Matt Forde: The Political Party

Matt Forde, former Labour-advisor turned stand-up comedian, brings his Political Party to the British Library: a brand new show celebrating politics and its big personalities. Guests so far have included George Galloway, Jack Straw, Nigel Farage and Charles Clarke. 

Matt will open the show with a mix of topical stand-up and political impressions and then introduce tonight's special guest from the world of politics - Matthew Parris - to discuss and debate their views and beliefs, before throwing it open to the audience for their questions. 

• Matthew Parris is the perfect guest for the British Library's Propaganda season, having both served as a Member of Parliament and worked as a journalist. He spent seven years as the Conservative MP for West Derbyshire, following a spell working directly for Margaret Thatcher. Since leaving parliament he has become an influential and outspoken columnist for The Spectator and The Times, commanding respect across the political divide for his witty and insightful contributions to shows such as Have I Got News For You. 
• An unashamed fan of politics and politicians, Matt Forde worked for the Labour party before embarking on a career in comedy. With recent appearances on Have I Got News For You, and Russell Howard's Good News he is a rapidly becoming one of the UK's leading names in topical stand-up. He is a regular voice on radio, hosting Extra Time every Friday night on the Sony-Award winning talkSPORT. Matt was part of the Russell Howard and Jon Richardson Show on BBC 6 Music, and has been a guest on Al Murray’s Radio 2 Show (BBC Radio 2), The News Quiz and The Now Show (both BBC Radio 4). Behind the cameras, Matt is a writer on Russell Howard’s Good News (BBC Three), 8 Out of 10 Cats and The Last Leg (both Channel 4).

‘Forde is a first-class comic… certain to ruffle the feathers of the right-on brigade’ Guardian

Make your night even more pleasurable with a free drink at our bar. Peyton and Byrne are providing a complimentary cocktail with every ticket bought for this event. Simply show your ticket at the bar between 18.00 and 19.00 on the night.