EDINBURGH 2017: BWW Q&A- Geoff Norcott

Tell us a bit about Right-leaning but Well-meaning.

I've spent so long claiming that having right of centre politics is ok that I've started to wonder 'What if the lefties are right?' What if I really am a terrible heartless bastard?' The events of the last year have certainly given cause to reflect.

(By 'events', I mean the conduct of the Conservative party, I don't mean that I've been microwaving guinea pigs).

Why bring it to Edinburgh?

It's quite a buzz bringing a set of beliefs somewhere very few people are likely to agree with you. Like if Theresa May had appeared on the John Peel stage at Glastonbury.

Also Scotland has proved itself to be the home of sensible Conservatism. Finding a Scottish Tory used to be like finding a horny Panda, now it turns out over a quarter of Pandas have got a pale blue hard on.

What sets it apart from other shows at the Fringe?

A lot of satirical comedy can be polemic, which is great. However, I'm trying to turn the satirical gun on myself this time. Politics has been become so tribal and entrenched the very last thing you're likely to hear in 2017 is 'Actually, I think you might have a point there.'

Don't get me wrong, I'm still going to be a provocative prick at times but I'll be trying to build a coalition of ideas. Preferably one that doesn't cost me a billion quid.

Is it hard to keep the show up to date in this political climate?

Bits of the show are. I have 20 minutes on the election that works well, but come August - in the current pace of political change - that could feel like doing jokes about John Major liking peas.

Who would you recommend comes to see you?

Anyone who either is right-leaning and knows they don't wake up every morning with a diabolical laugh. Or anyone who is left-leaning but has found that thinking 43% of the country is inherently evil isn't doing anything for their mood.

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