“Spite’s a good motivator”: Milo Edwards on class, politics and Britain’s bad manners

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“I think spite is a good motivator and we’re unduly down on it as a society,” says Milo Edwards. “It’s probably more useful to motivate you in your career than anything else — definitely don’t bring that energy on a date or you’ll probably end up being discussed in a group chat.”

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The Essex-born comic, best known as host of the Trashfuture podcast, brings his new show How Revolting! Sorry To Offend to The Stand, Glasgow, on 1 November. It’s an hour about class, Britain and other “revolting things that are best not talked about.”

“Spite and politics just seemed like the two best lenses”

“I wanted to talk about the British class system in this show and the peculiar way in which it works,” Edwards explains. “Spite and politics just seemed like the two best lenses through which to approach it. My shows tend to have a political element anyway but it’s always subordinate to the story I’m trying to tell.”

He’s wary of moralising. “There’s a certain type of comic who feels they have to be the good guy, but that’s boring,” he says. “I’m more interested in how we all get tangled up in the same hypocrisies.”

A blessing — but rough with the smooth

Podcasting has helped build his audience, though it’s a mixed blessing. “Overall I would have to say blessing,” he says. “It’s given me a lot more financial security and a loyal audience — but on the other hand it does force me to know more than I would like about Keir Starmer on a daily basis. Rough with the smooth.”

That loyal following has helped him keep his stand-up self-sufficient. He writes and tours his own shows, working with small producers like Ingenious Fools, and treats each hour as a stand-alone argument rather than a product line. “My shows tend to have a political element anyway,” he says, “but it’s always subordinate to the story I’m trying to tell.”

“What more can the Edinburgh Fringe do to me?”

The current tour follows a long Fringe run and years of steady acclaim. But Edwards’ relationship with Edinburgh is complicated. “I actually think I’m kind of safe now,” he says, half-laughing. “What more can the Edinburgh Fringe do to me? I’m a maverick with nothing to lose.”

He’s referring to the coincidence of losing both parents during consecutive festivals — a grim timing that might have ended many comics’ enthusiasm for August. He still returns. “A lot of comics moan about the Fringe,” he says, “but ultimately there’s a reason we all come back. It’s a truly unique opportunity to do comedy every day and connect with some of the most comedy-savvy audiences in the world.”

“Standing up and saying the uncomfortable thing”

How Revolting! uses that same mix of honesty and exhaustion as comic fuel. “Britain’s in an advanced state of decay,” he says. “The post might arrive every other day, and visiting your dentist involves a day trip and sandwiches. It’s a revolting state of affairs, but are we really offended?”

Spite, as he frames it, isn’t cruelty but momentum. “It’s about energy,” he says. “There’s still something valuable in standing up and saying the uncomfortable thing. It’s what comedy’s for — and if it offends you a bit, maybe that means it’s working.”

P.S. I just saw him ****

Readers, before you go, just a note to see I caught Milo supporting Esther Manito at Monkey Barrel, Edinburgh last night (October 23). It was my first time, and hopefully not the last. What a cracking comedian. Wry, dry and very funny, it was super catch a snippet of his current show. From sharp observations on everyday class politics to a superb bit on bikini waxes from across the gender divide, Edwards knows how to construct a superb set. If his hour is as good, or better, it’s not one to miss.

Featured Image: Milo Edwards – Image by Joshua Perot

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Milo Edwards plays The Stand, Glasgow on 1 November 2025. For other tour dates and venues, click here.

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