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 )

Mrs Moz? His mum?

RB- I haven't a clue what your motivations are, but I do agree with a great deal of what you say.

I think you're owed a debt of gratitude on the drugs debate front for raising key issues, and for bravery.

I'm all in favour of redistribution of wealth and loved your new Parklife spoof video, on YouTube today.

But refusing to engage with the voting system won't be enough. So what else?

I shall preface my post with so that there's no danger of you insisting the women working at MNHQ flash you their breasts before you start work.

Russell, do you think you have anything to learn from comedians like Mark Steel and Mark Thomas, who have been active in revolutionary politics for many years now, yet have managed to avoid sexist bullying?

I really like them.

Russell, by not voting, what precedent do you think you are setting for the youth of this country?

Russell, I fucking love you

I nearly met you after the Guardian thing with Owen Jones. I was the chubby lass with long blonde hair who peered into your car when you were parked outside. In my head I wanted to say a million things but as I'm a social twerp I just panicked and blew you a kiss. Idiot I am, I had travelled all the way from Berwick all by myself an all.

I have enjoyed your work from the start and still listen to the radio 6 and 2 podcasts and what most people don't know is you were talking about this revolutionary stuff as far back as 2006, it's not new and it really pisses me off that people think it is some kind of whimsy.

Anyway, actual question: I live up North and feel that it is wrong that all the power and money is held in the capital. I also feel (sorry) that much of your activism is very London centric (fair do's as it's where your from). Do you think we should devolve power and have more regional based politics?

Oh, and Pin Pin! Viva la revolution!

Would you ever consider speaking in a lucid manner and making concise points rather than rambling incoherently in an attention-seeking manner in a vain attempt to try to disguise the lack of substance behind your showy rhetoric?

Hi, Russell

The other reVolution that is happening, but needs to happen faster, is veganism. I know you dallied - are you back on it, or can I help? Peace and equality begin on our plate. Anything else, and you just look like a hypocrite.

Russell, I know that you like the alternative media websites such as David Icke. How do you feel about the anti-Semitic undertones of some of these sites, and is this something you would ever tackle ?

Russell I think trews is great, messiah complex was side splitting and I can't wait to get revolution out of my stocking. Your humour and politics works for many of us and many young people too just like it did for Bill Hicks ......but are you a misogynist ? Do you view woman as something to be consumed, used and tossed aside ? How does your use of prostitutes sit with your politics ? Are we disposable to you?
im still totally up for it btw

I understand the point you're making about not voting for the status quo but can't you at least endorse the Green Party?

I think political parties are no longer relevant. In today's technical world of immediate communication we should be able to vote for individuals at the click of a button, just like X Factor. The No Party Party. What do you think to this approach.? Tracey Ward x

I am currently 786 days sober and have been inspired towards this by your journey.

Working full time shifts and having four young children I find time to myself to be in short supply. I would love to get involved in yoga or meditation but I cannot commit time to go to classes.

Are there any books/ apps you could reccomend?

Hey Russell
I first started listening to you politically when I read your article on dead Thatcher. Up til then you'd seemed all drugs and hairspray - do you think this was a significant turning point in your political public persona and was this a concious decision?

Hi Russell

Firstly let me say how much I bloody well love you, The Trews and revolution have educated me so much and made me sit up and take an active interest in the political system. You've also turned me on to transcendental meditation and slowly I can see it transforming my life so thanks for all that you marvellous human being.
Now for my question obviously we all know there is no-one worth voting for would you consider not running yourself but setting up a " Revolution" party with candidates who believed in the agenda set out in your book? I would vote for that I'm sure a lot of people would.

Also it's my birthday today you wouldn't wish me a happy one? Oh and I couldn't have a cheeky kiss could I?

Peace and love keep up the good work.

Tracy xxxx

What the fuck do you think that encouraging people not to vote will achieve?

I love you Russell I think you're brill and clever and refreshing and just plain sexy. Let's hang out.

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

Oh gawd, Parklife

Is MN really going to give RB a platform?!

It was only a matter of time wasn't it!

Russell, have you enjoyed many dinners with the lovely Justine MNHQ and her husband Ian Katz editor of Newsnight who seems to be rather a large fan of yours?

Wtf is with the headshot?!

Actual LOL at lovely Sue and her picture!

Proper tears in my eyes from laughing here.

That's a nice picture Sue.