WORD-meister and entertainer Gyles Brandreth is back on stage with Word Power! Ahead of the show at the Arts Centre he discusses Miley Cyrus, the origins of twerking and his love of the English language.

What can audiences expect from Word Power!?

A two-hour show that takes you on a roller-coaster ride around the amazing world of words. It’s a show for people who love live theatre and who enjoy listening to Just A Minute or watching QI.

What do you love about the English language?

Everything! English is the richest language in the world. There are 500,000 words in the English dictionary. The unfortunate French only have 100,000 words in their vocabulary – and that includes “le weekend”.

Language is what makes us human. As the philosopher Bertrand Russell said: “No matter how eloquently a dog may bark, he cannot tell you that his parents were poor but honest. Only words can do that.” Words are magic.

What is your favourite word and why?

I’m currently rather liking the word ‘yex’. It’s an old word for a ‘hiccup’ and it’s very useful for playing Scrabble. I’m enjoying another old word at the moment, too. To ‘squiddle’ is to waste time in idle talk. I do quite a bit of that. What is your favourite English accent?

Just to be difficult, I rather like a Brummie accent. I don’t mind what the accent is, so long as whoever is speaking can be understood. I can’t stand mumbling. These days on TV I often find myself watching the TV with the subtitles so I can follow what’s going on.

You were the MP for Chester from 1992 to 1997 but have spoken out about MPs’ use of clichés. What is it about politicians’ use of language that you dislike?

I don’t like anyone using cliches because clichés are lazy. During the last election I thought I’d go mad if I heard another politician talking about ‘hardworking families’. I like language that is fresh and surprising. The word ‘iconic’ is overused. The word ‘passionate’ is overused. I passed a white van today. On the side it said: ‘Passionate about plumbing.’ Please!

You recently met Miley Cyrus. Did you mention anything about ‘twerking’?

I met Miley in a lift at the BBC. She seemed to think she had invented the word. I told her twerking was what’s known as a portmanteau word, combining two words in one, and has been around since the early 1800s. It’s a mix of ‘twist’ and ‘jerk’. She kindly said she’d come to see my Word Power! show.

Gyles Brandreth will perform at the arts centre on July 9 at 8pm. To book go to swindontheatres.co.uk or call 01793 524481.