Geoff Norcott interview

What can listeners expect from Working Men's Club?

It's four half hours of live comedy from the antiquated safe-space of a 'working men's club'. Over the years blokes have lost some of those locations. I'm ashamed to admit I don't even have a shed. Though we did allow women in the audience, mainly for legal reasons.

You're at the Edinburgh Fringe in August with the return of Basic Bloke and published The British Bloke Decoded last year - somewhat of a running theme...?

I guess I'm exploring what I alone am calling the 'Blokesophere'. We've had the 'Manosphere' and frankly some of that is a bit much, so I'm standing up for the radical idea that most blokes are alright. They're simply trying to be a calm and dependable presence for the people they love, however the share price of 'Men' has tumbled a bit so I'm trying to provide some reassurance.

What themes does the show explore?

There's so much. In this series we look at everything from men's experience of pregnancy, to friendship and why blokes rarely apply sun-screen. It turns out two thirds of blokes actually believe men's skin is more impervious to the sun. It's not, but it's fun to find out why so many of us share that delusion.

There's an odd duality where certain liberal commentators clutch their pearls over the rise of people like Andrew Tate, but simultaneously don't seem interested in the reasons for his emergence. The stats on male health and life outcomes are shocking, but when you look at something like the predominance of male substance abuse the answer can be along the lines of 'They do it to themselves'. However an issue affecting women like self-harm is viewed as something they're compelled to do by society. My show isn't a serious look at these issues, but I do engage with them where I can.

Are there any other similar taboos or imbalances in modern discourse that you've noticed?

Yes! Women openly perv over men in the public eye these days. At the same time as men have rightly been encouraged to wind their necks in when commenting on women's appearances, I recently heard a female radio host called a male actor 'eye candy'. There was also that weird trend of female journalists crushing on Keir Starmer. But I guess if someone as insipid as Starmer can get groupies there's hope for all of us.

You're noted for commenting in recent years that the Conservative Government wasn't conservative enough - i.e. too left-wing. What are your political thoughts for the year ahead, now the explicit left, Labour, are in power?

Ever since Covid, when so many governments basically did the same thing, and the response to Truss's mini budget, it's been clear that UK govts will do more or less the same thing in a crisis. In a way it's liberating. I always did jokes about all parties but my view now is very 'none of the above' and looking at the turnout for the election I'm not alone.

How do you think the change of government might affect comedy, if at all?

It'll be a culture shock. Some people have built large followings during 14 years of Conservative government. I guess a lot of them would say Labour aren't left-wing enough and Starmer will quickly become the big baddie, but it will strip some political comedy of some of its urgency. I'm more worried about music to be honest. Britpop was flying in 1996. Then Noel Gallagher had a pint with Blair and it all went to shit.

Do you think political satire failed to hold Labour to account the last time they were in government, restricted to criticism of war - whilst still attacking the Conservatives in opposition?

Yes, in a nutshell, because left wing comic won't be able to get away from the fact that - however many issues they have with the party or leader - they would prefer a Labour Government to a Tory one. So they have to narrow the focus of their discontent. It's all good news for me. I'm finally punching up! I can't wait to start blaming stuff on Labour. Of course you have to give it a reasonable amount of time, so I'm thinking mid August, which luckily coincides with the start of my 5-night run at the Fringe.

What comes after August?

I've got ideas for a third book, possibly looking at the experience of younger men. As always with a comic I've got irons in the fire with scripts and panel show ideas. I guess you've got to hope you're lucky enough to be the next cab off the rank. I'd love to make a sitcom which re-visits the spirit of something like Men Behaving Badly but, as usual, my instincts don't always square with what's fashionable.

Geoff Norcott's Working Men's Club is available to enjoy on BBC Sounds.

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Geoff Norcott - The British Bloke Decoded

By Geoff Norcott

The British Bloke appears simple and straightforward. He loves football, cricket, beer, sheds, wearing socks and books about the SAS.

But beneath that simple exterior lies a mysterious and complex being.

In The British Bloke Decoded, writer, comedian and regular bloke, Geoff Norcott peels back the layers of blokedom, revealing the truth behind the sometimes inexplicable behaviour of Britain's husbands, dads and brothers.

Based on 46 years of field research and almost scientific insights, Geoff digs deep into subjects as wide as: the value of Banter, the surprising roots of Mansplaining, the near impossibility of getting blokes to send birthday cards, and whether there could be a medal system for Hoovering.

And ultimately, he concludes that whilst the toxic men have been grabbing all the publicity - perhaps now's the time to celebrate the simple British bloke in all his eccentric splendour.

First published: Thursday 14th September 2023

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