The last in a sixteen date series of interviews with people from varied strands of public life. Mark Thomas has won great respect for his work as a comedian, actor and writer, and especially for his political activism across 3 decades. The interviewer was local comedian Keir McAllister, although firelighter might be a more appropriate term. Keir didn't so much ask questions as put a match to the blue touchpaper and allow Thomas to fizz, sparkle and explode into unstoppable monologues that continuously entertained.
They covered his beginnings in comedy and political activity, the importance of his father in his life, and a period working as a writer for the great Dave Allen. As his desire to help people got stronger, so did his ability to become an annoyance to those with power over others, and he had wonderful tales of the lengths taken to wind up the likes of Nicholas Soames and Michael Heseltine.
Coming more up to date Thomas was passionate in his views on the Grenfell tragedy, and the conversations he had with some of the firemen who attended the blaze were inspiring, but also shocking for the willful disdain of politicians for the lives of the poorest in society. He is, of course, doing what he can to help, and raise awareness.
McAllister occasionally got in the odd question, but often found that no more than a few syllables could be uttered before Thomas was off again - although Mark did happily acknowledge that he recognised his 'failing'. Not that the audience could complain for his words are never wasted, and Mark is a master of storytelling. He could have gone on for hours, and we could have listened to him, for he is always funny, and endlessly interesting.
Thomas is an inspiration to those who want art to be relevant to society, and have the power to change things. Long may he continue.
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