Now, of course, I deeply want to see this play. I am often quite cynical of the "offensive comedy is satire" defence, because it's used so often, for things with no satirical target or purpose other than to shock. However, when done well (Chris Morris, Bill Hicks) it is also the most rewarding form of comedy - the ability to entertain while at the same time provoking actual thoughts about the attitudes you have and the undiscovered hypocrisies you carry around is an impressive skill.

But I'm inclined to give this play the benefit of the doubt, if only because this part of the linked news piece annoyed me:

"The play has received a mixed response from critics.

The Sunday Times found it "a seriously hilarious play", "provocative, swaggering, humane and edgy".

Shadow Children's Secretary Michael Gove said he was surprised the "dramatically appalling" work could be staged in the National Theatre.

"I thought that the humour was vulgar, raucous, obvious. It made Alf Garnett seem sophisticated," he told BBC Two's Newsnight Review."

Firstly, the positive opinion was from a critic. The negative opinion was from a politician. A politician has politicised public opinions. The reason for that is that the headline 'Top Tory supports racist play" carries more weight than whatever well thought out argument that led to it. Quite why we expect our politicians to have opinions on culture issues and celebrity news is beyond me. Maybe we don't. Maybe it's a media construction. But Gordon Brown volunteered his thoughts on Jade Goody's cancer. Why? Who knows. As prime minister, he should have no opinion on any one cancer patient. As a human being he should and likely does, but he only has a voice as a public figure, so it's entirely irrelevant what he thinks.

Secondly, Alf Garnett WAS sophisticated, and the fact that people continue to miss that fact is a constant source of upset. I had a conversation with my Dad recently about 1970s TV, and he said that there's no way Alf Garnett would be allowed on TV today. But of course it could, because it was sending up bigotry, rather than expressing bigoted views in a heartfelt way. Do try to pay attention.