Ian Cognito: "Best thing about getting old, a fuck you cannot give"

Is a combative approach to comedy receiving the respect it is due in 2012? There is, arguably, a fresh uptake for politically engaging stand-up at the moment. You've addressed a wide range of issues before - nationalism, bankers, and censorship spring to mind. Do you feel more animated in times of social tension?
Oi, that's two questions. Confucius says 'the man who resorts to combat has lost the argument'. Little geezers always say that. Can't say I'm seeing much of anything but panel shows at the moment, although comedy does do well in tough times. No chance of a job? Let's give stand up a go. Me? I'm just rehashing all the stuff I did during the Thatcher years. Still miss her though - and the heady days of incisive political comedy. Great tits too. Shame Helen Mirren didn't get the part.

How far would you say you pioneered new ways of working with, or perhaps against, an audience? Do you see echoes of your approach in younger comedians?
You've done it again with the old two question trick. Regards pioneering, I didn't do much comedy before I did comedy. Mainly tears in our house. I came to it with no blueprint. Course I have imitators- should hope so too - but I sometimes have to have a word. "Oh, you're Ian Cognito, I've seen you loads of times." "Yup, I can tell that, now get out of my garden" (imitated that off Mike Redmond, I haven't got a garden). For what it's worth I see quite a few established comedians nicking my moves. They know who I am.

Who do you admire in comedy?
I can't stand Mark Watson.

In a recent Guardian interview, Jimmy Carr suggested that all comedians, ultimately, want to be liked. Would it be fair to say that this impulse does not operate in you?
Ultimately they should wanna be funny, then they'll be liked. Simples. Nasty can be funny, so long as you don't take it seriously. Best thing about getting old, a fuck you can not give. Anyway, no matter how nice you are, someone, somewhere thinks you're a cunt. Sorry to tell you that, Simon. Course in Jimmy Carr's case someone somewhere thinks he's alright.

What is the worst reaction you've ever had from an audience? Do you prefer a bad reaction to no reaction at all?
Right that's it. This is the last time I'm answering two questions at once. Trying to slip extra questions in. You wouldn't get away with that if I had management. I don't think I've ever had no reaction at all, I usually manage something. Emptying a massive festival tent can be a tricky one to talk your way out of, particularly when it's pissing down and Phil Collins is on the main stage.

Just wanna say, finally – love Edinburgh Stand. Looking forward to working with the inimitable Chris Lynham for the first time in ages. Three nights of drunken moaning about the state of British comedy and where have all the good guys gone? On a panel show leaving me and him behind.