Robin Ince

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Robin Ince explores how authors, artists and astronomers have told the story of the cosmosFrom Shakespeare and Milton to Alan Moore and Douglas Adams, writers have striven to convey the enormity and wonder of our universe. In this enlightening three-part series, Robin Ince, aided by special guests including his fellow Infinite Monkey Cage presenter Brian Cox, appraises the great communicators past and present, who have captured our imagination and advanced our knowledge.Beginning with the birth of the universe, he reveals that Fred Hoyle’s famous phrase ‘the big bang’ was actually a derogatory expression, coined to satirise a theory he didn’t believe in. Now, it is part of our everyday language – but how helpful is it in explaining how the cosmos came about? Physicist Carlo Rovelli uses metaphor to clarify this mind-bending concept, while for cosmologist Carlos Frenk, the time before time existed is best illustrated by Dalí’s melting clocks.Investigating the mysteries of black holes, Robin looks at how they have inspired science fiction authors and filmmakers. First conceived of by Einstein in 1915, these vast tears in the fabric of spacetime exist at the centre of every galaxy: and thanks to Nobel Prize-winning author Kip Thorne (who consulted on the movie Interstellar), we have an idea of what they might actually look like.But what of the ultimate destiny of the universe? Will it end in a ‘big crunch’, a ‘big rip’, heat death or vacuum decay? And as they speculate around the fate of the cosmos, how careful do scientists and writers have to be to avoid arousing anxiety and bringing on ‘cosmological vertigo’? Contemplating the final chapter of the universe’s story, Robin wonders whether their predictions will be accurate – or whether there will be a twist in the tale...Production creditsPresented by Robin InceProduced by Marijke Peters and Adrian WashbourneExecutive Producer: Alexandra FeachemSoundscape Designer: Jane WatkinsWith contributions from: Brian Cox, Sean Carroll, Katie Mack, Carlos Frenk, Carlo Rovelli, Janna Levin, Paul Murdin, Kip Thorne, Paul Franklyn, Fay Dowker, Paul Sutter, Louisa Buck, John Lloyd, Adam Riess and Mike TurnerFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 10-24 June 2024© 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Writing the Universe

A BBC Radio 4 Science Series

Bertrand Russell was one of the greatest thinkers of the last century. His contributions to the fields of mathematics and philosophy are widely acknowledged as some of the most important of their kind. But he also brought his brand of rationalism and intellect to an audience far beyond the academic and political circles he routinely mixed with. His relationship with the BBC goes back almost to the beginning of its own history, and his many broadcasts brought his ideas to a whole new audience. He delivered the first Reith Lectures back in 1948, and was a regular panellist on the hugely popular "The Brains Trust". His thoughts on themes ranging from education, through to nuclear armament and religion, were regularly broadcast on the BBC right up to the end of his life. Robin Ince listens to some of Russell's great contributions to broadcasting and looks at the life of arguably the first great media academic. Producer: Alexandra Feachem.

Bertrand Russell The First Media Academic? (Archive On 4)

Mitch Benn

Music, mayhem and madness from Mitch Benn and Robin Ince 
 
There can be only one parody musical master, and Mitch Benn thinks it’s him. Although Richard Stilgoe may have something to say about that… 
 
Laugh out loud as Mitch sets out on a musical journey through the showbiz glitz and backstage litter of pop music. Teaming up with Mitch is comedian Robin Ince, and between them they delve into the world of super fans, the glamorous trappings and excesses of pop-star life and its highs and lows. Along with special guest presenters, they wonder if you really can manufacture greatness, why pop stars need fans, and the art of self-promotion. Can death revive a rock star's career? How many people does it take to make something a music 'scene'? And is heavy metal getting soft? 
 
Mitch’s music-master credentials are tested in every episode as he performs a newly written song, hoping to prove he is indeed the world’s greatest musical satirist. Robin Ince’s trademark cynicism and occasional appearances as Satan make this a fast-paced, hilarious show full of musical mastery, mayhem and laughs. When, in search of global superstardom, the duo try and take their show on a world tour, things only get funnier. 
 
Mitch Benn has been a regular voice on BBC Radio 4’s The Now Show and has toured extensively as a comedian in the UK and internationally. Co-writer Robin Ince is a comedian and radio presenter, perhaps best known for his comedy science radio show The Infinite Monkey Cage, which he presents with Professor Brian Cox. 
 
If you’re a fan of Alex Horne Presents The Horne Section or Mark Watson Makes The World Substantially Better, you’ll love this anarchic mix of music and comedy. Listen for the first time to all three series – you won’t be able to resist tapping your foot to the beat… 
 
Written by Mitch Ben and Robin Ince 
Produced by Adam Bromley 
 
Featuring: 
Mitch Benn 
Robert Ince 
Alfie Joey 
Tash Baylis 
Kirsty Newton 
Jane Perry 
Craig Campbell 
Tom Price 
Lloyd Langford 
Steven Kynman 
Brendon Burns 
 
With special guest: 
Richard Stilgoe 
 
First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 19 February 2004 – 4 July 2006 
 
©2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Mitch Benn’s Crimes Against Music: The Complete Series 1-3

A BBC Radio Comedy Series

Brian Cox

Brian Cox and Robin Ince present a witty, irreverent look at the world according to science. 
 
The Infinite Monkey Cage has become one of BBC Radio 4’s most popular science based programmes. In each episode physicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince delve into a particular field of science, with the help of guests from the worlds of science, academia and entertainment. 
 
In these 24 episodes the programme looks at topics as diverse as Oceans, Science Mavericks, Parallel Universes, Science v Art, Space Exploration, Brain Science, Creating Life, The Science of Christmas Behaviour, Space Tourism, Death and Risk. 
 
Helping them to discover more are guests including Dave Gorman, Marcus Brigstocke, Andy Hamilton, Alan Moore, Dr Marcus Du Sautoy, Patrick Stewart, Ben Miller, Katy Brand, Professor Matthew Cobb, Simon Singh, Dr Sue Black, Ed Byrne, Mark Gatiss, Steve Jones, Ross Noble, Eric Idle and Graeme Garden.

The Infinite Monkey Cage

Series 6, 7, 8 and 9

Four more series of the multi-award-winning science/comedy show 
 
Brian Cox and Robin Ince are back to take a witty, irreverent look at life, the universe and everything in between in these four engaging series. From the tiniest molecules to the most distant stars, the inquisitive monkeys break down the science to reveal intriguing insights into the world around us and what lies beyond. 
 
Joined by a panel of scientists, experts and celebrity science enthusiasts, they delve into topics ranging from the wonder of trees and the science of board games to hedgehogs, elasticity and the sound of music. They also raid the archives of the Royal Society to uncover some surprising and wacky scientific endeavours, search for alien life at Glastonbury, venture to Bletchley Park to decode cyberwarfare and are put to the test by an audience of curious children in a ‘Beastly Bodies Kids’ Special’ from Cheltenham Science Festival. 
 
Additionally, the duo investigate where babies come from, ask if extinction is really the end, journey to the centre of the earth to unveil the high-pressured world beneath our feet, and embark on a cool adventure to the mysterious realm of ice. And as Saturn and Jupiter are pitted against each other in a planetary face-off, Brian and Robin referee the battle of the gas giants. Who will be awarded the coveted Kuiper Belt? 
 
Among the special guests in these entertaining episodes are Dame Judi Dench, Marcus du Sautoy, Steve Backshall, Adam Kay, Anneka Rice, Dave Gorman, Alan Davies, Pam Ayres, Maggie Aderin-Pocock, Sara Pascoe, Adam Rutherford, Ria Lina, Jo Brand and Brian Eno. 
 
Production credits 
Presented by Brian Cox and Robin Ince 
Produced by Melanie Brown 
Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem 
Researcher: Olivia Jani 
A BBC Studios Audio production 
 
© 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

The Infinite Monkey Cage: Series 30-33

The complete series 1-5 of the Sony Award Winning BBC Radio 4 show, The Infinite Monkey Cage, presented by physicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince. 
 
Described by Judges of the Sony Award as; 'A brilliant way of being both innovative and instructive, bringing humour to what some will see as a dull subject. It's listenable, educational and brings a whole new audience to both the subject and the station'. 
 
The duo, assisted by a panel of experts and entertainers, tackle subjects such as biology, cosmology, physics and why Brian’s hair is always so perfect. Guest include Dara O'Brian, Jon Ronson, Stephen Fry and Dave Gorman, amongst many more. The Infinite Monkey Cage is an engaging, entertaining and educational show that puts the fun back into science.

Infinite Monkey Cage

The Complete Series 1-5

Four more series of the multi-award-winning science/comedy show 
 
Celebrating the wonders of the universe since 2009, The Infinite Monkey Cage combines wit and wisdom to explore scientific concepts in an entertaining, accessible way. In these four series, physicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince are back to 'put a smile on the face of science' (The Independent). They're joined by a wealth of boffins, brainiacs and celebrity science enthusiasts, all keen to share their hard facts, soft theories and bold comic deviations. 
 
Beginning with the end of the universe, they tackle topics including black holes, the human brain, Neanderthals and the science of cooking - and attempt to answer profound philosophical questions such as 'What is life, and how did it start?', 'Is time an illusion?' and ''What is reality?' There's also an astronaut's guide to isolation, featuring Helen Sharman, Chris Hadfield, Nicole Stott and Apollo 9's Rusty Schweickart; a look back at 60 years of chimpanzee research with Jane Goodall; and a history of rock (not in the Rolling Stones sense, but actual rolling stones). 
 
Plus, the duo play Animal Top Trumps to find out whether we should prefer beautiful bats to much-maligned flies; travel deep below the ocean waves to see what lies beneath; discover how trees communicate using the Wood Wide Web; and learn why two brains are definitely better than one... 
 
Among their special guests are Eric Idle, Steve Martin, Matt Lucas, Tim Minchin, Bill Bailey, Mark Gatiss, Steve Jones, Ross Noble, Sara Pascoe, Prof Alice Roberts, Carlo Rovelli, Harold McGee, Dr Janna Levin, Dave Gorman, Brendan Hunt and Katy Brand. 
 
Production credits 
Presented by Brian Cox and Robin Ince 
Producer: Alexandra Feachem 
 
© 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

The Infinite Monkey Cage: Series 22-25

Four fantastic series of the multi-award-winning science/comedy show 
 
Brian Cox and Robin Ince return to take a witty, irreverent and unashamedly rational look at the mysteries of the universe in these four series. Joining them for some hot science and flagrant comic nerdery are a panel of eggheads and entertainers, all eager to take a deep dive into topics ranging from cosmic dust to coincidence. 
 
Starting with two shows recorded in Sydney, Australia, exploring southern skies and scary spiders, they go on to invent Infinite Monkey Cluedo and plot the perfect crime; scrutinise the secret life of sharks; peer review Hollywood movies set in space and unwrap the science of Egyptian mummies. Also featured are two battles of the species, as the team ask which is better: bees or wasps, and claw through the evidence to find out if cats are superior to dogs. 
 
In addition, they discover the magical world of mushrooms; discuss the pros and cons of AI; attempt to explain quantum physics and visit CERN&rsquo;s Large Hadron Collider in Geneva in search of the Higgs Boson. And in an out-of-this-world mash-up show, they meet Dara O&rsquo;Briain and Sky at Night presenters Dr Maggie Aderin Pocock, Chris Lintott and Pete Lawrence for some backyard astronomy, as they give us their ultimate guide to studying the stars from the comfort of your own garden. 
 
Other special guests in this collection include Ross Noble, Prof Hannah Fry, Susan Calman, Prof Sue Black, Sally Gunnell, Ed Byrne, Dr Chris van Tulleken, Harry Hill, Steve Backshall, Alan Davies, Marcus du Sautoy, Dave Gorman, Tim Peake, Jo Brand, Russell Kane, Richard Wiseman, Deborah Meaden, David Baddiel and Ben Miller. 
 
Production credits 
Presented by Brian Cox and Robin Ince 
Producers: Caroline Steel, Adrian Washbourne and Melanie Brown 
Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem 
 
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 18 February-25 March 2023 (Series 26), 24 June-5 August 2023 (Series 27), 11 November-23 December 2023 (Series 28), 17 February-23 March 2024 (Series 29) 
 
&copy; 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

The Infinite Monkey Cage: Series 26-29

Kate Williams

Byron Vincent

Emma Barnett

Will Self

Felicity Ward

This collection brings together history, science, philosophy and comedy to explore our age-old search for meaning. We live in an age of self-improvement and self-examination - lifehacking, wellbeing, self-care, mindfulness retreats - but this seemingly very modern phenomenon is a pursuit that dates back for millennia. 
 
Join comedian Robin Ince to explore how the ancient Greeks aimed to get happier, healthier and richer. 
Will Self asks some of Britain's key scientists, philosophers and faith leaders to share their conclusions on the meaning of our existence. 
Historian Kate Williams investigates the Grandfather of Self-Help, Samuel Smiles' 1859 book Self Help, and its lasting influence. 
In 'Hell is Other People', performer Byron Vincent attempts to overcome his paralysing fear of social situations. 
Emma Barnett traces the multi-billion dollar mindfulness industry to its Buddhist roots to discover whether it's just another health fad. 
Comedian Felicity Ward tries to solve her mental health issues, one app at a time. 
Sian Williams presents a practical guide to boosting brain power through exercise, relaxation, stimulation, sleep and diet. 
 
From the ancient Greeks to the present day and even into the future, The Examined Mind provides an unique insight into our constant quest to be better people.

The Examined Mind

A BBC radio collection exploring the history, philosophy and science of self-help

John Sergeant

Greg Dyke

Gyles Brandreth

Jennie Bond

Roy Hattersley

Adam Hart-Davis

Antony Worrall-Thompson

Esther Rantzen

Janet Street-Porter

Lorraine Kelly

Edwina Currie

Alan Carr

Sue Perkins

Lucy Porter

The comedy panel game where all the questions are about the guest host 
 
Welcome to The Personality Test, the panel show in which a brand new host takes the chair for every episode to present a quiz entirely themed around themselves. Each gets to run the show by their own rules, devising topics and queries based on their life, whims, fancies and past glories. Among the showbiz celebrities in the hot seat are Gyles Brandreth, Jennie Bond, Antony Worrall Thompson, Esther Rantzen, Janet Street-Porter and Edwina Currie, while the rounds include Love It Or Hate It, True or False, That Special Day and Life's a Pitch. 
 
Is John Sergeant a fan of Julia Roberts? Would Greg Dyke give Radio 4 just a minute, or leave it on a desert island? And does Claire Rayner have a penchant for jelly babies? Having spent a week swotting up on their host, the contestants must tackle these questions and more, as they do their best to amuse, entertain, charm, flatter - and occasionally, flirt outrageously - in a bid to chalk up the points and win the game. Battling it out are regular panellists and comedy heavyweights Alan Carr, Sue Perkins, Robert Ince, Lucy Porter, Will Smith and Carrie Quinlan. 
 
Intriguing and challenging, riotous and revealing, this unique panel show shines a fascinating spotlight on the interests and enthusiasms of your favourite personalities - and keeps you laughing along the way. 
 
Production credits 
Written by Richard Turner, Simon Littlefield and Kieron Quirke 
Devised and produced by Aled Evans 
 
Series 1 presented by: John Sergeant, Greg Dyke, Gyles Brandreth and Jennie Bond 
With Sue Perkins, Alan Carr, Lucy Porter, Will Smith, Robin Ince and Natalie Haynes 
 
Series 2 presented by: Roy Hattersley, Rick Wakeman, Adam Hart-Davis, Antony Worrall Thompson, Claire Rayner and Esther Rantzen 
With Sue Perkins, Lucy Porter, Robin Ince, Mark Dolan and Will Smith 
 
Series 3 presented by: Janet Street-Porter, Lorraine Kelly, Andrew Neill, Edwina Currie, Toyah Willcox and Eve Pollard 
With Sue Perkins, Will Smith, Nick Doody, Lucy Porter, Robin Ince, Carrie Quinlan and Dan Tetsell 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 12 July-2 August 2006 (Series 1), 7 December 2006-11 January 2007 (Series 2), 5 July-9 August 2007 (Series 3) 
 
© 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.

The Personality Test

The complete BBC Radio 4 comedy quiz series

BBC Radio Comedy

Brian Cox and Robin Ince present a witty, irreverent look at the world according to science. 
 
The Infinite Monkey Cage has become one of BBC Radio 4’s most popular science-based programmes. In each episode physicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince delve into a particular field of science, with the help of guests from the worlds of science, academia and entertainment. 
 
These 25 episodes feature subjects ranging from music to Frankenstein, from particle physics to the science of sleep, and from astronauts to insects. Also included are the 2016 and 2017 Christmas Special episodes. 
 
Well-known guests featured in this collection include Dave Gorman, Phil Jupitus, Sara Pascoe, Ross Noble, Eric Idle, Noel Fielding, Katy Brand, Mark Gatiss and Dara O'Briain.

The Infinite Monkey Cage: The Complete Series 14-17

Alex Boardman

Carl Cooper

Susan Vale

Lavinia Murray

The comedy sketch show from Manchester's Comedy Store starring Robin Ince, Helen Moon, Smug Roberts and Kate Ward 
 
Meet Dot and her friend Millie, who only communicates in catchphrases; Wendy Clapper, who thinks TV, credit cards and swimming pools are nothing but trouble; and Jonathan Tudge, who just can't help putting his foot in it. You’ll also encounter the worst therapist in the world, the travel agent who won't let anyone go further than Lowestoft, a registered platitudopath and a bag lady turned sacred icon. 
 
Plus, there’s lots of helpful hints and useful advice, how not to go about being a medium, an auctioneer or a tramp; and how to track down your old school bully. Find out what to do if you suspect your friends have been seeing other friends behind your back, how to be the worst babysitter, when it’s a good idea to have prosthetic hands and what to do with sequin waste. 
 
Production credits 
With Robin Ince, Helen Moon, Smug Roberts and Kate Ward 
Written by Colin Anderson, Alex Boardman, Marvin Cheeseman, Eliah Chlopicki, Steve Cochran, Carl Cooper, Martin Dempsey, Mick Davies, Ed Dyson, Robin & Neil Gibbons, Sandy Gort, Robin Ince, Tom Mitchelson, Martin Mor, Sue Morris, Susan Murray, Lavinia Murray, James Quinn, Howard Reed, Lara Silverstone, The Trap, Susan Vale and Stan Vernon 
Produced by Graham Frost 
 
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 24 July-21 August 2002 (Series 3), 1 June-6 July 2004 (Series 4) 
 
© 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.

The In Crowd

A BBC Radio 4 Comedy

Brian Cox and Robin Ince present a witty, irreverent look at the world according to science. 
 
The Infinite Monkey Cage has become one of BBC Radio 4’s most popular science-based programmes. In each episode physicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince delve into a particular field of science, with the help of guests from the worlds of science, academia and entertainment. 
 
These 29 episodes feature subjects ranging from the solar system to war, from UFOs to climate change, and from the mathematics of love to artificial intelligence. This collection also includes two special episodes from December 2015 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Albert Einstein's theory of General Relativity, and the 2014 and 2015 Christmas specials. 
 
Well-known guests featured in this collection include Dave Gorman, Sara Pascoe, Dara O Briain, Alexei Sayle, Ross Noble, Eric Idle, Jo Brand, Lee Mack, Josie Long, Katy Brand and Stephen Fry.

The Infinite Monkey Cage: The Complete Series 10-13

Spanking New on 7 is BBC7's first original comedy series. Compered by Robin Ince (from BBC2's The Office, E4's The Pilot Show and Radio 4's The In-Crowd) it showcases new or unknown stand-up comedians.This release features the best of the first series, including material not featured in the original BBC7 broadcasts. 
Spanking New on 7 has an edgier and more adult feel than other BBC comedy broadcasts. It's as close to being in a comedy club as you can get in your own home, but without the overpriced beer and hecklers! 
©2004 BBC Audiobooks Ltd. (P)2004 BBC Audiobooks Ltd.

Spanking New On 7

Four more series of Brian Cox and Robin Ince’s multi award-winning science/comedy show – including the 100th episode and The Infinite Moonkey Cage, a special hour-long episode celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo moon landings 
 
One of BBC Radio 4’s most popular programmes, The Infinite Monkey Cage sees physicists Robin Ince and Brian Cox taking a witty, irreverent look at the world through scientists’ eyes. Aided by guests from the worlds of science, academia and entertainment, they delve into a variety of topics in a quest to explore the quirks and wonders of the universe. 
 
In these 25 episodes, they celebrate their 100th show with some very special appearances from Monkey Cage alumni including Brian Blessed, Eric Idle and Andy Hamilton; talk cryptography and codebreaking at GCHQ; look at the origin of numbers; and learn how to build a bionic human. There’s also a discussion about dinosaurs; a sleepy look at the science of dreaming; and a Brits in Space special featuring astronauts Tim Peake and Helen Sharman – plus The Infinite Moonkey Cage, a 60-minute episode in which they are joined by some of the key players involved in landing the first men on the moon on July 20th 1969. 
 
Among the many other guests featured in these four series are Neil deGrasse Tyson, Danny Wallace, Shappi Khorsandi, Beardyman, Ed Byrne, Chris Addison, Jo Brand, Rufus Hound, Bridget Christie and Mark Steel. 
 
Producer: Alexandra Feachem

The Infinite Monkey Cage: Series 18-21 plus Apollo Special

Clive Anderson

Clive Anderson and guests poke fun at the past in this panel show with a yesteryear twist 
 
Originally broadcast on Radio 4 in 2003-4, We&rsquo;ve Been Here Before is the topical, satirical, historical panel game that aims to show beyond all doubt that there&rsquo;s nothing new in the news. Hosted by award-winning comedian, broadcaster and Whose Line Is It Anyway? star Clive Anderson, it takes a wry, witty look at long-gone days through a present-day lens, as the panellists battle it out to discover who&rsquo;s got the best memory for detail when it comes to raking up the past. 
 
Gyles Brandreth, Jimmy Carr, Chris Addison, Mark Steel, Natalie Haynes, Richard Herring, Robin Ince and Steve Punt are among the stellar guests striving to identify news clips from years gone by, and to spot the parallels with contemporary events. From reality TV, BBC-bashing and striking unions to celebrity American presidential hopefuls, European referendums and Prime Ministers under pressure, they find that the stories they sift through sound strangely familiar. 
 
Still funny and relevant over 20 years after it first aired, this entertaining series is the ultimate proof that what goes around comes around. It&rsquo;s a blast from the past with a modern perspective &ndash; and any similarity to current events is entirely the idea... 
 
Production credits 
Presented by Clive Anderson 
Reader: Lewis MacLeod 
Produced by Adam Bromley (Series 1) and Ed Morrish (Series 2) 
 
Series 1 featuring: Gyles Brandreth, Jimmy Carr, John O'Farrell, David Quantick, Jon Holmes, Simon Brett, Lewis Shaffer, Steve Punt, Robin Ince, Maureen Lipman, Simon Brett 
 
Series 2 featuring: Gyles Brandreth, John O'Farrell, Arthur Smith, Arabella Weir, Natalie Haynes, Richard Herring, Mark Steel, David Quantick, Chris Addison, Nick Revell, Helen Atkinson-Wood 
 
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 1-29 August 2003 (Series 1), 11 June-2 July 2004 (Series 2) 
 
&copy; 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.

We’ve Been Here Before: The Complete Series 1 and 2

The BBC Radio Comedy Panel Show

Jon Hunter

James Kettle

All 18 episodes of Radio 4's word-obsessed comedy panel game hosted by Gyles Brandreth, where stars from across the world of wordplay come together to guess the meanings of now-obsolete words, invent their own clichés and cockney rhyming slang, discuss their own favourite words and phrases - and suggest words they would like to ban. 
 
This witty and unexpected show brings you toponyms, abbreviations, euphemisms, old words, new words, cockney rhyming slang and Greek gobbledegook. Find out the meaning of words like giff-gaff, knock-knobbler and buckfitches; the difference between French marbles, French velvet and the French ache; hear the glorious poetry of the English language, as practiced from writers varying from William Shakespeare to Vanilla Ice; and spend time laughing and learning with some of the finest Wordaholics in the business. 
 
With top guests including Stephen Fry, Jack Whitehall, Michael Rosen, Susie Dent, Alex Horne, Paul Sinha, Robin Ince, Josh Widdecombe, Natalie Haynes, Dave Gorman, Richard Herring, Ed Byrne, Jenny Eclair and Milton Jones. 
 
Written by Jon Hunter and James Kettle. 
Produced by Claire Jones.

Wordaholics: The Complete Series 1-3

The word-obsessed BBC comedy panel show

Stephen K Amos

Stephen K Amos and the comedy circuit's best stand-ups attempt to unravel the knotty problems of life 
 
Award-winning jokesmith and self-confessed idiot Stephen K Amos teams up with some of the world's sharpest comic minds to compile a dummies' guide to being a modern human. From raising children and having a mid-life crisis, to first impressions and facing your fears, who better than a bunch of comedians to lead us through life's existential maze? 
 
In these 17 episodes, Stephen and friends take us on a journey of self-discovery through observational comedy - with help from a live studio audience, who provide their own tips, stories and experiences. They share their unique perspectives on topics including dishonesty, technology, medicine, multiculturalism, religion and austerity, as well as helping us deal with the ultimate scary subject: mortality. 
 
Featuring a wealth of superb stand-ups including Sara Pascoe, Susan Calman, Lucy Porter, Ava Vidal, James Acaster, Boothby Graffoe, Marlon Davis, Richard Herring, Nish Kumar, Shazia Mirza, Alfie Moore, Andy Zaltzman, Tom Allen and Robin Ince, this hilarious show may not show you the meaning of life, but it will make you laugh about it. 
 
 
Cast and credits 
Hosted by Stephen K Amos 
Additional material by Christine Rose, Hugh Sington and Stephen Grant 
Produced by Colin Anderson 
 
Pilot special guests: W Kamau Bell, Susan Calman, Tim FitzHigham, Josie Long and Simon Munnery 
 
Series 1 special guests: Sara Pascoe, Matt Forde, Carey Marx, David O'Doherty, Miss London, Jess Fostekew, Craig Campbell, Ava Vidal, Howard Read, Andy Wilkinson, Lucy Porter, Maeve Higgins, Tom Allen, Phil Nichol 
 
Series 2 special guests: Sarah Kendall, Gráinne Maguire, James Acaster, Michael Redmond, Holly Walsh, Boothby Graffoe, Marlon Davis, Jarlath Reagan, Lloyd Langford, Alfie Moore, Ava Vidal, Richard Herring, Fred MacAulay, Angela Barnes, Greg Proops, Paul Sinha, Andre Vincent, John Hegley 
 
Series 3 special guests: Stephen Grant, Nish Kumar, Andrew Maxwell, Susan Murray, Tom Craine Josie Long, Wil Hodgson, Gavin Webster, Shazia Mirza, Mae Martin, Travis Jay, Dan Antopolski, Suzi Ruffell, Tom Rhodes, Andy Zaltzman, Jason Cook, Brendon Burns, Robin Ince 
 
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 23 August 2011 (Pilot), 7-28 March 2012 (Series 1), 17 January-21 February 2013 (Series 2). Series 3 first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Extra, 12 May-16 June 2014 
 
©2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Life: An Idiot’s Guide: The Complete Series 1-3

BBC Radio 4 stand up comedy

James Cary

All four series of the Sony Award-winning radio sitcom 
 
Meet the hapless management consultants of Unthinkable Solutions – idealistic team leader Ryan, sociopathic Sophie and hippy-dippy Daisy. Enthusiastic and enterprising, they’re strong on jargon (and always ready to ‘imaginate, reincentivise and skin the leopard’), but short on practical ideas – unfortunately for the unsuspecting corporations that come to them for help. 
 
Aided by morally dubious IT expert Owen, and fellow member of the Fraternity of the Sacred Goat, Jed, the team get proactive with clients including a bank, a struggling high street retailer, an inner city school, the Post Office, a zoo, an ailing hospital and the MoD. Over 21 episodes, Unthinkable Solutions prove that there is no 'i' in team – but there is one in 'incompetent'. 
 
Brought in by Barrington Council to rationalise refuse services (ie sack people), Ryan and Daisy decide to take the binmen on a weekend in the Cairngorms instead; and in a bid to revitalise London’s transport system, the consultants put a bus driver in charge while the chief executive is sent back to driving tube trains. Plus, the team get to the bottom of a scam at an electricity company, face the tricky task of making cuts at the firm that insures Ryan’s flashy new car, and set out to smooth the path for Superco, a Megastore that wants to expand into a Terrastore. 
 
Created by acclaimed comedy writer James Cary, this witty, satirical sitcom won the Sony Silver Award for Comedy. It stars Marcus Brigstocke as Ryan, with Emma Kennedy and Beth Chalmers as Sophie, Catherine Shepherd as Daisy, David Mitchell as Owen and Robin Ince as Jed.

Think the Unthinkable: The Complete Series 1-4

The BBC Radio 4 comedy panel show that pits three comic generations against each other, presented by Simon Mayo 
 
Simon Mayo hosts a comedic battle between three teams to find out which is the funniest generation. Will the Up and Comers, the Current Crop or the Old Guard be crowned as the Golden Age of Comedy? 
 
In these eighteen episodes, the contestants share their favourite jokes, trade comedic banter and go up against each other in quickfire rounds including ‘Generation Why’, in which they use stand-up to point out the shortcomings of their generation, ‘Against the Clock’, where two comedians compete against each other to get their laughs in the shortest time and ‘Dear Simon’, which sees the panellists turn agony aunt (or uncle) to try and solve a listener’s problem. 
 
Team captains include Jon Richardson, Holly Walsh, Lucy Porter, Rufus Hound, Roy Walker, Adrian Walsh, Johnnie Casson, Tom O’Connor and Ted Robbins, while among the guest panellists are Barry Cryer, Sarah Millican, Milton Jones, Josie Long, Ed Byrnes, Russell Kane, Jack Whitehall, Cannon and Ball and Norman Lovett. 
 
Presented by Simon Mayo 
Programme consultants: Jed Parsons, Stephen Carlin, John-Luke Roberts, Lee Stuart Evans, Lucy Clarke, Will Ing 
Devised and produced by Ashley Blaker and Bill Matthews 
 
Panellists: 
Series 1 
Jon Richardson, Lucy Porter, Roy Walker, Josh Howie, Stephen K Amos, Barry Cryer, Sarah Millican, Milton Jones, Adrian Walsh, Josie Long, Ed Byrne, Mick Miller, Justin Moorhouse, Holly Walsh, Johnnie Casson, Russell Kane, Phil Nichol, Stephen Hall, Rhod Gilbert, Stan Boardman 
 
Series 2 
Jon Richardson, Lucy Porter, Adrian Walsh, Johnnie Casson, Kevin Bridges, Jason Byrne, Holly Walsh, Jack Whitehall, Sarah Kendall, Ronnie Golden, Ed Byrne, Jared Christmas, Mark Watson, Eddie Large, Mike Wozniak, Robin Ince, Ted Robbins, Tom Wrigglesworth, John Bishop, Tom O’Connor, Roy Walker, Hills Barker, Rufus Hound, Tommy Cannon and Bobby Ball 
 
Series 3 
Holly Walsh, Lucy Porter, Tom O’Connor, Henry Paker, Miles Jupp, Duggie Brown, Jon Richardson, Andi Osho, Rufus Hound, Andrew Maxwell, Ted Robbins, Roger De Courcey, Nookie Bear, Sean Walsh, Hal Cruttenden, Dave Spikey, Tom Deacon, Henning Wehn, Billy Pearce, Carl Donnelly, Justin Edwards, Norman Lovett, Andrew Lawrence, Paul Foot, Stew Francis 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4: 27 November 2008-1 January 2009 (Series 1), 19 January-23 February 2010 (Series 2), 23 March-27 April 2011 (Series 3)

Showing results for: ‘Robin Ince’

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