Geoff Norcott's 'Right-Leaning But Well-Meaning' is at Underbelly George Square in August so we caught up with him for a little Q and A.
Geoff Norcott
Please tell us about your brand of comedy.
I’m a political comic, but I try to do it with a light touch…. I have to really, because I also vote Conservative.
What can audiences expect from your new show?
Tales from appearing on Question Time, thoughts on the General Election, why I struggle with compassion and paying tax, why my wife thinks I have ‘resting coma face’…..all this and more.
Which comedians have been your biggest influence since you decided this was your path?
Like a lot of comics, Bill Burr and Louis CK. They have a raw simplicity about what they do. They can go from politics to everyday observational humour and it doesn’t really seem like a stretch. Even though I do politics I might still want to break out into a story about my one armed father going to a fancy dress party as a one armed bandit.
What random things make you laugh in everyday life?
My dog. She’s the most unbelievable coward. This morning she got chased on our walk by a kitten. In her time she’s been bullied by any number of small animals. It’s like she doesn’t know she has teeth.
Please tell us about your best and worst moment on stage so far.
When Sarah Millican was nice enough to let me open for her at the Apollo.
Though my sister Facebooked that her brother was ‘Live at the Apollo’ so I spent another few months explaining to my friends why I wasn’t on telly. So in some ways it was both my best and worst.
Do you still get nervous when you do a gig?
Yes, but it’s not rational these days. I can go in in a big theatre and be fine. Then sometimes I’m walking out in a small room above a pub and I get anxious. Maybe I’m just claustrophobic.
Why is Edinburgh Fringe Festival such a great platform for comedians?
Everyday there are loads of people walking around who want to see shows and who want to laugh. It’s a challenge making them think yours is worth a look, but one that I enjoy.
And if you don’t get audience you can drink until 4am and no-one even thinks that’s weird.
Who are you looking forward to seeing at the Fringe?
My wife and kid are coming up for the middle bit. Sorry if that’s soppy but you never specified they had to be performers.
What is your advice to aspiring comedians?
If you ever stop aspiring consider retiring.
What is the oddest heckle you've ever received?
‘Would you PLEASE stop swearing’ (My Mum)
What is next for you?
I have a holiday with my wife, kid and in laws booked. It normally takes me a while to wind down from the fringe so I may still be trying out material on Spanish waiters, but I’ll calm down eventually.
Geoff Norcott's 'Right-Leaning But Well-Meaning' is at Underbelly George Square (Wee Coo), 3-27 August (not 14) at 6.40pm
http://www.underbellyedinburgh.co.uk/whats-on/geoff-norcott-right-leaning-but-well-meaning
www.geoffnorcott.com
@GeoffNorcott
Tagged in Edinburgh Festival Fringe