Monday 31 December 2012

THE JOHN DREDGE NOTHING TO DO WITH ANYTHING SHOW - SERIES 2, PROG 5



John Dredge says goodbye to 2012, also known as the Chinese Year of the Accoutrement, with yet another one of those crazy end-of-year round-ups of the year’s most shocking household implements.


There will also be odd noises of all shapes and sizes, plus an argy-bargy of aquatic goodies including the sound of a very large splash, courtesy of our friends at Thames Water.


All this, plus Leighton Buzzard in Color - whoopee!

With Richard Cray, Anna Emerson, Greg Haiste, and James Shakeshaft.

http://traffic.libsyn.com/funny404/DREDGEanythingS2E5_final_eq.mp3


Monday 24 December 2012

THE JOHN DREDGE NOTHING TO DO WITH ANYTHING SHOW - SERIES 2, PROG 4



The omnipresent John Dredge returns – or does he?  Some say he’s never been away - but tune in to find out anyway.

Listeners in New Malden should take note that our roadshow team of one is also in the area, so please stand well back and allow her to pass along Coombe Road unhindered.


Also this week: Who's behind the cartoon door? Is it Lord Hailsham? Or is it Richard Cray, Mark Davison, Anna Emerson, Greg Haiste, and James Shakeshaft? It's difficult to tell in this light.

http://traffic.libsyn.com/funny404/DREDGEanythingS2E4_final_eq.mp3


Monday 17 December 2012

THE JOHN DREDGE NOTHING TO DO WITH ANYTHING SHOW - SERIES 2, PROG 3



In the thrid of six new podcasts, John Dredge invites our crack team of announcers to announce what's in this week's announcer-packed programme, with each and every single announcement lovingly frosted with audio glucose.

We welcome back agricultural song stylist Farmer Collins for some reason, and there's other things both here and there.


If you'd like to swap this podcast for a game of Ker-plunk with half the accessories missing, give Noel (pictured above) a call on 01-811-8055. Otherwise: biscuits!

With Richard Cray, Anna Emerson, Greg Haiste, and James Shakeshaft.

http://traffic.libsyn.com/funny404/DREDGEanythingS2E3_final_eq.mp3


Monday 10 December 2012

THE JOHN DREDGE NOTHING TO DO WITH ANYTHING SHOW - SERIES 2, PROG 2



In this week's edition, sideboards rule the roost and there's cubes a-plenty when Reigate comes into the picture - yet all is not as it seems (observe the conundrum as our theme tune is marched straight out of the studio).

Pop personalities and phone-ins galore are also very much in short supply tonight, so grab your armchairs and await further instructions / know-how.

Plus Trip Advisor's Peter Pilbeam tells you where to go...but not why, sadly.

With John Dredge, Richard Cray, Anna Emerson, Greg Haiste, and James Shakeshaft.

http://traffic.libsyn.com/funny404/DREDGEanythingS2E2_final_eq.mp3

"Outlandish, surreal comedy following in the hallowed footsteps of Monty Python and The Mighty Boosh" - Rahul Verma, Rewind Radio column, Metro, 5/12/12

Monday 3 December 2012

NEW: THE JOHN DREDGE NOTHING TO DO WITH ANYTHING SHOW - SERIES 2, PROG 1



Raise your holdalls once more, as the time has come for John Dredge to invoke the spirit of plinths, cagoules and vestibules and unveil a second series of Nothing to Do with Anything Shows.

In this first act of audio audacity, we highlight the achievements of man, woman and shrew with not only the sounds of tomorrow today but also the sounds of today tomorrow.

Come one, come all: our Frinton studios await you! And why not join Richard Cray, Anna Emerson, Greg Haiste and James Shakeshaft in signing our logbook afterwards?

http://traffic.libsyn.com/funny404/DREDGEanythingS2E1_final_eq.mp3


Sunday 15 July 2012

TAYLOR GLENN'S PSYCOMEDY - PROG. 4

In her fourth and final consultation with comedians, award-winning comic and former psychotherapist Taylor Glenn talks to 24-year-old Nigerian Christian stand-up Idris Olawale Gbaja-Biamila, thankfully better known to MCs as Ola, about race, religion, and finding fun amidst his ambitions.

So far Ola has gone a long way to fulfilling those ambitions: writing for and appearing in MTV Base's The Jason Lewis Experience, becoming a finalist in FHM's Stand Up Hero on ITV4, and performing in the UK, US, and Dubai in the last six months alone. He's also found time to write his first e-book, Dear Future Wife (available at www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/3052558). Keep abreast of what Ola does next by visiting his Facebook page at www.facebook.com/olathecomedian.

You can see Taylor Glenn's full Edinburgh Fringe solo debut, Reverse Psycomedy, at 11.30pm nightly from August 1st to 26th, except the 13th, at the Gilded Balloon Turret. Tickets priced between £5 to £9 are available by visiting the Gilded Balloon website or by calling the box office on 0131 622 6552.

http://traffic.libsyn.com/funny404/GLENNpsycomedy4_ola.mp3

Saturday 23 June 2012

TAYLOR GLENN'S PSYCOMEDY - PROG. 3

On the third edition of Psycomedy, Lindsay Sharman shares her stand-up journey with award-winning comic and former psychotherapist Taylor Glenn, finding humour in tragedy and debating the question of vulnerability on stage.

Check out Taylor's Edinburgh Fringe solo debut, Reverse Psycomedy at the Gilded Balloon Turret (Aug 1st-26th, not 13th, 23:30). Tickets are priced between £5 and £9 depending on the date of show (concessions and discounts are available) by visiting the Gilded Balloon website or by calling the box office on 0131 622 6552.

Lindsay's also appearing in two shows at Edinburgh 2012. First, there's George Ryegold's God-In-A-Bag, along with Red Dwarf's Hattie Hayridge and The Trap's Dan Mersh, at the Underbelly, Bristo Square at 13:45. Later. at 21:15, she'll be MCing Owen and Bettesworth's Sung and Unsung at Sweet Grassmarket. For more details on both shows including dates and ticket prices, visit the official Fringe website.

http://traffic.libsyn.com/funny404/GLENNpsycomedy3_sharman.mp3


Wednesday 20 June 2012

THE JOHN DREDGE NOTHING TO DO WITH ANYTHING SHOW - PROGRAMME 6

This week's indie comedy special includes the new single by Fractious Nit and an interview with pop twinnock Rex Twix.


Madonna and Morrissey (pictured above wearing masks of each other in a jolly little jape) will be arguing in the kitchen, and there's another mention of New Malden as well as an uncanny reference to steam engines.

We're still looking for people to take part in our Get in the Sideboard with a Crazed Lion feature, so do contact us on this number.

Lion and sideboard pictured; Contestant(s) not

There's also the first episode of an amazing new science fiction adventure serial, so it's very unfortunate that this is the last programme of the series.

http://traffic.libsyn.com/funny404/DREDGEanything6podcast.mp3

Wednesday 13 June 2012

THE JOHN DREDGE NOTHING TO DO WITH ANYTHING SHOW - PROGRAMME 5

The memories come flying back, swoop down, and steal all my fish...

On this week's programme, there's a very special interview which we can't tell you too much about because we've forgotten who it's with.

Acclaimed non-Frinton-based actress Anna Emerson will also be saying several words, and guest star Reg Chimpolomew will be doing very little.

There's also the ongoing adventures of Basil the Cylinder, the answer's to last week's holdall-based quiz, and a whole host of other fabulous things which we've also forgotten about.

http://traffic.libsyn.com/funny404/DREDGEanything5podcast.mp3

Wednesday 6 June 2012

THE JOHN DREDGE NOTHING TO DO WITH ANYTHING SHOW - PROGRAMME 4

On this week's show, you’ll not only hear a combine harvester but also a specially-built giant catapult.

Guests include acclaimed actors Greg Haiste and Anna Worthington, as well as the less acclaimed Crazy Eric and Leonard Aircraft.

There's extensive information about shoe shop logistics, and a feature on bark.

Wrong sort of Bach.

Wrong again.

Correct.

Plus: will the gasman read the meter in time?

The programme also comes with a free hat stand for all your hat standing needs. Lucky you.

http://traffic.libsyn.com/funny404/DREDGEanything4podcast.mp3

Sunday 3 June 2012

IN HONOUR OF THE DIAMOND JUBBLY

It's not even noon here at 404 Towers by the banks of the smelly Thames, where - from one look at the bunting alone - the locals seem to think America is part of the Commonwealth.

After having tossed and turned all night wondering what the constitutional status would have been if Her Majesty had died in her sleep overnight and suffered a rude awakening from cacophonous clashing ear-bleeding versions of Jerusalem, Land of Hope and Glory, and what sounded like a mezzo-soprano choking on a chicken bone, not to mention all the flamin' helicopters, we're already sick of the jubilee and wish we could just have an ordinary quiet Sunday watching that repeat of Foyle's War on ITV3.

However, we realize that, as a British podcast, our listeners expect at least something vaguely Jubilee-related on this most day of days, so here it is: the latest instalment from Haiste & Lawrence's Wills & Kate video series.

In fact, the reason for posting this is not so much anything to do with the jubilee but everything to do with this week's edition of John Dredge's Nothing to Do with Anything Show, in which Greg Haiste takes a featured guest star role. It's on the feed from Wednesday.

Wednesday 30 May 2012

THE JOHN DREDGE NOTHING TO DO WITH ANYTHING SHOW - PROGRAMME 3



In today’s edition of t’Nowt to do Wi’ Owt Show, why not join in with our agricultural singalong using the lyric sheet pictured above?

There's also the sound of a tree falling over and spaceships for all the family.

This week's show is presented by John Dredge, who not only presents the show this week, but every week in fact.

So put your feet up, sit back and deactivatatronalize for another load of audio fun and plinths.

http://traffic.libsyn.com/funny404/DREDGEanything3podcast.mp3

Saturday 26 May 2012

TAYLOR GLENN'S PSYCOMEDY - PROG. 2

On the second edition of her Psycomedy series, award-winning comic and former psychotherapist Taylor Glenn chats with stand-up Ben Van Der Velde about being a Jewish Geordie, the thrill of improvisation, and cross dressing.

Taylor will be performing her Edinburgh Fringe solo debut, Reverse Psycomedy, at the Gilded Balloon Turret Room every night between August 1st and 26th (except 13th) at 11:30pm. For Taylor's up-to-date gig list with the very latest news on previews, visit http://www.taylorglenncomedy.com/gigs.html.

Ben will also be appearing at the 2012 Edinburgh Fringe as part of Big Value Comedy's Lunchtime Club at Just the Tonic at The Caves. The 70-minute showcase will be on every day between August 2nd and 26th (except 14th) at 12:30pm. For ticket information, visit http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/big-value-comedy-s-lunchtime-club. For more information on Ben's current gig schedule, visit http://www.benvandervelde.com/gigs.

Direct download: http://traffic.libsyn.com/funny404/GLENNpsycomedy2_vandervelde.mp3

Wednesday 23 May 2012

THE JOHN DREDGE NOTHING TO DO WITH ANYTHING SHOW - PROGRAMME 2



This week's long-range programme comes to you from a burgon dispensing plant in Frinton, and includes fabulous adventures concerning artichokes (pictured above) and a special mention of New Malden for fans of New Malden.

There's an unedited interview with a slightly odd person, an unusual quiz about sideboards, and one of Britain’s oldest actors makes a special appearance inside a fish tank.

Come, listen hither to our green inflatable audio extravaganza presented by John 'Radios' Dredge, fifth in line to the throne at Woolworths.

http://traffic.libsyn.com/funny404/DREDGEanything2podcast.mp3

Wednesday 16 May 2012

THE JOHN DREDGE NOTHING TO DO WITH ANYTHING SHOW - PROGRAMME 1

The memories come pouring back...

In tonight's holdall-packed episode, Frinton TV's Twig Harper will be presenting the first of a 200-part series about something or other.

There's also the first ever appearance on radio of an alarm clock with a tuba nailed to the side, and a Dalek will be appearing as himself.

Plus find out what to do if a bowler hat is fired at you from a cannon.

All this and a genuine policeman tonight on tonight's collection of audio accoutrements tonight, presented by string consultant and banjo tuner to the Royal Family, John Dredge, tonight.

http://traffic.libsyn.com/funny404/DREDGEanything1podcast.mp3

Here be viddy-preview-4U, specially made for us by Joseph Champniss of Some of the Corpses are Amusing...


Saturday 5 May 2012

NEW!: TAYLOR GLENN'S PSYCOMEDY

Following on from the previous post, 404 Funny is proud to announce a new series from award-winning comic and former psychotherapist Taylor Glenn.

On Psycomedy, Taylor invites fellow stand-ups onto her couch to talk about life on and off stage in the lead up to her Edinburgh Fringe solo debut show at the Gilded Balloon, entitled Reverse Psycomedy.

In the first programme, Matt Price talks with Taylor about surviving hard knocks, living in the moment, and authenticity.

The next programme in the series with guest Ben Van Der Velde will be available at 404 Funny on May 26th.

For Taylor's up-to-date gig list, visit http://www.taylorglenncomedy.com/gigs.html.

Matt Price will be appearing at the 2012 Edinburgh Fringe in Fugly at Cabaret Voltaire. For more information, visit http://www.mattpricecomedian.com/.

Direct download: http://traffic.libsyn.com/funny404/GLENNpsycomedy1_price.mp3

Tuesday 1 May 2012

WHAT WE DID ON OUR HOLIDAYS

Greetings, everyone – hope you’ve managed to keep your heads above water over the last couple of months, both figuratively and literally. Bloody rain, eh? We nearly built an ark...

Anyway, quite a few of 404 Funny’s contributors have been very busy in their individual corners of the world, and we thought we’d take this opportunity to inform you of the very latest goings-on and forward you in the direction to some events we think will be of interest.

First, news of two new shows coming to 404 Funny this spring.

 
(illustration by Joseph Champniss)

John Dredge returns with the first of a new six-part series on May 16th. This one’s entitled The John Dredge Nothing to Do with Anything Show, and features appearances from special guests Greg Haiste (of Haiste & Lawrence, who were shortlisted for a 15-second appearance at this year’s Secret Policeman’s Ball), Anna Emerson (of sketch trio The Boom Jennies, who’ll be appearing on Radio 4’s Sketchorama in June and at the Edinburgh Fringe in August), Miles Eady (formerly of Blue Pepper), and Richard Cray (of no fixed opinion).

As with John's previous non-festive special, The Nothing to Do with Xmas Show, the new series was made for the London radio station Resonance 104.4FM (which is, incidentally, celebrating its 10th anniversary today, so congratulations to everyone involved) with an edited version being made available for download on 404 Funny following transmission. If you’re in London and live / work within a three-mile radius of London Bridge, you should be able to hear the show loud and clear at 4pm every Tuesday from May 15th to June 26th. If not, you can stream the show online at http://resonancefm.com/listen.

Otherwise, you’ll just have to hold your hedgehogs and wait for the podcast the following day. As always, there’s a choice of subscription and notification options for 404 Funny on the right-hand side of this very page. We recommend subscribing at iTunes (although we do wonder why sometimes). Needless to say, other podcatchers and aggregators are available...


We also have plans to syndicate Psycomedy, the new podcast from American ex-pat, Huffington Post scribe, and 2010 Welsh Unsigned Stand-up Award winner Taylor Glenn (pictured above).

Taylor is a former psychotherapist who realized she had better follow her dreams before she started practicing material on patients instead of therapy. In her podcast, she interviews fellow stand-ups about life on and off stage in the lead up to her own debut Edinburgh Fringe show, entitled Taylor Glenn’s Reverse Psycomedy (Gilded Balloon Turret Room, 11:30pm).

On the couch for the first two consultations are Matt Price and Ben Van Der Velde, with more scheduled to follow during June and July. Bookmark this page for further updates as to availability of episodes and future guests.

(picture credit: Lisa Miyako)

Elsewhere, we were overjoyed to hear that Will Franken (above) is also making his Edinburgh debut this year with a live version of Things We Did Before Reality, courtesy of Fringe Management and Paul Provenza (Just the Tonic at The Caves, 10:35pm). We'll no doubt cover the show in greater detail in the weeks leading up to Edinburgh.

We’ve also been having a good chuckle at Jake Yapp’s recent series of television reviews for The Poke, the people who brought you such gems as Mad Men Mr Men and the Daily Mail Tube Map.

In seven succinct episodes, Jake vented his spleen on Take Me Out, loosened his sphincter on those ads that asked whether you had “blood in your poo”, and helped the medicine go down by returning for another spoonful of Lord Sugar and his Apprentices. He also introduced us to Timmy Crumble, who we think is going to be very big indeed. Christmas number one? Quite possibly.

Here’s the first of Jake's pokes at the crystal set, in which he shoots both barrels at Ben Fogle:


Click through for the other six dissections, and much more.

Jake might even come back and do some more podcasts for us at some stage (yes, I know we say that every year, but if we keep saying he might...well, he just might). Until then, you might want to hear him do some proper broadcasting at BBC Radio Leeds or just visit his swanky new website.


Meanwhile, if you’re in Brighton this coming Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday (May 6th-8th), you might want to pop along to see Maggie Gordon-Walker (hopefully sans chair) in Sophia Kingshill’s one-woman play Cheer Up, It Might Never Happen at the Nightingale Theatre, 29-30 Surrey Street, from 7pm.

Tickets priced £8.50 (£6.50 cons.) are available from the Brighton Fringe website, in person at the box office, on the door, or by telephone on 01273-917272. Booking fees may apply.


And finally, after two unexplained and, dare I say it, quite unwelcome delays, E4 will finally start airing the debut TV series from Cardinal Burns (pictured above in suggestive gents' outfitter's catalogue mode) at 10.30pm next Tuesday, May 8th.

Seb (Cardinal) and Dustin (Demri-Burns) were once two-thirds of the Perrier-award-in-all-but-name-if.comeddie-nominated Fat Tongue, who, way back in time (or 2005/06, if we’re being pedantic), graced the stage once a month at Sketch Club, the famed live comedy night in Crouch End co-curated and produced by Comedy 365’s Sowerby & Luff and 404 Funny’s Richard Cray.

We hope you’ll take it as read that the series comes highly recommended, but if you’re still in need of some persuading, here’s a preview:


By the way, that is Seb in the leather jacket, not Sting moonlighting from his lute ensemble. Just thought we should point that out. Ahem.

As you were.

Wednesday 15 February 2012

WHAT IS A PONCHO FANDANGO?

Well, Poncho Fandango, as their name suggests, are a double act consisting of a double act called Poncho Fandango, as their name suggests.

But who are these "people" and what do they want, for Heavens sake? Let's take a look...

Emily McQuade is a partially qualified carp instructor. She can speak fluent hip-hop and knows enough new romantic to be able to order a beer. Despite being a powerful swimmer, she has an irritational fear of lemurs, describing them as "vampire woolly men." She has a PhD in Cutlery and is heavily involved in rice.

John Dredge is a collector of everything and has so far amassed over one million items. He is currently looking for a way out of his front door. Due to an administrative error, he once spent two weeks working as a goldfish but "didn't like to say anything and the tank had some lovely pebbles in it."

In their debut podcast, Poncho Fandango provide sketches for both you and your family dog, with a mixture of thrills, spills, sounds, non-sounds and musical silage.

So go on, listen today the Poncho way: http://traffic.libsyn.com/funny404/PONCHOfandango1.mp3

(I have no idea what that means; they just tell me what to write here.)