Fringe preview: Richard Pulsford

Inspired by the upcoming centenary of WWI, Richard Pulsford decided to research his family tree and found more than he bargained for. William Gadsby Peet discusses war and peace

  • Your latest show focuses on the incredible stories you uncovered while researching your family tree during WWI and WWII, what were some of the most interesting things you discovered?

I don't want to give too much away about what's actually in the show but the experiences of my relatives in WW1 (the main focus) were way more complex and varied than I had imagined. I found out that one of my British relatives had been buried in a German-built cemetery; while another Yorkshire relative was lost at sea when a U-Boat torpedoed his ship, and the submarine commander ended up as a POW in Yorkshire. I also uncovered a surprise connection to the Titanic.

  • Did you come across anything from that time in history that resonated with current world events?

Yes, definitely. In one section I talk about the German bombardment of my home town and how that was used to turn people against the Germans and enlist more men into the army. The rhetoric was over the top and wasn't always based in fact, but people readily bought into it. And WW1 saw the first experimental use of chemical weapons in warfare. Its impact was as much psychological as anything else and its use engenders a similar revulsive reaction today.

  • Why do you think war is such a recurring theme over the history of humanity?

That's a big question! I guess it's all about power, greed and glory, at any price – human (and especially male) traits that are hard to overcome.

  • Pretty serious subject matter for a comedian to write a show about…

I think having my own children piqued an interest in my own ancestry. I became fascinated by the research I had started and realised there were some human stories which ought to be told. And with the centenary of the deaths of two of my great uncles and then the armistice coming up, it gave me the impetus to actually write a show. I am still writing jokes though, and have another comedy show this year, so I'm simply offering the public a broader choice of shows to watch!

  • If you could time travel to one day in human history, when would it be and why?

Picking out just a single day is a very tough one. Maybe 22nd November 1963? The assassination of JFK was a profoundly shocking event for the world, but if I could be there as the President's motorcade came by, I'd be able to keep a close eye out for any suspicious activity on the grassy knoll and maybe finally lay to rest some unanswered questions.

Richard Pulsford performs his new show Conflict of Interest at the Star Inn on July 23. For more information and to book tickets (£7), visit: guildfordfringefestival.com

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