Without satire, are comedians forced to the ‘edge’ of taste in order to make an impact?

It seems that the closest we come to political satire is to go through the motions of monotonously and superficially asserting the tired cultural norm of cynicism towards authority.

The demand for a new satire continues to go unsatisfied. Has it's chances of resurrection been irreparably damaged by new laws governing offence and the more insidious cultural unwillingness to upset anyone?

Is the upsurge of participation in stand-up comedy a new opportunity for satire to emerge? Finally, when the content of comedy seems all 'observational' and sketch based, we should ask 'What happened to the joke?"

The panellists will be Tim Black from Spiked-online and Simon Fanshawe, writer, broadcaster, comedian and activist. The discussion will set out to encourage contributions from the audience and it will be chaired by the Brighton Salon’s Sean Bell.

Wed, 20th Jan 2010, Start 7.30pm to 9pm The Open House Pub, Sringfield Road, East Sussex BN1 6BZ (map & directions)