© Steve Ullathorne
Geoff Norcott is a stand up comedian and writer, making a name for himself in recent years for being perhaps the only outspoken right wing comedian at the Edinburgh Festival, disguising thoughtful political comment within entertaining quips about Cameron, Corbyn, and the rest. Norcott has also written for many television shows including 8 out of 10 Cats and Live at the Apollo, and will be performing his latest show Conswervative at the Edinburgh Festival this year.
To learn more about Geoff, I asked him these seven questions…
1) Do you feel that you have a unique selling point as a performer?
I’m a right wing comic. Me going to Edinburgh is like taking a string quartet to Ayia Napa.
2) Are you much of a cook?
In some areas I’m an unreconstructed male, but not in the kitchen. At dinner time I become a 1950’s housewife. My wife doesn’t have a pipe, but I would light it for her if she did.
3) Do you prefer isolation or crowds?
Both. Stand up is isolation within a crowd context.
4) What was the last comedy show you saw that really inspired you?
Bill Burr’s last special. He’s not afraid to lay his more primitive thoughts out for people to laugh with or at. We all think dumb stuff, making it funny is an exciting challenge.
5) Are you a self-conscious person?
Yes. But not on stage. Recently I opened for a household name in front of 3000 people. No nerves. Next day I had a panic attack in Sainsbury’s.
6) What wouldn’t you recommend?
Vanilla comedy. We’ve had a long period of TV stand up under-selling what makes this art form so great. Every stand up should say at least one thing that makes you uncomfortable.
7) What’s your favourite topic of conversation?
Cricket. In age of immediate gratification test cricket is a hilarious anachronism. It’s like people wearing top hats in public. I think Edinburgh shows are like test cricket. You can build an innings. Plus it’s hard to sell tickets.
GEOFF NORCOTT BRINGS HIS SHOW ‘CONSWERVATIVE’ TO THE EDINBURGH FESTIVAL