Political comic and activist Mark Thomas brings new show Black and White to Eastleigh | Big Interview

We are ostensibly talking about his new show, Black and White, but given the timing, The Guide couldn’t resist asking what someone who has previously described themselves as a ‘libertarian anarchist’ and renowned scourge of the establishment had made of the preceding fortnight.

Mark’s immediate response is laughter, followed by: ‘You do know who you're talking to?’

He elaborates: ‘I started off thinking, when the Queen died – when Elizabeth Windsor died – obviously she's someone’s grandma, a human being has died, this is sad. People are going to be upset about that and we should respect the fact that they're upset. This is a genuine emotion. Whether I like the monarchy or not, people are going to be upset so I should respect that and give them space.’

‘By day two, I was like: “Come on, I'm joining Celtic...”’ Fans of the Scottish football club had unfurled an anti-monarchy banner during their Champions League tie shortly after The Queen’s death. It was revealed last week that the club was fined £13,000 by UEFA for the ‘provocative banner’.

Speaking about the blanket media coverage, he goes on: ‘It just blows the myth of any kind of impartiality from media out of the water. It was essentially a two week long advertising campaign for the monarchy. The most inane broadcasting, the most cringe-worthy of reporting.

‘What has happened in Ukraine is momentous, that is absolutely really crucial, it's really important. I know people are saying: “This is historic”, well no, every day is historic. Don't tell me this is THE most historic day – every day is historic!