NJ: Nick Clegg's Mother

Nick Clegg's Mother

JUSTIN:
It's been revealed that Nick Clegg grants his mother the same privilege he allows his coalition partners - i.e. the right to walk all over him whilst wearing shoes caked in diarrhoea. Yes - this is the news that in spite of being a grown man of 45, the Lib Dem leader still finds himself dictated to by his mother on a daily basis. Well, I'm delighted to say that the two of them have joined me here in the studio, in order to discuss their Freudian nightmare of a relationship.

NICK & MRS CLEGG:
Good evening.

JUSTIN:
Now Nick, you've mentioned that your mother regularly gives you instructions, but do you ever actually obey any of them?

NICK:
Oh yes - all the time!

MRS CLEGG:
Liar!

NICK:
Mum, please!

MRS CLEGG:
Don't 'mum, please' me! The truth is, Justin - he never listens to a word I say!

JUSTIN:
Really?

MRS CLEGG:
For instance, I warned him that entering into the coalition would leave him more screwed than an overworked prostitute! But did he take any notice? Nope!

NICK:
Look mum - if it wasn't for the coalition, you wouldn't be able to tell people that your son is the deputy prime minister!

MRS CLEGG:
For your information, I DON'T tell people that!

NICK:
What? Why not?

MRS CLEGG:
Oh, come on Nick! If deputy prime minister were any more of a non-job, it'd be advertised in the Guardian jobs section!

NICK:
What, so you're saying you're not proud of me?

MRS CLEGG:
I'm saying that if you were in possession of a proper job - John Prescott wouldn't be your predecessor!

BRIEF TENSE SILENCE

JUSTIN:
Well, this is awkward!

NICK:
You know; I'm having second thoughts about buying you a mother's day card!

MRS CLEGG:
You wouldn't dare!

NICK:
(SHEEPISH) No, you're right... I wouldn't.

I didn't hear this story.

Personally, I think it needs to be funnier and have more of a twist at the end. It's all a bit too talky.

Dan

I also missed the story, but agree with Dan on'not funny enough; there is no line that really makes the sketch come alive.

There are issues of execution, e.g. if you are trying to create the character of a domineering mother talking to her son is this line in character: "more screwed than an overworked prostitute". That is a host's script type gag, but not a strong one - its a pretty unoriginal line so if you are going to use it you have to find a new way to spin it.

And is a studio set-up with Justin right for the idea? Maybe have Nick and his mum on the Jeremy Kyle show, or in an episode of Sorry or whatever.

I think I am trying to say YWB.

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