British comedy’s own improv dynamo Kiell Smith-Bynoe is hitting the road with his wildly popular improvisation show Kool Story Bro. Yes, you heard right: all the spontaneous chaos, audience‑driven storytelling and last‑minute hilarity you’ve been dying to witness — now live, nationwide.

From TV Fame to Improv Stardom

You probably know Kiell from his roles on hit shows like Ghosts, Stath Lets Flats, and his recent stint as host of The Great British Sewing Bee — a post he took over after the Christmas special in 2021.

But comedy has never satisfied him sitting still. Drawing on years of sketch‑writing credits and improv experience, Kiell dreamed up Kool Story Bro — a show where nothing is pre-written and the only script is whatever bizarre story the audience throws at him.

The Tour: Bring On Mayhem (And Laughter)

The 2026 nationwide tour of Kool Story Bro is a big deal: 15 dates across the UK.

With a rotating troupe of comedy talent — including the likes of Emma Sidi, Lola-Rose Maxwell, Nic Sampson, and Graham Dickson — each show promises brand‑new, never‑to‑be-repeated scenes.

Past shows have even featured surprise celebrity guests — from musicians to comedians — mingling with the improv set and adding extra chaos to the mix. Names like Lily Allen, Mo Gilligan, Guz Khan, and even Kiell’s own Ghosts co‑star Charlotte Ritchie have all turned up.

I mean, what’s better than an improvised skit based on “that time someone accidentally sent a text meant for their mum to their boss (oops)”? Now imagine that, with TV stars, last‑minute chaos and a live crowd howling with laughter.

Why Now? Because Improv Is Back, Baby

Once viewed as the “ugly step‑child” of UK comedy — overshadowed by stand‑up and sketch — improv is now enjoying a full-blown renaissance. Performers like Kiell are helping to revive interest by blending improv’s raw spontaneity with A‑list comedic talent.

Kool Story Bro rides this wave perfectly: part comedy experiment, part crowd‑sourced chaos, all heart. As Kiell himself said, he often asks audiences “make some noise if you’ve never seen improv before” — and apparently about 40 % do, meaning there are still loads of people for whom this will be their first taste of unscripted comedy.

What to Expect — And Why You Should Go

• Total unpredictability: Every show is unique. Audience stories, surprise guests, spontaneous madness. You won’t get the same thing twice.

• High energy & big laughs: This isn’t low‑key drama; this is “can’t‑breathe‑between‑gasps‑and‑laughs” theatre.

• Mix of celebrity & fresh talent: A mix of well-known faces and up‑and‑comers — which means it’s funny, but also full of surprises.

• Welcome to improv — no experience necessary: Whether you’ve never seen improv or you’re a die‑hard fan, this show is made for you.

If you’ve ever thought “I wish comedy was more spontaneous, more weird, more live,” then grab a ticket to Kool Story Bro while you can. With Kiell Smith‑Bynoe at the helm, you’re signing up for chaos, joy — and maybe the most ridiculous night out you’ve had in ages.

If you thought Christmas was all mince pies, mulled wine and merriment, prepare to adjust your snow-globes — because British comedy treasure Julian Clary has reportedly taken a turn for the… grinchy. Yes, the same man who once sashayed across TV screens in glittering suits, cooing jokes with a delicately raised eyebrow, is now the subject of a rumour suggesting he’s gone full Christmas curmudgeon.

From Glitter to Grumble

Julian Clary has never been shy about reinvention. After bursting onto the 1980s alternative comedy scene with gleefully provocative personas — including his delightfully camp early act “The Joan Collins Fan Club” — he evolved into one of the most recognisable comedians in the UK. He presented boldly playful shows such as Sticky Moments in the late ’80s and the courtroom-spoofing All Rise for Julian Clary in the ’90s, cementing his reputation as the master of sly innuendo and outrageous charm.

But now? Well, imagine Clary gliding through a Christmas market with a furrowed brow, tutting at fairy lights, batting baubles out of his way, and declaring that there is “simply too much cheer this year.” The image alone has delighted fans and mischievous rumour-spreaders alike.

Where Did the Grinch Talk Begin?

Whispers began after Clary was reportedly overheard making a dry remark about the “over-commercialised nonsense” of Christmas while promoting his live tour, A Fistful of Clary — a show he describes as adult, cheeky and filled with the kind of jokes that make the audience giggle like naughty schoolchildren. Some seized upon the remark as evidence that he has finally snapped under the weight of festive jingles.

However, there is absolutely no solid indication that Clary has deliberately declared war on Christmas. Nothing in his public appearances suggests he has turned into a full-time Scrooge. In fact, fans of his carefully-curated theatricality suspect something else entirely: that the whole idea is simply Clary being Clary — a man whose comedy thrives on exaggeration, irony and lovingly camp mischief.

A Grinch? Or Just Another Fabulous Persona?

Given his decades of performing with a wink and a flourish, it isn’t hard to believe that Julian might lean into a “grumpy Christmas villain” persona purely for fun. This is a performer known for outrageously flirtatious audience banter, lavish costumes, and a knack for transforming everyday situations into theatrical silliness. The notion of him donning emerald green velvet and lamenting the horrors of carol singing feels like exactly the sort of festive twist he’d relish.

His career has always shone brightest when he subverts expectations: whether as a mock judge presiding over ridiculous disputes or as a camp icon delivering lines so naughty they could curdle eggnog. A seasonal shift into grinch-hood fits beautifully into that pattern.

So, Is Julian Clary Really Turning Grinch?

The short answer: probably not. There’s no declaration that he despises Christmas, no evidence he’s sabotaging nativity scenes, and certainly nothing to suggest he’s barging into pantomimes to confiscate tinsel. At most, he has provided a single dry comment that has blossomed — or perhaps mutated — into a delightful rumour.

But the idea of Julian Clary as Britain’s most glamorous Grinch? It’s irresistible. It’s perfectly silly. And frankly, it’s the kind of wonderfully offbeat holiday story that feels right at home in the universe of a man who has always delighted in bending the rules of comedy.

So until he’s spotted stealing a turkey from a supermarket or booing “Silent Night,” we’ll chalk it up to festive fantasy — and enjoy the thought of Julian Clary, the coyest Grinch Christmas never knew it needed.

Ludwig — the BBC’s quietly eccentric detective comedy — has strutted onto the world stage and walked away with the International Emmy Award for Best Comedy. Yes, the show built on tea, crossword puzzles, and British awkwardness has just beaten out stiff global competition. Somewhere, a kettle is whistling triumphantly.

From Puzzle-Obsessed Recluse to International Stardom

The series premiered in 2024 and quickly became a surprise hit. It stars David Mitchell as John “Ludwig” Taylor, a socially hermit-like crossword creator whose identical twin — a police detective — vanishes without trace. Rather than call someone competent, Ludwig puts on his deceased twin’s overcoat and tries to solve the mystery himself, using crossword logic, awkward social skills, and accidental charm.

Co-starring Anna Maxwell Martin as Lucy, the detective’s wife — who ends up reluctantly dragged into Ludwig’s makeshift investigations — the show blends dry wit, cosy atmosphere, and genuine mystery. The chemistry and clever writing struck a chord: critics praised its mix of humour and heart, and viewers responded in droves.

The Night Ludwig Joined the Comedy Elite

At the 2025 International Emmy Awards, held in New York, Ludwig took home the trophy for Best Comedy Series. Given the global competition — from comedies produced across continents — this win doesn’t just reflect local taste: it’s a stamp of international approval.

The fact that a show rooted in polite Britishness, cups of tea, and crossword-puzzle reasoning resonated globally is proof that understated, intelligent comedy still travels — and even triumphs.

Why It Works — Without Trying Too Hard

• It respects the audience’s intelligence. The puzzles and mysteries aren’t cheap gimmicks — they’re genuinely clever, giving viewers “aha” moments.

• It’s absurd, but emotionally grounded. The premise could’ve tipped into farce, yet the writing and performances keep it real, warm and — surprisingly — touching.

• It’s cosy without being dull. In a world of neon-lit crime thrillers and gritty detectives, Ludwig offers something softer — humour wrapped around suspense, served with a biscuit and a brew.

• It bets on character over spectacle. No flash effects, no car chases — just solid acting, dry wit, and smart plotting.

What’s Next?

The BBC is reportedly filming a second season. After an Emmy, expectations are high — but so is enthusiasm. Viewers seem ready for more: more crosswords, more awkward deducing in overcoats, more vaguely British murder-solving.

If the award proves anything, it’s that British comfort-crime still has a worldwide audience. So brew a cup, sharpen a pencil, and get your thinking cap ready. Ludwig isn’t just a cozy detective show anymore — it’s a global phenomenon.

Comedy fans, brace yourselves: Gen-Z firecracker Finlay Christie is officially making his Have I Got News For Youdebut, joining the December 5th episode of the long-running satirical institution. The booking pairs him with another newcomer to the show, Green Party leader Zack Polanski, setting the stage for a fresh and energised episode of political mischief.

Christie’s rise has been anything but ordinary. He first dipped his toes into performance as a child—appearing on Blue Peter at just fourteen—and went on to become one of the youngest winners of the prestigious So You Think You’re Funnycompetition at nineteen. His ascent accelerated through online comedy, where his sharp sketches and fast-paced stand-up helped him amass a significant following across YouTube and TikTok. His brilliantly titled online specials, including parody-laden gems such as futuristic sitcom twists, have become staples for fans who crave quick, clever humour.

A defining feature of Christie’s comedy is his willingness to go straight for the jugular of modern privilege. He toys with the absurdities of class, self-image, and generational angst, often making himself the punching bag in the process. His 2024 Edinburgh Fringe show, I Deserve This, earned glowing praise for its honest, self-aware unpacking of what it means to be a young adult raised in comfort but living in chaos. Critics loved it, audiences loved it, and it cemented Christie as a comedic voice who can blend satire, sincerity, and silliness without missing a beat.

This upcoming HIGNFY appearance marks an important moment in his career. The show’s format thrives on quick-witted guests who can banter, spar, and spin absurdity out of headline news, and Christie is uniquely positioned to bring something new to the table. His generational point of view—equal parts self-mocking and culturally plugged-in—adds a modern twist to the show’s often establishment-leaning humour. Pairing him with Polanski, a figure rooted in contemporary politics, promises a dynamic that could be both entertaining and delightfully unpredictable.

Fans tuning in can expect Christie to tap into his signature blend of observational sharpness and gleeful irreverence. Whether he’s dissecting the latest political chaos, poking fun at social media culture, or skewering himself for laughs, he’s likely to give the show a dose of energy that reflects the current comedic zeitgeist. For those who’ve watched his online rise over the past few years, this appearance feels like a natural—and exciting—step into the mainstream.

So mark your calendar. On December 5th, Have I Got News For You might feel a little younger, a little sharper, and a lot more chaotic in the best possible way.

Grab your pint, sink into that familiar saggy sofa, and brace yourself: Men Behaving Badly is coming back — but not as a TV revival. Instead, the beloved 1990s sitcom is being reborn as a live stage play, written by the show’s original creator, Simon Nye.

From Sitcom Sofa to Theatre Stage

The play will debut at the Barn Theatre in Cirencester and run from January 30 to March 7, 2026. It’s directed by Joseph O’Malley, who’s made a name for himself bringing classic British comedy to the stage. The production promises a hearty hit of nostalgia, but with enough new energy to satisfy modern audiences.

A Plot Packed with Throwbacks

Rather than updating the setting to the present day, the stage version cleverly drops audiences back into New Year’s Eve, 1999, just as the characters prepare for a wedding against the backdrop of Y2K angst. Expect the familiar blend of chaos, questionable decision-making, and heartfelt friendship that defined the original show.

According to the creative team, this adaptation celebrates the spirit of the 1990s and the comforting simplicity of sitting on a sofa talking absolute rubbish — an art form Gary and Tony perfected long before it was fashionable.

Revisiting the Original Gang (Sort Of)

While no casting has been announced for the stage version, the original TV series starred Martin Clunes as Gary Strang, Neil Morrissey as Tony Smart, Caroline Quentin as Dorothy, and Leslie Ash as Deborah. Their performances were central to the show’s success, and their characters remain some of British sitcom’s most recognisable personalities.

Behind the scenes, the new production features set and costume design by Alfie Heywood, sound design by Amanda Priestley, and casting by Marc Frankum.

A Comedy That Meant Something Then — And Still Does

When Men Behaving Badly aired from 1992 to 1998, it captured the essence of the “lad culture” era. The dynamic between Gary and Tony made it both hilarious and, at times, strikingly honest. Today, the original cast have openly reflected on how some elements wouldn’t fly in modern culture. Neil Morrissey has described Tony as “misogynistic,” and Martin Clunes has said the show wouldn’t be made the same way today, given how much the social landscape has shifted.

That’s exactly why a stage version set in its original era is such a clever move. It lets audiences revisit the characters without forcing them into a modern mould, offering a space to laugh at — and learn from — the past.

Why You Might Actually Want to See It

One of the biggest draws is that the play is written by Simon Nye himself, meaning it isn’t a cheap reboot but a genuine creative extension of the original world. The charming late-90s setting adds an instant nostalgic spark, especially with the Y2K panic bubbling in the background. The chemistry and slightly chaotic energy that worked so well on television will likely translate hilariously to a live setting, where the unpredictability of theatre can only add to the fun. And for long-time fans, it offers a chance to reconnect with the characters in a way that feels both affectionate and freshly re-imagined.

If you loved the original series — or if you simply enjoy the kind of comedy where friendship, foolishness, and fondness collide — this stage adaptation might be the perfect night out.