How I keep Question Time audiences under control

Philadelphia is the city of brotherly love – or it’s supposed to be. William Penn, good Quaker that he was, wanted his city to be a place of religious and political tolerance; a haven for those who’d been persecuted for their beliefs. There are quotations inscribed on walls everywhere about the power of love, selflessness and charity. Given how vicious and divisive this presidential election is, the message seems lost on both parties. I flew out to Philly this week for a special Question Time episode, the first time the programme has been to the US since 2008. One of our panellists has had to pull out at the last minute, so the hunt is on to find a replacement. This is a usual problem for QT. I’m more worried about the studio audience, since they will be unfamiliar with the format. Will they speak up enough and get stuck in? Perhaps I should have other concerns. I’m told every member of the audience will be frisked for guns. Blimey. The most I normally have to worry about is people getting overexcited and shouting. QT in Rotherham next week is going to feel like a meeting of the local WI.

I’m often asked how I keep passionate (but generally unarmed) audiences under control. The boring answer is that nothing beats extensive preparation. The day before each programme is spent discussing and distilling copious briefing notes, which I read late into the night. In the end, everything is boiled down to a single page of A4. We only know exactly what the audience will ask when they submit their questions after they turn up an hour and a half before we go on air. The panel don’t see any of the questions beforehand, which can make for a very nervous green room.