GIVEN Steve Hughes’ reputation for forthright and, at times, outrageous comedy, it was with some trepidation that I asked him to explain the title of his show, While It’s Still Legal, which comes to Blackburn next week.

While what is still legal, I wondered.

“Comedy mate,” he replied in his broad Aussie accent, unaffected by living in Manchester for several years.

“Let’s face it, the way things are going all comedy could just disappear,” he said. “We’ve got health and safety, political correctness — soon the way we think will be controlled, so comedy’s not got a chance.”

Steve’s comedy is rather like his music — he is a former member of various hardcore heavy metal bands. It’s in your face, incessant and powerful.

But behind the ranting lies a razor sharp mind capable of thought-provoking if, at times, controversial comedy.

“I don’t mind anyone objecting to my comedy,” said Steve. “If they choose to walk out I think ‘good for them’ —they have considered what I have said and decided it’s not for them. That’s freedom.

“My worry for the future is that we have authorities trying to make everyone conform. We are being told what to do.

“But you can’t police the intellect, a comedian can’t be told what to do. I want to have the right to appear outrageous to some people or offensive to others.

“I have always been one of those people who challenges things but if people don’t think about what is going on then there’s a danger that everything will disappear.

“I use the new show to at least make people think about what’s going on around them.”

While It’s Still Legal comes to King George’s Hall next Friday as part of the Blackburn and Darwen Comedy Festival and marks a return to Blackburn for Steve.

“I enjoy playing to northern audience,” he said. “I see myself as a bit of an honorary northerner having lived in Manchester.”

  • Steve Hughes, While It’s Still Legal, King George’s Hall, Blackburn, Friday, October 11. Details from the box office on 0844 847 1664.
  • The Frog and Bucket, Preston, Thursday October 10.