Friday Night Comedy from BBC Radio 4

The Matt Forde Focus Group: Boxing Day Special

Friday Night Comedy from BBC Radio 4

Show Notes

Top political comedian Matt Forde reconvenes his Focus Group for a Boxing Day special with a Dickensian twist. Recorded in front of a live audience, Matt is joined by journalists, comedians and politicians – including former Cabinet Minister Michael Gove – to review the political state we're in through the lens of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Expect sharp analysis, unexpected confessions, and the year's biggest stories getting visited by the Ghosts of Politics Past, Present and Yet to Come. Appearing as a festive treat in BBC Radio 4's Friday Night Comedy feed, it's a topical comedy that's both genuinely funny and surprisingly insightful – perfect for digesting with the leftover turkey. Written and performed by Matt Forde Additional writing from Karl Minns, Laura Claxton and Richard Garvin Producer: Richard Garvin Executive Producers Jon Thoday and Richard Allen Turner Co-Producers: Daisy Knight and Jules Lom Broadcast Assistant: Sahar Rajabali Sound Design and Editing: David Thomas An Avalon production for BBC Radio 4

More from Friday Night Comedy from BBC Radio 4

Oct 23, 2026

How did Zelensky’s visit to Downing Street go? What exactly is Starlink? And which tiny creatures are making a comeback? The panel is Lucy Porter, Stephen Bush, John Tothill and Sara Barron. Written by Andy Zaltzman. With additional material by JoJo Maberley, Mike Shephard and Peter Tellouche. Producer: Georgia Keating Executive Producer: Richard Morris Production Coordinator: Giulia Lopes Mazzu Sound Editor: Marc Willcox A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.

Oct 16, 2026

What's better - an Iron Dome or a Britannia Shield? Why should British parents refrain from sending their children on a French exchange this week? And how big can a pumpkin really be? The panel is Daliso Chaponda, Kyrah Gray, Coco Khan and Finlay Christie. With additional material by: Carywn Blaney, Adrian Gray and Cameron Loxdale Producer: Georgia Keating Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Production Coordinator: Giulia Lopes Mazzu Sound Editor: Marc Willcox A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.

Oct 9, 2026

This week we go triple lock picking with Andy Burnham, Sham contract making with Manchester City, and Canal Diving with a Shark-fluencer. With Alasdair Beckett-King, Susie McCabe, Danny Finkelstein and Sam Nicoresti. Written by Andy Zaltzman. With additional material by James Farmer, Stephanie Kemp and Adrian Gray. Producer: James Robinson Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Production Coordinator: Giulia Lopes Mazzu Sound Editor: Marc Willcox A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.

Oct 2, 2026

Who did Trump call a 'natural businessperson'? What does Ed Davey want to bring back? And why shouldn't we call young people snowflakes? It's all up for discussion on this week's News Quiz. The panel is Rachel Fairburn, Desiree Burch, Robin Morgan and Cindy Yu. Written by Andy Zaltzman. With additional material by Matt Hulme, Christina Riggs and Henry Whaley. Producer: Georgia Keating Executive Producer: James Robinson Production Coordinator: Giulia Lopes Mazzu Sound Editor: Marc Willcox A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.

Sep 25, 2026

Is A.I going to wipe out humanity by 2030? Will the forces of Piddington take the country hostage? Is there anyone left to support Ed Sheeran on tour? Find out the answers to all of these questions and more on this week's News Quiz! Written by Andy Zaltzman. With additional material by: Adrian Gray, Angela Channell, Jade Gebbie and Lotte Allan Producer: Pete Strauss Executive Producer: Richard Morris Production Coordinator: Giulia Lopes Mazzu Sound Editor: Marc Wilcox

See all episodes →