» Geoff Norcott interview
Victoria Nangle chats to comic, TV presenter, radio writer, sports fan and romantic Geoff Norcott
Geoff Norcott is watching the cricket. He’s at the England Versus West Indies Test Match and he’s taken five minutes out to talk to me. But, as he admits himself, “To be fair it‘s cricket, so we could talk for five minutes and still nothing might have happened.” He’s prepared to take the gamble of being distracted by me. So what’s this new Edinburgh show all about?
“It’s called The Shocking Truth About Men and Women,” explains Geoff enthusastically. “What it‘s basically about is the fact that I feel that at the moment there are a lot of stereotypes about men and women that have re-emerged. Whereas in the 80s and early 90s we were trying to do away with the stereotypes, they appear to be back in fashion. Obviously in comedy, you talk about the differences between men and women – it‘s a massive subject. I‘m trying to get to the root of this and decide: A, whether these stereotypes are accurate, and B, can you actually find a logical basis for them? I‘m trying to go one step deeper. Are we made to be this way? Is there a genetic reason why men can‘t notice things on the bottom step of the stairs?” Big questions. Any conclusions?
“Er… well… I wouldn‘t like to give it away. I think the conclusions are more about my views and attitudes, and about what I want my marriage to be. You know what I mean?” I get an inkling. “I think I just don‘t want to be one of those husbands at 60 years old just sitting there, who hasn‘t spoke for the best part of five years. I want to keep communicating. Part of the show is just about how rubbish men are, basically. It‘s one of those things that are often mentioned but I think you can make a genetic case for why women is superior to men.”
These are bold statements and I question his motives. “Yes, I think that one of the reasons for this show is that I married my wife five years ago and her engagement ring was an heirloom. I promised her that I‘d buy her her own engagement ring and this year was supposed to be that year. Instead, I‘ve sort of rediverted all the funds into doing Edinburgh. So in many ways the whole show is sort of like a massive apology for not buying her the ring.” Bless. “Loads of girls have got diamond rings, very few women have got their own Edinburgh show in their honour.” Ah. A loved up sports fan comic. And the crowd goes wild.
Geoff Norcott is playing at the Caroline of Brunswick on Wednesday 27 May, 9pm, £5. To buy tickets got to www.carolineofbrunswick.co.uk or call 01273 624434.
