Cull bankers, invade Jersey . . a cutting edge agenda for 2009

Mark Thomas, a regular on the British comedy circuit, has a keen eye for the absurdities of modern life: and what could be more absurd than a globalised economy which provides rich people and powerful corporations with an opt out card marked TAX HAVENS .

He's just starting a series of weekly preparatory shows entitled "It's the Economy, Stupid!" at the Etcetera Theatre in London, which we'd encourage you to attend. Mark is working closely with the Tax Justice Network, as well as colleagues at War on Want, The Corner House, Jubilee Debt Campaign, and others, building his routine.

As the billing says:

"Is Britain the new Iceland? If we own a couple of banks can we lend ourselves money and use their phones to call Australia? And what the fuck is a “derivative” and is it possible to use the word without using the words “Keane” and “Travis”?

It’s The Economy Stupid features stand up and interviews with guests – journalists, academics, economists and even a few people who do “something in the city”. All will line up to try and explain what happened and what we can do. From culling bankers to invading Jersey it is all up for grabs!"

Thomas will be working towards a nationwide tour starting in April. His catchphrase is "If you're not pissed off, you're not paying attention." Perhaps we should adopt that ourselves.