From Tories to Labour: Edinburgh Fringe’s Political Comedians Navigate New Government Landscape

Labour's victory reshapes the landscape for political humor at the Edinburgh Fringe

The unexpected election results have significantly influenced the material of political comedians at this year's Edinburgh Festival.

Arts and entertainment reporter for Sky, Katie Spencer

Sunday, August 4, 2024, 1:

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A shift in political leadership has provided comedians at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with fresh material, as they now have a new array of public figures to satirize.

Matt Forde is well-acquainted with the challenges of political humor, having impersonated Boris Johnson on Spitting Image and featured on panel shows such as the BBC's Have I Got News For You.

He expressed to Sky News: "Politics is perpetually dynamic, constantly active, and I really enjoy the challenges it presents."

Forde, who is presenting two performances at the arts festival, acknowledges that the recent election results have necessitated some quick revisions to his material. He mentions that having a Labour government as the subject of his satire feels somewhat refreshing and novel.

"I've primarily performed these shows during a Conservative administration, so the prospect of a new government and fresh personalities to satirize is quite refreshing. Revisiting the same Conservative themes annually has been fruitful – they've inadvertently supplied a lot of my content – but it's time for a change for everyone."

Is mimicking the new prime minister just as entertaining?

Forde notes that while people may find [Sir Keir] Starmer to be somewhat more subdued compared to the lively persona of Boris Johnson, he nonetheless possesses distinctive traits.

"Keir Starmer exhibits a noticeably reserved demeanor; his straight posture, firm chest, and his tendency to repeat phrases at the end of his sentences contribute to his distinctive speaking style."

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There have been no indications that the new Prime Minister will visit the Fringe to assess public reactions, but numerous politicians are expected to participate.

Alex Salmond, Ruth Davidson, Rachel Reeves, Humza Yousaf, and Liz Truss are all scheduled to participate in different speaking engagements.

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Truss is the subject of not just one, but two Fringe performances that humorously depict her brief tenure as leader, including an all-male a cappella ensemble, The Techtonics, who have musicalized the saga of Liz Truss's 44 days in office.

Nerine Skinner, once a semi-finalist on Britain's Got Talent known for her humorous impressions of the former leader, presents an opportunity for comedy enthusiasts to enjoy "The Exorcism of Liz Truss."

The comedic actor believes that the essence of an effective Truss impersonation lies in perfecting "the smile" paired with "empty eyes" that simultaneously appear "extremely shocked."

She explains that it involves aimlessly moving across the stage, appearing uncertain and lost.

She claims that her initial Truss routine was merely meant to entertain her friends.

"A group of buddies forwarded me a video of her and suggested, 'You should totally make a parody of this', and that's how it all began, somewhat humorously."

The unexpected election has compelled Skinner to revise portions of her initial draft.

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She mentions, "I had to modify it, incorporate some elements related to Labour… and determine the show’s tone, to see if it feels more nostalgic or remains contemporary. It will be fascinating to watch how the show evolves."

Skinner joins several political humorists at the Fringe who are reconsidering how to commemorate the conclusion of a political era that has been a rich source of material for their jokes.

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Matt Forde's "The End Of An Era Tour" will continue through August 25 at the Pleasance Courtyard, Beyond.

Matt Forde's The Political Party will be held on August 13 and 19 at the Gilded Balloon at the Museum.

"Nerine Skinner: The Exorcism Of Liz Truss" is showing through August 25 at Just the Tonic at The Caves.

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