Marcel Lucont interview

Top French stand-up comedian Marcel Lucont has a busy summer ahead of him. We thought it was a good time to ask him a few questions...

Hi Marcel. For those that don't know you yet, could ask you to introduce yourself please?

I am Marcel Lucont, flâneur, raconteur, bon-viveur. I am the most successful French comedian currently working on your island, so really if I must introduce myself to your readership, perhaps they do not deserve to know.

If France is the superior country, how comes you've spent the last few years in the UK?

I spend my time all over the planet, and go where there is a demand for my sophistication, for my superior wit, possibly due to a current lack thereof in those locations. The fact that the majority of my bookings has come from the UK, specifically England, perhaps answers this question.

Mmm... So what do you think of British audiences?

One does not like to generalise, of course, but generally I find them to be lacking the concentration to appreciate true comedy. The younger generation especially seem unable to validate their enjoyment of something unless they have voiced it on 16 social network sites via a mobile phone during a show. Very soon your comedy clubs will be able to forego lighting and simply rely on the illumination provided by the mobile phone glow of the young, bouncing off their shiny, vacant faces.

You've gone as far as to write a book to help us British understand where we're going wrong?

Correct. What We French Think Of You British... And Where You Are Going Wrong is a collection of observations gleaned from my time spent in your country. Yes, to mock provides fun, but to admonish provides funding. I am happy to be an altruist, for the right remuneration. You really should buy this book.

You're often seen on stage with a glass of wine in hand. Where do you get your drink from? Also, isn't the wisdom that you shouldn't drink when performing as it dulls the sharpness of the brain?

I have my own dealer in London. I do tend to make this a priority in every town. And wines are the same as drugs or women - some dull the senses, others enlighten. It is all about learning to pick and choose.

Talking of the stage, you're performing at The War On Want gig on Wednesday. What can people expect?

Yes I am. The Shepherd's Bush Empire is a large venue so alas your view of me will be somewhat distant. Binoculars are advised for the true connoisseur. The polymath Paul Sinha I can recommend from my days of Des Chiffres Et Des Lettres (Countdown to you) at Edinburgh Fringe, and John Moloney shares a similar (i.e. correct) world view to me, especially concerning the young (see above). Marcus Brigstocke I can highly recommend, as one of the few British comics that has put in the time to learn French and perform in this superior comedy tongue. And I am hoping that Sara Pascoe and Isy Suttie will succumb to my charms this time around (fifth / seventh time lucky). Alistair Barrie insists I owe him money, and no doubt this issue will be raised again, although more likely backstage than on it...

We saw you in Edinburgh last August and enjoyed ourselves a lot. Are you heading back to the festival this year?

Of course you did. I shall be returning to Edinburgh Fringe once again, on my own terms this year. The show is Marcel Lucont A La Carte, whereby one can bid for an hour-long show from me, at a time and location of their choice. The highest bidder of the day will get me, and be sent a menu to choose from, including classic routines and some exciting new 'dishes'.

I shall be writing a review of each audience the following day.

Nice. Is it true we'll be able to see you on TV soon too Marcel?

This is true. I shall shortly be appearing on Sky Atlantic's Set List, which has already aired to great acclaim in Australia, and I will be providing the majority of the electricity in BBC Three's Live At The Electric this summer.

War On Want, a charity gig linked to fighting global poverty, was at the Shepherd's Bush Empire on Wednesday 1st May. Now this gig has past, the 2-for-1 ticket deal here has been removed.