SURREALIST comic James Acaster's new touring show, Represent, focuses on his time spent on jury service for a murder trial.

Tomorrow night, court will be in session at The Duchess in York, but first Acaster has to answer a few questions.

Your show is called Represent, James. Why?

"Because it sounds mega gangsta and because I talk about courtroom issues in the show and if you're in court then you better get someone to represent you. Plus the last show was called Recognise so I thought it'd be cool to call this one Represent. So many reasons."

Is there anything unusual that you can’t live without when touring?

"A bow and arrow for protection. We're going all over the UK so you can never be too careful."

In Recognise, you revealed you were an undercover detective; in Represent, you’ve been on jury duty. There’s a definite crime-fighting theme emerging here; should we expect this to continue?

"You can expect this to continue for one more show. This is the second show in a crime-fighting trilogy; not that you need to have seen the first one to understand it."

Maroon seems to be your outfit colour of choice for Represent. Is there any reasoning behind this?

"Yes, but you will have to do some detective work. Basically, watch the show, listen out for when I mention something being red, then go home and Google why that thing is red and you will know the answer to your question."

What would you say is the key to tackling a heckler?

"Pepper spray."

In your show you talk about participating in a Secret Santa gift swap. What is the strangest gift you've ever received?

"I've been very lucky with Secret Santa and always get picked by the generous person who goes over the budget and buys you the best present. Non-Secret Santa-wise, I once received a skull."

Without giving too much away about your show,  it features the bizarre custom of the Christingle. Do you have any other memorable Christmas traditions?

"In the Acaster house, we eat avocados stuffed with prawns in a garlic mayo. And then we chase a blindfolded reindeer round the garden

And finally, James, can you describe your comedy in six words?

"Just telling it like it is."

James Acaster: Represent, The Duchess, York, Saturday; doors open at 7.30pm. Box office: 0844 477 1000 or theduchessyork.co.uk. Acaster also plays Selby Town Hall, November 29, 8pm, sold out.