One hour, an interviewer, an interviewee, and an audience. The simplest format of the chat show. And for this interviewer the easiest job possible. No need to coax answers from his subject, simply light blue touch paper and retire.
Thomas in full flow is an impressive beast, with an endless well of stories to draw from and the talent to find the laughs in even the darkest topic. The conversation (monologues...) covered a variety of stages in the activist's life and career. Memories of childhood exposure to christian preachers which turned him into a life long atheist from an early age. Tales of his earliest vantures into stand up, and how the comedy and the politics were always interlinked. The comedians who inspired him early on, with big names like Dave Allen, Jasper Carrot and Les Dawson featuring. His admiration for the comics who can adapt their whole bodies to the needs of their craft, as Alexei Sayle does. The radical events and campaigns he's been a leading part of, and constant fights against the powers that be - and disdain for a Labour party that fails to do the same.
At the end the audience gets a the chance to pose a few questions, and once again the fuse is lit. What was he proudest of about his TV work? (The changes they helped bring about.) Have his actions ever got him into physical danger? (Sometimes...) And then the hour was gone, so quickly. The In Conversation With series is an excellent start to your Fringing day. Pick some of the people who interest you most and get to know a bit more about them. And maybe some will even be as funny as Mr Thomas.
In Conversation With... is on in the Stand's New Town Theatre every day at midday.
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