Webchat with Russell Brand - Weds 12 Nov - 1 o'clock

[JustineMumsnet]

We're very pleased to say that Russell Brand is joining us on Wednesday 12 November between 1 and 2pm.

For those who don't know, Russell Brand is a comedian, actor and author.

His latest book, Revolution, sets out his views for political change - because, he says, "democracy has been taken away from us".

You might have caught his recent interview on Newsnight, which was widely discussed on the boards.

This is his third book, following My Booky Wook and Booky Wook 2: This Time It's Personal and has just published the first in a new series of children's books Russell Brand's Trickster Tales: The Pied Piper of Hamelin, written by Russell and illustrated by Chris Riddell.

Please do join us on Wednesday - or if you can't, feel free to post questions in advance, here.

(Reminder that we only allow one question and one follow-up per user, so make sure to use yours wisely )

What was it like working with Helen Mirren in "Arthur"?

If you thought there would be more mums, who do you think you are takking to?

@Jenfellows31

What do you think of the Queen and The Royal family? Do we really need them? Xx

No... I'm conflicted. Because I love the pageantry, the outfits, the ceremony. But I know in my heart that it's a symbol of elitism and the hierarchy - how could it be anything else?

JustineMumsnet (MNHQ) Wed 12-Nov-14 13:21:40
ChippingInAutumnLover
Which MNHQer is typing for Russel?
We have 2 lovely typists - SophieMumsnet and HannahMumsnet - and he's alternating between the two (as it were).

There's going to be some serious envy over that, Sparkling and Axis have probably submitted their CV's for next time already!

*talking

Hi Russell

Love your work!

I've seen your standup shows and they're excellent (I saw your most recent at the Cliff's Pavilion in Westcliff). Will you be doing any more standup comedy or will you be focusing more on politics?

ps - you smiled at me while you were cycling up Kingsland Road recently with your dog - made my day!

Mmm, that's a no, then - he leapt right over all the questions about woman. I suppose women aren't important in his revolution then. Plus ca change, plus ca meme chose.

@MuddyBootsAndPinkCoats

Russell. Do you think that post credit crisis, quantitative easing has simply propped up anyone with an investments or home and the expense of large swathes of the population having to work on non-living wages.

i.e. are we becoming a nation of slaves.

I think you're spot on muddybootsandpinkcoats.

@MrsStevenPatrickMorrissey

Hi Russell,

My question for you is 'what is your favourite smiths/morrissey song'???

Thanks,

Mrs Moz

My favourite Morrissey song at the moment is the one that goes, 'There's more to life than books you know, but not much more'. I'm thinking about books a lot at the moment.

Morrissey was the first person to read Revolution and he said "well, you've done it kitten face".

Charli69, do you mean the one at 9.38am?

"When I have been discussing my views towards corrupt politicians, tax avoiding and the media's propaganda based existence with other people, I have found myself getting extremely irate with the level of ignorance people have. What would you suggest saying to these people to help their eyes be opened to the well needed world change? "

Are you disappointed it's still there and there's no conspiracy?

How can we involve poor people (myself) across the country in protests etc when the means are not there to do so? travelling, food, shelter. Ive often wanted to help the cause but cant afford to do so.

Zing you could've popped them out even without the baby present if you wanted to be naked in front of Russell.

Unless you were in a shop, obv.

Are you just ignoring the first 10 or 15 pages?

Ooh yes Chipping. Occupation: Russell Brand's typist. Fantastic.

@AussieTrewsFan

Your book suggests that spirituality is an essential part of the revolution and that 'blind' faith in science is problematic. This concept challenges me. Organised religion aside, how can we 'access' the spirituality you advocate in the context of working towards the revolution?

Thank you for giving us hope.

You can answer that in a really complicated way - but we all know what love is, and we all know what service is - and when you're engaged in those things, you feel better. One of the fundamental ideas in revolution - and the Pied Piper - is a shift from systems that have economics (greed) at their core, to systems that have love (social connections) at their core.

@BeyondTheLimits

If you thought there would be more mums, who do you think you are takking to?

In a way, it doesn't matter because my core spiritual belief (and the Dalai Lama's) is that essentially, in truth, and in deed, we are all one part of the living garment of God.

Would you say a Jaffer is a biscuit or a bun? ??

JustineMumsnet - Sorry. Please ignore previous message. Having one of those blind moments!

Please tell us about "Your Morrisey" - your cat. Do you talk to him, and is he vegetarian?

Oh my days, thanks for answering my question Russell, and a very apt choice of song too 'Handsome Devil' ;-)

@ACTRESS1976

Hi russell one actor to another.... as a darn good looking chap you often get cast as a loveable rogue . Is there any really meaty role you would like to be offered and if so what is it please . Im a big fan x Sue Thomas

Firstly, fantastic picture.

Hamlet, Tartuffe, Jesus, Rasputin - or Willy Wonka.

tiny

the "girls" are most certainly not for the eyes of Mr Brand, but thought I'd mention that bf mums are present.

I wouldn't be bf if it was Skype - you'd have to discuss that with SB

You believe in a God?!

@ArcheryAnnie

Mmm, that's a no, then - he leapt right over all the questions about woman. I suppose women aren't important in his revolution then. Plus ca change, plus ca meme chose.

Don't worry - only half way through - we'll get there...

Love u russell ! Do u think more should be done for single parents no one sets out to be a single parent but a lot of people find themselves struggling on their own through no fault of their own and don't fit in with the husband wife 2.4 children that society expects of them x