The Role of Comedy in Challenging Times - Front Row at the Edinburgh Festival
Kirsty Lang presents from the Edinburgh festivals. With Ricky Gervais, Ben Bailey Smith, Henry Naylor, Ayesha Hazarika, Rory Bremner and Adam Kay.
Kirsty Lang is at the Edinburgh Festivals exploring how comedy, music, theatre and satire can help us navigate turbulent political times.
David Brent is back, but this time he is dreaming big and taking his newly formed band Foregone Conclusion on tour in hopes of a record deal. Ricky Gervais and Ben Bailey Smith discuss the film and the accompanying album.
The mythical figure of the Angel of Kobane is the subject of Henry Naylor's new play Angel, which has been getting rave reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe. Henry reflects on tackling challenging material in his plays.
Writer and musician Adam Kay explains why he's singing Tom Lehrer songs with a twist at this year's Fringe.
And what's the role of comedy when politics feels beyond satire? Comedian and former Labour Special Advisor Ayesha Hazarika and political comedy veteran Rory Bremner discuss.
Presenter: Kirsty Lang
Producer: Ellie Bury.
Last on
Chapters
Ricky Gervais and Ben Bailey Smith
Duration: 07:04
Adam Kay on Tom Lehrer
Duration: 05:17
Henry Naylor discusses his play Angel
Duration: 06:24
Rory Bremner and Ayesha Hazarika
Duration: 08:01
Ricky Gervais and Ben Bailey Smith
![Ricky Gervais and Ben Bailey Smith]()
David Brent: Life on the Road is in cinemas from Friday 19 July, certificate 15.Angel
![Angel]()
Angel by Henry Naylor is playing at the Glided Balloon Teviot, Edinburgh from 16 to 29 August.
Image credit: Rosalind Furlong
Adam Kay
![Adam Kay]()
The Remains of Tom Lehrer is playing at the Gilded Balloon Teviot, Edinburgh from 16 to 29 August.
Image credit: Idil Sukan.
Ayesha Hazarika and Rory Bremner
![Ayesha Hazarika and Rory Bremner]()
Rory Bremner Meets... is playing at the Gilded Balloon Teviot, Edinburgh from 16-19 August.
Ayesha Hazarika: Tales from the Pink Bus is playing at Gilded Balloon Teviot, Edinburgh on 16 and 17 August.
Credits
Role Contributor Presenter Kirsty Lang Producer Ellie Bury Interviewed Guest Ricky Gervais Interviewed Guest Ben Bailey Smith Interviewed Guest Henry Naylor Interviewed Guest Adam Kay Interviewed Guest Ayesha Hazarika Interviewed Guest Rory Bremner Broadcast
- Tue 16 Aug 201619:15BBC Radio 4
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