Part of the Chortle Comedy Book Festival

It is a common refrain that ‘political correctness is killing comedy’ – that in a world of identity politics, concerns about ‘punching down’ are all-too easily triggered, leading comedians to shy away from any jokes that may cause offence.

Are increasing sensitivities stifling comedians, long seen as a bastion of free speech, and encroaching on their freedom to confront sensitive subjects with humour? Or is it right that stand-ups and writers are being called out to justify demeaning comments about already marginalised groups that could normalise abuse? Is comedy excused anything? Does it not have a role in making a better society? Or do those who object to controversial jokes make martyrs of the politically incorrect? Is ‘free speech’ really ever free?

Journalist Yasmin Alibhai-Brown – author of In Defence of Political Correctness – in spirited conversation with the comedian Andrew Doyle, who satirises identity politics with his Twitter persona Titania McGrath, author of the ‘manifesto’ Woke: A Guide to Social Justice.

In association with Chortle

This session is also included in Chortle Comedy Book Festival Day Ticket. Access to single sessions for Day Ticket holders is subject to room capacity.

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