Bafflingly Optimistic: Andy Parsons Discusses His Latest Tour, Politics, and the State of Comedy
With his Bafflingly Optimistic tour coming to Swindon’s Arts Centre this month, Andy Parsons sat down to talk about his upcoming show, the state of the world, and the joys (and frustrations) of life as a comedian. Parsons, best known for his long-running stint on Mock The Week and his writing work for Spitting Image, has taken his sharp wit on the road once again, this time armed with a blend of humorous social commentary and, perhaps surprisingly, a dose of hope.
At 55, Parsons has seen plenty of change in both the world and in the comedy scene, yet he remains upbeat. His new show, Bafflingly Optimistic, takes on a wide range of subjects, from parenting in uncertain times to the current political landscape. “The world’s gone a bit t*ts up recently,” he quips, “but there are still reasons to be hopeful. The pandemic is over, and, statistically speaking, we’re more united than it might seem.”
Despite his cheery outlook, Parsons doesn’t shy away from weightier topics. His show touches on everything from police criminality to the gender debate, but, as always, humour is at the heart of it. “If you’re talking about news, there need to be laughs,” he says. “You don’t want to feel like you’re watching a Sunday morning political show, especially when you’re out for a good time.”
When asked about his approach to political comedy, Parsons explains that he’s more interested in structural issues than quick-fire jokes about current events. “What’s happening with the Bank of England, inflation, tuition fees – those things won’t change overnight,” he says. However, he doesn’t shy away from poking fun at politicians, with Liz Truss making an appearance in Bafflingly Optimistic as the human equivalent of “a can of beans in the back of the cupboard nobody wants.”
Having left Mock The Week in 2015, Parsons reflects on how the show changed. “It was supposed to be a rival to Have I Got News For You, but gradually the BBC wanted it to be an access show for young comics. When it became that, it was less about the news. I felt it was time to go.” And he hasn’t looked back.
As Parsons embarks on his latest tour, which also takes him to Cirencester in December, he remains optimistic not only about the state of the world but about his own future. His concept of the “Happiness Curve” – where life improves in the later years – has him hopeful for what’s to come. “Here’s hoping,” he laughs, “I’m about to enter my second happiness phase.”
Catch Andy Parsons at the Swindon Arts Centre on Sunday, 15th September and the Sundial Theatre in Cirencester on Thursday, 5th December.
It promises to be a night of big laughs and, as always, plenty of food for thought.
At the time of writing there are still a few seats left at the Arts Centre.
