Edinburgh comedy awards 2014 shortlist: why Liam Williams should win

I loved Williams’s subterranean hour of nihilistic Gen-Y standup – and I’d have welcomed an appearance on the shortlist for his group Sheeps

So the Foster’s Edinburgh comedy award shortlist is out – and it contains few surprises. James Acaster is there for the third year running for his show Recognise – and repeat nominees (Russell Kane, Al Murray) have often come good in the end. Wig-wearing oddball John Kearns gets a nod – a rare example of a best newcomer following up immediately with a best show nomination. And on this year’s newcomer’s list, south Londoner Dane Baptiste becomes one of very few (the first?) black British comedians to appear on either list.

Robin Williams: One of the Great Comedy Recording Artists

 

In the days since Robin Williams’ passing, there has been a lot said about his incredible acting career, with many headlines beginning with the words “Oscar winner…”. This is of course for good reason, as Williams was easily one of the most versatile actors of our time, bouncing effortlessly from dramatic to comedic roles, succeeding in anything he took on. He is as beloved for his Academy Award-winning performance in Good Will Hunting (to say nothing of his other nominations) as for his turn as the Genie in Aladdin, if not more so.

The psychology of comedy: where humour and psychosis overlap

New research shows that comedians have a remarkable amount in common with people who have schizophrenia or manic depression – and that this could be what makes them funny

"Many people say that comics are psychopaths," says the standup Jason Byrne, who should know what he's talking about after almost two decades in the business. "We put this front on of being a normal person but in our shows we're closer to our actual personality."

How Comedy Central one of TV's best networks in two years

Comedy Central is on one hell of a hot streak.

Since it debuted Key & Peele, TV's best sketch show, in 2012, the network has reeled off must-watch series after must-watch series. One of those shows, Nathan For You, ends its second season tonight, which makes this as good a time as any to note just how strong Comedy Central's original programming has been for the last couple of years. These nine shows mean the channel always has something worth watching.

Nominees announced for Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Awards

The shortlist has been announced for this year’s Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Awards, with James Acaster, Alex Horne and Sara Pascoe all among the nominees for the main prize.

The awards, now in their 34th year, celebrate the best comedy at the Edinburgh Fringe and the best comedy show award is widely considered to be the festival’s most prestigious comedy prize.