Mock The Week: Nottingham comedian Matt Forde helps kicks-off 14th series tonight

Matt Forde helps starts the new series of Mock The Week tonight; Rachel Gorman talks to the local comedian and broadcaster

Politicians beware, satirical sharp-wit Matt Forde is tough on politics, tough on the causes of politics.

This summer, the 32-year-old, who grew up in Sneinton, will be returning to Edinburgh Festival Fringe with his brand new stand-up show Get the Political Party Started – which pulls apart (as Matt phrases it) "the idiots who govern us and the idiots who tried to win the election".

"I'm taking the mickey out of everyone really," the former Labour Party adviser confirms with a chuckle.

"The usual ones get some stick, like UKIP, but there are some new kids on the block now like the SNP and the Greens, so I take the mickey out of them as well."

It's probably fair to assume Matt will have a fair few truth bombs in his arsenal following the recent general election.

On the night itself, the 8 Out Of Ten Cats writer was hooked on the gripping count results.

"I had a night out and I went to a couple of things near Parliament and then me and a mate watched it on a big screen, drinking all night.

"I loved it. It was such a dramatic night. It's quite brutal but it's quite cool seeing such big names lose their seats. It's a bit like a World Cup."

As part of his monthly live show, The Political Party with Matt Forde, [available on soundcloud] Matt has interviewed the likes of Nigel Farage, George Galloway and David Lammy.

"I think it's good to have a grounding in politics and have more of an understanding – other than just 'doesn't this guy look funny?' Even though a lot of them do.

"I meet a lot of them and I think it's not always about ideology. There are some people that are just very likeable.

"Vernon Coaker in Gedling is one of the soundest people you are ever going to meet in your life. He's an absolute legend, Vernon Coaker, and I'd like to see him get a more senior role in the party really.

"But in terms of personalities Farage is just the most hilarious man in politics. No one wants to be disengaged and I think having big personalities helps. I'm always fascinated with the how and why people got into politics and what is their view of the world."

An admirer of Charles Kennedy, Matt says the former Liberal Democrat leader's death had "a tragic inevitability about it really".

"He obviously died far too young and it's tragic because he was such a thoroughly decent person, but he was clearly struggling for a very long time with his health. He was a sweet man and you don't get many political figures, particularly party leaders, like that.

"He had a niche all of his own to be quite honest; decency, honesty, intelligence and wit. I don't think there's anyone else out there like him really."

Tonight, Matt can be seen on BBC2 as the new series of Mock The Week kicks off, but the former Becket School pupil says he won't be watching.

"I'll be gigging so I won't be able to watch it live, but I don't tend to watch myself on TV. Or I do, but only watch bits of it later.

"You start thinking 'oh god I'm fat' and stuff like that. It's not good for you. I guess the closest thing I can compare it to is that nobody likes the sound of their own voice on a tape."

One thing he does like (and even miss) is his home town.

"My family is still in Nottingham and all my mates. I try to come back for Forest games when I can. And I want to come back for Goose Fair, I love it. I really miss it; I really miss Nottingham. London has never filled that hole in the same way that Nottingham does.

"And I really miss the accent. It's quite a quirky place Nottingham, which you don't really realise until you move."

Mock The Week, tonight, BBC2, 10pm. Matt Forde performs his new show Get the Political Party Started at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe from August 5-30. mattforde.com