Marcus Brigstocke

Marcus Brigstocke is an English comedian who is perhaps best down for the Now Show and the News Quiz, both broadcast at 6:30 pm on BBC Radio 4. He is known for strong left-wing political views and a tendency to criticize those in power, particularly the United States Bush administration and the pro-American British government.

At one point, Marcus wrote a joke mocking the anti-video games movement: “If Pac-Man had affected us as kids, we'd all be running around in dark rooms, munching pills and listening to repetitive electronic music.” This joke has become an internet meme and been ascribed to various people such as the CEO of Nintendo or Bill Gates; those who have heard of it are generally unaware that it was created by Marcus. Marcus expresses irritation at this, but claims that he’s given up the fight.

I am gutted that it has been claimed and passed around by so many people. Intellectual property law will not save me, the false claims will continue until I am man enough to give it all up. - Marcus Brigstocke

Appearances

Marcus is a regular comedian on the Now Show, a topical satirical comedy. Generally, his piece on the show is a five or six minute long monologue on various subjects that he feels strongly about, though generally exaggerated for comedic effect. Some of these are relatively serious political issues (religion, the occupation of Iraq) whilst some are more light-hearted (the state of the Post Office, David Blaine), but all are generally subject to Marcus' "anger". Marcus performed a stand-up routine which was put onto DVD called "Planet Corduroy". Most of the show was comprised of material re-used from his pieces on the Now Show, with a number of new sections added. This show, however, featured a good deal of profanity that was not present in the original Now Show episodes. Marcus has also appeared a number of times on Have I Got News For You, the British comedic panel game.

Political Views

Marcus' comedy tends to be strongly political, and is generally consistent with his left-wing views.

• The War on Terror: Marcus insists that Saddam Hussein was dangerous and that Iraq was a bad place to live, but also points out that conditions have heavily deteriorate since the coalition occupation, at one point commenting: "How do you make Iraq worse?"
• The Bush Administration: Brigstocke was deeply critical of the United States government under President George W. Bush, at one point referring to them as "the hawks and neo-con murderers in the White House. However, he says that he finds America to be "a brilliant idea", but claims that it's "broken".
• Immigration: Marcus is critical of those who complain about immigration and "stealing our jobs", pointing out that they generally only take peoples' jobs because they are generally prepared to work harder and for less.
• United States gun laws: Marcus is also critical of the current United States gun laws, insisting that the Second Amendment is being misinterpreted by missing out "a well regulated militia". He humorously argues that very few people need assault rifles and armour-piercing bullets for "hunting", and satirically asks: "just how big do American deer get?"
• Religion: Marcus is critical of all major religions, but generally respects (or at least steers clear of) faith itself. He is an atheist, and is deeply against the current religious conflicts over the world. At one point, Marcus satirically asks whether “the rest of us can have our planet back”.
• Climate change: Marcus is an environmentalist, and points out that around 80% of the (liberal) scientific community are concerned about climate change, and claims that the anti-climate change lobby's arguments are relatively weak.

Personal life

• Marcus is dyslexic, and says that he often has difficulty with using autocue systems due to this.
• Marcus is an atheist, and is part of Richard Dawkins’ “Out Campaign” supporting atheism. He generally restricts his attacks to religious practice or dogma, rather than at faith itself.
• Marcus has two children and is married.
• Marcus enjoys snowboarding^{[Citation Needed]}.