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_Answering Back : Andy Parsons

One of the country's foremost topical comedians, Andy Parsons is familiar to the nation's TV viewers as a lynchpin of BBC2's light-hearted quiz show Mock The Week in which he gives the weekly news a sharp ribbing. Surprisingly for someone who has been performing stand-up comedy for years, he's only now going out on the road with a full solo show, appearing at The Glee Club (Oct 9, 2007) as part of the BRMB Birmingham Comedy Festival.

Last album you bought?

That would have been Sam's Town by The Killers. I went to see them live and they just connected, they were just fantastic. I like their energy, everyone was dancing. I enjoy having a little wiggle myself.

Last gig you went to?

Incubus. I am a fan, but not as much as my girlfriend who gave me their albums so I could prepare before we went. There are a little too heavy for me.

Last film you saw?

Bourne Ultimatum. There's some great set pieces and I enjoyed the others on DVD. Do I think he's the new James Bond? No, I don't think so. They've said they aren't going to do anymore haven't they? So it's not going to be a 40 year franchise. And he's American. So he can't be the next James Bond.

Last time you went to the theatre?

It was a farce called Boeing Boeing. It was s'posed to rejig the farce format but it did seem caught in the farce past. And I saw a musical recently called Drowsy Chaperone which has come over from the States. It's done by fans of musicals, you can really tell, it's almost a p***-take of musical styles. Elaine Paige had a cameo when I saw it.

Last book you read?

Health Policy In Britain. I was interested to know the details on how the NHS was shaped, about its past and future. I often read things like that.

Last time you lost your temper?

I can't really remember ... I don't really lose it ... so it must be a good sign that I can't remember...

What's always in your fridge?

Usually lettuce because we're not very good at eating it. There's always garlic and there's always marmalade too, so if anyone comes back from the pub and wants something to eat ... they can have lettuce, garlic and marmalade...

This is your first solo tour ...

Yes it is, my first tour. I've done Edinburgh [Fringe Festival] before but never put together anything for a 36 date tour. Why? No one's ever offered before, and I'm very grateful they have now.

Is there a theme behind the show?

No. Given what I do, it'll be very topical and changing every night. Is there a particular sort of story you'll look out for? Whatever ... usually something with an emotional resonance ... I can usually find something to be cross about...

What's next after the tour?

Mock The Week's done, and everyone's pretty happy with it, and I have a Radio 4 sitcom written, which we'll be recording next month for broadcast in the new year. The final title is to be sorted out. Basically, it's myself as someone struggling to feel content and each week there's a different thing to try. There'll be cameos from other stand-up comics, and it's my first sitcom.

Interview by Dave Freak for What's On magazine, October 2007. No reproduciton without prior permission.

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Andy Parsons