‘For me, comedy is a place to switch off from the real world’

Looking in at the Comedy Box with his new show Can’t Be Bothered, Stephen Bailey has made a name for himself for being a little gossip – but this year he’s grown up and decided to have a conversation with you (but a funny one – he’s still Channel 5’s darling)  – about everything that is going on in the world.

In an era when everyone is expected to have an opinion on everything, Stephen just can’t be bothered. But does being complacent make him complicit? For the first time, Stephen shows his vulnerability on stage as he explores what it’s like to be a woke comedian.

We grabbed a quick chat with the effervescent (and in fact fairly opinionated) Mr Bailey.

“In a time where everyone is expected to have an opinion on everything, Stephen just can’t be bothered”  – which topics can you not be bothered to form an opinion on? 
Well, to be fair, I do have opinions on everything but I don’t think we should keep expecting people to defend every opinion. Live and let live!
And I can’t be bothered having to defend my existence. I can’t be bothered defending myself to homophobes who shout at me and my boyfriend for holding hands in the street. I imagine they’ve just been through a break-up! Honest to god, you’d think I was cupping his balls!

And are there any topics where you *have* decided where you stand?
The thing I believe in the most is that the majority of people are decent, hardworking people just trying to support their family, and that we have to acknowledge that everyone’s means and circumstances are different. Some people might be able to take a week off work to go on a march for climate change and other households might only be able to recycle, use a metal straw, holiday in the UK and shop in charity shops – that’s good too!

What does being a ‘woke’ comedian mean to you?
I don’t know really.

Do you feel there’s more pressure, as a comedian, to be well-informed and to have a take on politics, the environment etcetera, now than in previous years?
Yes, if you want to get on the BBC. I think it’s important to read and try and understand what’s going on in the world because by being complacent, you’re being complicit.
But, at the same time, people need to engage in conversation. You have to talk and you have to listen! For me, comedy is a place to switch off from the real world because it’s relentless at the moment.

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Was Celebrity Coach Trip an enjoyable journey for you?
Best experience I ever had! Got to meet BLUE!!! And we made friends with some people for life. Plus getting to do it with my little Brennan was a treat.

You’ve performed in Bristol before…do you like gigging here? 
Bristol is a fun crowd. I like people who come to comedy to enjoy themselves rather than review it or judge it! And Bristol does just that, the wine is flowing and the laughter is high.

You’ll be in town on Valentine’s Day. Any Valentine’s treats for your audience?
I’ll snog anyone that wants one.

Stephen Bailey performs Can’t Be Bothered at the Comedy Box at the Hen & Chicken Studio on Friday, February 14. For more info and to book tickets, visit www.thecomedybox.co.uk

Read more: Interview: Tom Rosenthal (1532 Centre, Feb 29)