of DreamWorks’ The Bad Guys franchise—UK comic phenom Katherine Ryan is lending her voice to the upcoming animated sequel, playing Maureen, the ultra-organised personal assistant to Governor Diane Foxington (voiced by Zazie Beetz)

What Her Character Brings to the Table

In her cameo, Ryan steps into the role of a no‑nonsense PA whose precision and control contrast hilariously with the chaotic lives of our reformed animal outlaws. Katherine herself was enthusiastic, telling Digital Spy,

“This is unlike anything I’ve ever done before… It’s nice to do a role that my kids will finally respect… it’s funny and it’s fun and I’m just really excited!”

The Sequel’s Wild Ride

The Bad Guys 2 picks up with the crew trying to enjoy their newfound “good guy” status. But, naturally, they’re sucked back into one final caper—this one masterminded by an all‑female criminal squad dubbed “The Bad Girls.” The star‑studded voice cast includes returning favorites Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, Craig Robinson, Anthony Ramos, and Awkwafina, alongside new additions Danielle Brooks (Kitty Kat), Maria Bakalova (Pigtail), and Natasha Lyonne (Doom) .

The film promises even bigger heists, more laughs, and plenty of action—just as Katherine hinted.

Release Info

The sequel, directed by Pierre Perifel with production by Damon Ross, is launching in UK cinemas on July 25, 2025, with a US release on August 1 Home streaming windows will follow on Peacock and Netflix.

Why Katherine’s Addition Is a Big Deal

  • Fresh energy – Her comedic style and sharp wit are well‑suited for animated antics.

  • Star power – A successful talent in TV and stand‑up, she brings credibility and a broader audience.

  • Family appeal – As she noted, this project hits the sweet spot between kids’ entertainment and adult humour landmarkcinemas.com.

In summary: Katherine Ryan as Maureen is a delightful new twist in The Bad Guys 2. Her comedic flair adds spice to this already vibrant world of anthropomorphic outlaws, promising laughs for the whole family. Keep your eyes peeled—and your ears ready—for her crisp, witty dialogue when the film hits cinemas this summer.

Leigh White
Second Series for Michael Spicer’s “No Room” – The Return of Uncomfortable Truths

Michael Spicer’s razor-sharp satire No Room is back for a second series—and thank whatever god oversees the absurd theatre of politics and media, because we need it now more than ever.

For the uninitiated, No Room is a gloriously awkward mockumentary-style series that puts Spicer’s signature dry wit in a fictional PR firm where moral compromise isn’t a bug—it’s the whole operating system. Every episode sees Spicer and his team attempt to navigate the minefield of modern scandal, spin, and performative apologies with a mixture of denial, deflection, and absurd euphemism. It’s The Thick of It meets The Office, if David Brent wore a lanyard that said “Damage Limitation Unit.”

What makes the show sing is Spicer’s commitment to stillness amidst chaos. Where others would gurn or go big, he smoulders with weary disdain. The humour simmers under the surface—often in the form of a withering glance or a pause so pregnant it should qualify for maternity leave. And yet, somehow, the impact is explosive.

The second series ups the ante. The clients are more clueless. The stakes are more existential. And the team’s methods—if you can call passive-aggressive emails and reluctant hashtag campaigns “methods”—are more hilariously misguided than ever. What’s terrifying is how plausible it all feels. You can practically smell the almond flat whites and sweaty denial in every boardroom scene.

It’s a testament to Spicer’s skill as a writer and performer that he continues to skewer public life with such elegance and accuracy. In an age of overstatement, No Room succeeds by underplaying its hand—letting the comedy leak through the cracks rather than smashing the glass.

Series two doesn’t reinvent the wheel, nor should it. It doubles down on what made the first outing so sharp: a bleakly funny, brilliantly observed indictment of the PR-industrial complex and our collective tolerance for bullshit. If anything, it feels even more vital now.

Michael Spicer isn’t just making us laugh—he’s holding up a mirror. And what’s reflected back is very British, very broken, and very, very funny.

Leigh WhiteComment
Gavin and Stacey Crowned Comedy of the Year – And Yes, We’re Still Waiting on That Fishing Trip

In a victory as heartwarming as a Barry Island Christmas special, Gavin & Stacey has officially been crowned Comedy of the Year. And let’s be honest, are we surprised? Not one bit! The beloved British sitcom has cemented itself as a cultural phenomenon, blending awkward family dynamics, unforgettable one-liners, and enough tea-related conversations to make the Queen jealous.

Since its debut in 2007, Gavin & Stacey has brought us some of the most iconic moments in comedy history. From Uncle Bryn’s ever-mysterious “fishing trip” with Jason to Nessa’s legendary catchphrase (“Oh, what’s occurring?”), the show has left an indelible mark on fans across generations. The chemistry between Mathew Horne’s Gavin and Joanna Page’s Stacey may be the heart of the series, but let’s face it—Smithy (James Corden) and Nessa (Ruth Jones) are the ones who truly steal the show.

The award comes as anticipation reaches fever pitch for the rumored Gavin & Stacey return, following the cliffhanger ending of the 2019 Christmas special. Will Smithy say yes to Nessa’s unexpected proposal? Will we finally find out what happened on that fishing trip? And most importantly, will Doris ever stop downing sherries before noon? These are the questions keeping Britain awake at night.

Fans have taken to social media to celebrate the well-deserved recognition, with some calling for yet another special episode (or better yet, a full season). The show's mix of sharp writing, lovable characters, and painfully relatable family antics continues to make it a staple of British comedy.

So, as we toast to Gavin & Stacey being named Comedy of the Year, let’s raise a glass (or a cup of tea) to the possibility of more belly laughs, unexpected proposals, and Uncle Bryn’s highly classified fishing trip secrets finally being revealed. Until then, there’s only one thing left to say: “Tidy!”

Omid Djalili Faces Hometown Hilarity Hurdles: Ipswich Locals Demand Top-Tier Tickle-Fest

Renowned comedian Omid Djalili is gearing up to bring his critically acclaimed show to his hometown of Ipswich. However, the funnyman admits that performing on familiar turf comes with its own unique set of challenges. "The pressure is on," Djalili confessed, noting that local residents have heightened expectations for his performance.

In a candid interview, Djalili shared that Ipswich audiences "expect more" from him, given his roots in the area. He humorously recounted how he often tests out new material on his unimpressed postman, highlighting the everyday pressures of delivering laughs to those who know him best.

Despite the comedic jitters, Djalili remains optimistic. He has previously expressed his fondness for Ipswich, even calling it "one of the best places to live." With such high praise for his hometown, it's no wonder he feels the need to bring his A-game to the local stage.

As the anticipation builds, one thing is certain: Omid Djalili's upcoming performance in Ipswich promises to be a night filled with laughter, local pride, and perhaps a few inside jokes that only true Ipswichians will appreciate. Break a leg, Omid – your hometown crowd awaits!

Leigh WhiteComment