Infamous comic Jim Davidson talks to Matthew Jenkin about his new play Stand Up And Be Counted and why we’d all be better off in Dubai.

TYPE Jim Davidson’s name into any internet search engine and you won’t have to surf for long before realising the iconic 70s comedian turned family-friendly TV presenter, has as many enemies as he does friends.

With a back catalogue of gags which have offended everyone from the gay community to the disabled — there’s a long list — Davidson has become somewhat of a hate figure among today’s more socially conscious comedy fans.

Now the unrepenting Kidbrooke-born comic has gone and shocked his critics once again with self-penned play Stand Up And Be Counted, premiering at The Orchard Theatre in Dartford this month.

Lampooning the world of stand-up, Davidson plays Eddie Pierce — a middle-aged, old-fashioned bigot.

Art imitating life?

“Yes, to an extent,” explained the frank old school comedian.

“The difference between Eddie Pierce and me is that Eddie is from the Bernard Manning school of thought where everything is ok.

“I don’t do that, contrary to popular belief.

“I choose whether to cause that offense or not.”

The play sees Eddie square-up to three of his staunchest critics from the next generation of comedy — a black, gay and female comedian.

Alternative comedy is typically perceived as a reaction to the type of politically incorrect humour which Davidson champions.

So Stand Up And Be Counted is an intriguing counter back-lash.

However, if being PC means not being a racist, homophobic, sexist bigot, then what’s wrong with that? Or are we all just being too bloody sensitive?

“It seems to be ok to have a go at the rich and famous but not to have a go at the oppressed, even if they are funnier,” bemoaned Davidson.

“I think PC just fuels the bigots. They think, how come these people are a protected species?

“That’s what Eddie Pierce asks. He can’t get his head round PC, but I can.

“I don’t like it but I understand the concept of it.”

Perhaps furious at being gagged because of his increasingly unfashionable, er, gags Davidson upped sticks in 2004 and moved to the land of the free — tax free that is, Dubai.

According to Davidson it’s a country where everyone lives in peace and harmony.

So what’s the secret to this little piece of heaven on Earth? Well, only a benevolent dictatorship.

“Dubai is a law-abiding, multi-cultural, non-racist, non-sexist society and that’s because it isn’t a democracy.

“After a while you stop being told what to do and get on with it because you realise it’s a better way to live.”

So, Davidson for leader anyone? At least he’s honest.

Stand Up And Be Counted. The Orchard, Dartford. February 28 to March 5. Call 01322 220000 or visit orchardtheatre.co.uk