Do The Right Thing, Series 5 Preview
Do The Right Thing is a relatively long-running comedy panel show podcast hosted by comedian and radio presenter Danielle Ward with team captains stand up comic Michael Legge and comedy actress Margaret Cabourn-Smith, recorded at the Soho Theatre.
Recorded in front of a live audience, Do The Right Thing has the feel of a respectable and well-established teatime radio panel show but there are exciting elements to the production also, making it instantly recognisable from other such podcasts and radio shows. The language is often vulgar and there is a lot shouting and disarray, but perfectly contained in a well-intentioned, surreal little sweary bubble. Given the strangest of hypothetical situations, panellists are invited to pose the best thing to do to solve a dilemma, with naturally funny consequences; there are film references galore, absurd anecdotes and some very dark humour.
Each episode features two guest panelists as well as an expert guest who features for one of the rounds, including the likes of author and psychopath expert Jon Ronson as well as a submariner, taxi driver, historian and flower importer. A favourite of mine would have to be photographer Idil Sukan (S5E2) who has recently been making waves via her moving piece about gender equality, which I urge you to read.
Danielle Ward is very skilled at manoeuvring conversations and ensuring there are no starchy pauses, though it seems unlikely that there would ever be any, due to the good relationship between the three regulars and the guests. Participants are often even given the chance to plug their own shows too, a further gesture of good will, and producer Ben Walker is made a crucial part of the show, providing some of the questions, all of the answers and the scores. Here we have a really upbeat and enjoyable comedy podcast, with a unique concept and a rich array of interesting comedic guests.