Article: Make 'em laugh, or you're mincemeat! Punch-ups, booze, crib sheets... and Hazel Blears' booster cushion. As Question Time hits its 30th birthday, panellists reveal what really goes on backstage - and how to survive a bloodthirsty audience.(Features)

Byline: PIERS MORGAN

The TV presenter and former newspaper editor is a regular on the show. He says: The first time I took part I really believed that you must get some kind of warning about the questions. I promise you, you don't - it is utterly nerve-racking. I've been on 16 times now, but, on that first occasion, I went down like a lead balloon. I was on with Roy Hattersley, the former deputy leader of the Labour Party, who was brilliant. Afterwards, he took me to one side and said, 'The secret to getting the audience on your side is humour. Make them laugh. You were trying to be way too serious.' He was quite right, and now I always crack a joke during the ...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

 
 
Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 80 million articles! Access over 6,500 publications with a FREE trial!