TV COMEDIAN Geoff Norcott will bring his new show ‘Taking Liberties’ to Bromsgrove’s Artrix on Wednesday, March 4, writes Ashton Price.
The provocative stand-up has appeared on many shows, including Mock the Week, Live at the Apollo and The Mash Report.
Geoff has also appeared frequently on Question Time, Radio 4 and written for the Daily Telegraph and The Independent.
He has written material for Have I Got News For You, Channel 4’s Alternative Election, Judge Romesh, Roast Battle and JFL’s Katherine Ryan Stand-up show.
Ahead of the tour he was interviewed by comedy editor and writer Brian Donaldson.
He asked the Cambridge comedian if, given how quickly the British political landscape had shifted, he was expecting to rewrite sections of the show as the tour progressed.
Geoff said: “The general election meant there was a whole section that needed rewriting which is both annoying and exciting.
“At its heart, the show is about being told what to do and being told off, and I think a lot of people hate that.
“It’s not a right-left thing, but that guides a lot of my political views – we all like to imagine our politics to be a pure dissertation of the world around us, whereas I’ve started thinking that it’s more about emotional reactions to things.
“So now, whether it’s people telling you what words to use, food to eat or where you can fly, I just don’t like being told what to do.”
He added other topics included sweeping gender generalisations about men and women and automation.
“Take driverless cars – I like driving and I think it’s healthy to be in charge of your own safety and location.
“To my son, who’s almost four, my ability to be able to drive to places without google maps is going to make me seem like a wizard.”
Prior to picking up the mic, Geoff was an English teacher and he said there were similarities between the two professions.
“When I was a supply teacher there was a quick need to establish yourself in front of a room full of strangers.”
On the stand-up he added: “You turn up at a place and have 500 people there to watch you – that’s a privilege.”
Tickets for Taking Liberties are available from artrix.co.uk or by calling 01527 577330.
