Every Joke is a Tiny Revolution

'Every joke is a tiny revolution. Whatever destroys dignity, and brings down the mighty from their seats, preferably with a bump, is funny. And the bigger the fall, the bigger the joke.' (George Orwell, 1945) In a wide-ranging conversion looking back over more than three decades in stand-up, award-winning writer and comedian Mark Steel will be discussing the sweet spot between comedy and activism, and how the role of comedy has evolved in an era of rapid social and political change.

Mark Steel is best known for his critically acclaimed BBC Radio 4 show 'Mark Steel's in Town', his BAFTA-nominated 'Mark Steel Lectures' for BBC Two, and his regular appearances on 'Have I Got News for You' and BBC Radio 4's 'The News Quiz'. He has also written several acclaimed books, including this year's 'The Leopard in My House', a deeply personal look at his recent journey on the road to cancer recovery.