Comedian Matt Forde provides Katherine MacAlister with an insight into his passion

While most of us rub our hands in glee over any political scandal, Matt Forde is comparatively ecstatic. Unashamedly dining out on Westminster’s transgressions, he is fast becoming the new face of political comedy.

“Every political gaffe is gold dust to me, especially a nice silky scandal,” the comedian says unapologetically.

“But it’s also titbits like John Major tucking his shirt into his underpants or Milliband’s team applauding him when he walks into a room that is equally good grist to the mill, as much as Lord Sewell, the coke and the hookers. Because all politicians are still human beings.”

As a Labour supporter and lover of politics does he ever feel torn then deriding his main passion?

“No, you can still respect politics and ridicule it. The people who enjoy Spitting Image or The Thick Of It the most are voters,” he tells me.

It does mean that Matt needs to be constantly on the ball, writing new material daily to keep on top of political events, a challenge he relishes.

Matt’s love of politics also means he spends a lot of time at Westminster gossiping away with his sources.

“Some politicians are becoming wary of me,” Matt admits, “but others know it’s all part of the game.”

So where else does he find his material?

“Well Twitter is a gift because people always contradict themselves and hypocrisy is often as good as a scandal. And although gleeful, I’m not vitriolic, although the British do love a good banana skin – it appeals to their sense of humour.

“Besides politicians are pretty thick-skinned. They know what to expect and I’m not party political. I take the Mick out of everyone.”

So why isn’t he in politics himself, rather than being a voyeur?

“Being a politician is a huge responsibility and commitment. More than that, I enjoy being a comedian. I get a lot of satisfaction from being a stand-up. I like being silly.

“So even when I was working in politics I always did the odd gig here or there and realised I loved the thrill of it more than anything else.

“They say talk about what you know, so politics was always going to be my platform. It was a natural transition.”

So what is it that Matt loves so much about the political arena? “I love the rivalries. Westminster is just a theatre bordering on panto, full of weird and wonderful people. Plus, there is always something happening, something new to report.”

Pig-gate and Corbyn must have been gifts then?

“Less is more where Pig-gate is concerned, so I mention it sparingly. Corbyn on the other hand is more complex because people are still making their own minds up about him, but it does guarantee that the next five years won’t be boring.”

What does Matt make of the new Labour leader? “Well he is deliberately shabby and scruffy – you wouldn’t go to a job interview dressed like that and his indignation at getting heckled is hilarious. He knows the score and his supporters are amongst the most vociferous. But more than anything I do love his teacherly stare.”

Any other favourites?

“Milliband was a gift. Boris, William Hague, Sturgeon.”

If you want to see Matt for yourself, now’s your chance because he is in the middle of his first ever tour, and coming to Oxford’s Glee Club on Wednesday.

“I’ve got a long way to go but I’m really enjoying myself. What more can you ask for?”

SEE HIM
Matt Forde appears at The Glee Club, Hythe Bridge Street, Oxford, on Wednesday, November 18, at 7.30pm. Tickets £11. 0871 4720400 or glee.co.uk/Oxford