Paul Whitelaw
FeaturesTurning real life into drama
Little Boy Blue writer Jeff Pope talks about his ‘iceberg theory’ - and why it’s important to pick a subject that will resonate with the public long after the press has moved on
FeaturesPlugging the financing gap
With many different ways to fund drama, how do you decide which is best?
FeaturesHas comedy been Trumped?
Is the president beyond parody? Or do seismic political shifts offer rich pickings for satirists?
FeaturesSitcom revivals: bringing back the classics
Is the apparent appetite for reviving sitcoms a sign of a dearth of new ideas or risks – or a legitimate way to celebrate our comedy heritage? Paul Whitelaw investigates
FeaturesDrama: hits and misses
Will the low ratings of BBC1’s Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell force a retreat into safer territory? Paul Whitelaw examines why acclaimed dramas don’t always connect with viewers
Behind The ScenesHorrible Histories: Revamping a classic
The past’s comic potential remains undimmed - it just needed a new twist, as Paul Whitelaw discovers
FeaturesIs the sketch show under viral attack?
With the power to send a single sketch viral overnight, the net is reshaping comedy formats
Behind The ScenesNurse, BBC2
A four-part comedy drama for BBC2 based on a low-key Radio 4 series, Nurse is a character sketch show by proxy.
Behind The ScenesThe Javone Prince Show, BBC2
Previously best known for his role in cult E4 sitcom PhoneShop, Javone Prince may well be the BBC’s latest breakout comedy star.
The Broadcast InterviewSharon Horgan and Rob Delaney, Catastrophe
The writers and stars of Channel 4’s sitcom Catastrophe talk to Paul Whitelaw about their transatlantic partnership
FeaturesCrims, BBC3
The team behind BBC3’s new sitcom set in a young offenders institution talk to Paul Whitelaw about spotting fresh talent and creating comedy gold
The Broadcast InterviewArmando Iannucci: ‘It’s amusing to annoy people’
On a roll with Veep and eyeing The Thick Of It’s endgame, Armando Iannucci tells Paul Whitelaw about HBO creative freedom, why the BBC needs Sky competition – and that OBE
Behind The ScenesWhite Heat, BBC2
In bringing to life Paula Milne’s vision of a female-centred trawl through half a century of social change, the crew had to juggle six timeframes at once. Paul Whitelaw reports.
Behind The Scenes10 O'Clock Live, Channel 4
C4 and Zeppotron faced a steep learning curve last year with their risky live topical comedy. Execs open up to Paul Whitelaw about its flaws - and their hopes for a more ‘fluid’ series two.
Behind The ScenesShaun Ryder on UFOs, History
Having won a legion of new fans on I’m A Celebrity, the Happy Mondays frontman is off to explore his passion for all things UFO. Is he twisting our melons? Paul Whitelaw finds out.
The Broadcast InterviewJesse Armstrong and Sam Bain
Peep Show creators Jesse Armstrong and Sam Bain are navigating the tricky waters of comedy-drama on new series Fresh Meat - and this time they’re sharing the load.
The Broadcast InterviewStewart Lee: No more sugaring the pill
With his BBC2 series Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle winning a surprise recommission, the comedian talks to Paul Whitelaw about TV’s stand-up boom and the art of compromising
NewsFast Show duo tackle Alzheimer’s for R4
Comic writer/performers Paul Whitehouse and Charlie Higson are to tackle the challenging subject of Alzheimer’s for a Radio 4 series.