Social media is meant to open doors, not shut them in your face

going. You just have to make one joke at their expense and then block them... turn something hateful into something comic.

I’m not suggesting it’s the right approach for everyone, but for me most of the time it’s just making fun of them.

Are trolls a big problem?

THERE have been a couple of incredibly upsetting things and I highlight them in the show and you can hear the intake of breath when I show them.

One is particularly offensive to me and no-one else. Just to be clear, it’s not normal. The trouble with trolling is they forget they are talking to actual people.

I do get lots and lots of positive messages. They’re not so funny, but I do re-tweet them from time to time. (Laughs) I’m not re-tweeting them to fuel my ego, but to sell tickets. I love the fact that I can sell out gigs just by mentioning them on Twitter.

Social media is meant to be about communication. It’s meant to open doors not shut them in your face.

What else do you have lined up for the year?

THERE’S a lot of stuff happening. My new children’s book is out and I’m looking at the next, I’m editing a BBC documentary about the Holocaust. I’ve a David Bowie podcast, which is basically talking comedy, and I did a play called God’s Dice, about religion and physics, starring Alan Davies. (Laughs) I do not have a problem with writing or going on stage, but you’re never going to find me putting shelves up.

David Baddiel is at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratfordupon-Avon, on February 9, Dudley Town Hall on February 29, Royal Spa