Another MP turns to stand-up

Labour MP Steve Pound is following in the footsteps of his friend Lembit Opik in attempting to become a stand-up comic.

The Opposition backbencher, who represents Ealing North, will take to the stage of central London’s Backstage Comedy Club next Wednesday.

Held in Café Koha, off Leicester Square, it is the same venue where Opik made his stand-up debut in June. Pound was in the audience that night, and made several interruptions from the floor.

Pound said: ‘Having spent my political life among amateur comedians I thought I’d see how the professionals do it.

‘Having done slouch down I’m giving stand-up a go and I ask for no more than charitable kindness from the carnivores next week – but I’m not holding my breath.’

Backstage promoter Robert Meakin added: ‘Steve has long-established himself as one of the House of Commons’ most entertaining speakers. We’re delighted he’s agreed to come down and try his luck. Obviously stand-up is a rather different genre, so it’ll prove an interesting night.’

In 2004, Pound tabled an early day motion in the Commons marking the 10th anniversary of Bill Hicks’s death, calling the comedian an ‘unflinching and painfully honest political philosopher’.

Published: 17 Sep 2010