Viv Hardwick discovers why Paul Chowdhry thinks it’s a PC World after all

IF ANYONE can live in a PC world, then it’s award-winning stand-up Paul Chowdhry.

His initials, and love of controversy, have combined to bring about his latest PC World tour, which arrives in the region at Stockton’s Arc on Saturday, May 3.

And, in PC’s World, his biggest tour to date, he again poses a series of pertinent questions: Why do some people regard as humorous what others view as highly offensive? Why has tackling the preconceptions of political correctness become so contentious?

“The show explores those things we think but don’t dare say out loud,” says Chowdry. “We might be thinking, ‘He’s an idiot,’ but we won’t say it. We don’t say what we mean. We live in a PC World where things on TV are censored.

“We’re adults, but we’re so heavily censored in the media it’s almost offensive. So, on stage I want to say what I mean – with no fear of censorship.

I’m going to say the type of things I want to say but can’t usually because they’re not PC.”

While aiming to be a thought-provoking comic, Chowdhry is quick to point out that first and foremost he hopes to entertain. “When you’re performing in a room full of people who have given up their evening to see you, you really have to deliver.

“You feel responsible for those people and want them to have the best night of their lives. You’re not going to offend them or be controversial for the sake of being controversial.

“If we were more honest and dared say things, we’d actually be living in a more PC World. Censorship has an adverse effect on human beings.

Honesty creates a much better society. That’s my theme in this show.

“I’m not saying it in black and white. I’m saying it through jokes. Of course I want people to think – but above all I want them to laugh their heads off.”

Chowdhry has raised his profile in front of millions of comedy fans by appearing on BBC1’s Live at the Apollo and as host of Channel 4’s Stand Up For The Week.

Never afraid to shy away from controversy, it’s easy to see why some top comedy critics have compared Paul to the legendary Richard Pryor.

But, despite the acclaim, Paul is quick to describe the rush he gets from live stand-up above all else.

“It’s like no other experience,” said Paul. “I’ve done plays before in Edinburgh, and they’re great, but nothing beats stand-up. It’s simply the purest art form.

“The great thing about live comedy is that during those two hours you’re onstage, absolutely anything can happen.”

Paul, a well-deserved winner of the LAFTA Funniest Stand-Up Award last year, carries on that: “People know me as a stand-up. I’m not known as a panellist or a talking head on TV shows. I’m quite a pure stand-up.

“At a stand-up show, everyone has the sense that ‘this is the moment we’re living in’. Every show is different – you never get the same people in the audience. You won’t ever get that feeling on TV. It gives you such a buzz.”

Paul has headlined the International Indian Kings of Comedy tour, and is widely regarded as the leading British Asian male comedian.

For all that, he has still whipped up a fair amount of controversy during his critically- acclaimed career.

  • Paul Chowdhry: PC’s World. ARC, Stockton. Saturday, May 3. 8pm. £14.00. Box Office: 01642- 525-199 or arconline.co.uk Other dates: Sunday, May 4, Harrogate Theatre