Comedy of the Week

Want to know what's really happening in a post Brexit Northern Ireland? Join comedian and presenter Patrick Kielty as he talks to the nation from his hometown of Dundrum, County Down, near the land border with the EU and overlooking the new 'Irish Sea Border'. From pre ceasefire to post Brexit, Paddy shares his Northern Ireland experiences and is joined by a (virtual) Northern Irish audience, who have lived through the same, as he sends a postcard from the edge of the Union. Recorded remotely in front of a virtual, Northern Irish audience. Written and performed by Patrick Kielty. Additional material by Lee Stuart Evans and Jon Hunter. Produced by Claire Jones. Executive Producer: Stephen Stewart. Production Coordinator: Tamara Shilham. Sound Designer: David Thomas. A Green Inc production for BBC Radio 4

BBC New Comedy Award winner Stephen Buchanan's debut stand up show for BBC Radio 4. In Talking Shop, Stephen outlines his chequered work history from shop worker to human ping pong ball. At home Stephen lives with his mum and a Vietnamese refugee Dove. Can Stephen help Dove onto the career ladder and can they both move up in the world? Stephen Buchanan - Talking Shop encapsulates the trials and tribulations of his life so far, alongside the true story of Stephen and Dove's developing friendship - all of which have led to this very moment: Stephen's debut Radio 4 special. Written and Performed by Stephen Buchanan. Producer: Adnan Ahmed A BBC Studios Production

Working-class comedian Tom Mayhew takes you on an autobiographical journey through the benefits system in a stand-up series that takes a wry sideways look at the prejudices that people have towards benefits claimants and turns those assumptions on their heads. In this episode, Tom heads to the job centre to meet his advisor, Carol, and talks about what it's really like at the Jobcentre Plus. Also featuring guest comic Darren Harriott. Tom Mayhew is a critically acclaimed comedian, whose material about being working class – mixing the personal and the political, with the punchline-rate of a one-liner comic – sets him apart from any other act on the circuit. Tom Mayhew Is Benefit Scum is based on Mayhew's acclaimed Edinburgh show I, Tom Mayhew, which transferred to a sell-out run at the Soho Theatre. Produced by Benjamin Sutton Production Co-ordinator...Carina Andrews A BBC Studios Production

Paul Merton hosts the return of Radio 4’s longest running panel show. In the first episode back since the death of Nicholas Parsons, who hosted for 50 years, Paul challenges guests Sheila Hancock, Gyles Brandreth, Tony Hawks and Pippa Evans to talk without hesitation, deviation, or repetition. JAM trivia - Sheila Hancock also appeared in the very first episode back in 1967. Caroline Barlow blows the whistle. Devised by Ian Messiter Produced by Victoria Lloyd A BBC Studios Production