James Acaster: Represent

Brighton Dome Studio Theatre, New Road, Saturday, October 10

FOR the last four years James Acaster being nominated in the annual Edinburgh comedy awards has been as predictable as the rain.

This year his nod for the show Represent saw him beat Al Murray’s dubious record for the most consecutive nominations without a win – the Pub Landlord scooped the award on the fourth time of asking.

Not that it bothers the Kettering native.

“It’s a nice compliment,” he says. “If you’re seeing me just because you see I’ve been nominated for an award you’ve got to know you’re taking a risk. Comedy is a subjective thing. There are people who hate Morecambe And Wise. If you don’t like it, it’s no-one’s fault!”

The backbone of Represent is Acaster’s time on a jury for a double murder.

“It’s about my obsession with my fellow jurors,” he says. “I judged them more than I judged the actual defendant. Lots of people have the curiosity of wanting to do jury service. You have to quickly decide how to co-operate with 11 strangers, to value other people’s opinions and question your own.”

He is looking forward to coming to Brighton.

“After London the place I’ve gigged in most is Brighton,” he says. “Coming from Kettering I didn’t like going to London – it was so busy and felt very claustrophobic.

“Even though I live there now, I love going to Brighton, walking down to see the sea. It’s quite a liberal, open and easy-going place. I’m one of the least controversial comics on the circuit but in Brighton I can say something and feel slightly edgy for a second.”

Starts 7.30pm, tickets £15.50/£13. Call 01273 709709.