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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.

Available now

30 minutes

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 聽from 16 to 29 August.

Image credit: Rosalind Furlong 聽

Adam Kay

Adam Kay

The Remains of Tom Lehrer is playing at the 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 聽from 16-19 August.

Ayesha Hazarika: Tales from the Pink Bus is playing at 聽on 16 and 17 August. 聽

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 2016 19:15

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