People’s Assembly quizzed at comedy panel show

A representative of The People’s Assembly will appear at Monday’s Sod the Tories (and Have a Nice Week) at the Newcastle Stand.

Activist Matthew Giles, from Hebburn, will appear in the ‘Ask the Activist’ slot during the topical panel show hosted by comedian John Scott on behalf of The People’s Assembly, the group established to fight against austerity measures imposed by the coalition government.

Giles, who has ambitions to be a Labour councillor, told Giggle Beats: “The People’s Assembly at its core is about people from all walks of life getting together and tackling government spending cuts.

“We not only do this in the traditional way of going through the usual political and campaigning channels but also via culture, music and humour.

“We are now continuing this by participating in Sod the Tories, which I’m really looking forward to doing.”

The North East branch of the People’s Assembly celebrated its launch with a variety show in September featuring Mr Drayton and Kate Fox, with Mark Steel performing a fundraising gig for them on Halloween evening.

Since launching in May, Sod the Tories, which is available as a podcast hosted by Giggle Beats, has featured stand-up from comedians including Vladimir McTavish, John Whale, Katherine Tanney and Andy Fury.

Previous guests in the ‘Ask the Activist’ slot, which sees comedians posit questions to a special guest, have included union activist Davey Hopper from the Durham National Union of Mineworkers, and TV critic Keith “Telly” Topping.

November’s show marks the end of the first series of Sod the Tories, which is expected to return in the spring.

Tickets are £4, £3 for Stand Together members, or £2 for concessions.

Sod the Tories (and Have a Nice Week) is at The Stand, Newcastle on Monday 25 November 2013. Doors are at 7pm and the show starts at 8.30pm. Tickets are available online or on the door.