A number of comedians have taken part in a forthcoming programme on offence presented by Trainspotting writer Irvine Welsh.

Offended by Irvine Welsh sees Welsh explore the nature of offence and its impact. Does the fear of offence and cancel culture affect artists creative risk taking? He sets out to reclaim the right to offend – but not abuse – as an essential tool for artists. Why is everyone so easily offended these days? Indignant, outraged, howling for justice over a social media post, a bad joke or a provocative image?

He’ll ask whether there is an ‘industry of offence’, willingly mobilised by some artists, filmmakers, and comedians, as well as political activists, media provocateurs and individuals craving attention. And if this distracts us from the things we should really be getting offended about – like systemic inequality and existential threats to humanity’s future.

Comedian Geoff Norcott sticks up for live stand-up as a bastion of free speech: “Comedy clubs are still one of the most uncensored places you can go.”

Andrew Doyle, who created spoof anti-woke character Titania McGrath says: “Looking for authenticity from a comedian is the last place you should go. Comedians lie all the time because jokes aren’t literal.”

Also in the show are novelist Nadifa Mohamed, artists Jake Chapman and Sarah Maple and musician MIA , who says: “The most creative thing you can do right now is f**king get off social media.”

Offended by Irvine Welsh is on Sky Arts (Freeview Channel 11) on Tuesday, 17 November at 10pm.