Westminster Insider

What's the point of political satire?


Listen Later

In the midst of spending reviews, rows of migration and fights about water bosses' bonuses, everyone could do with a laugh. So this week on Westminster Insider, host Sascha O'Sullivan speaks to a coterie of comedians and satirists in SW1 to find out: what's the point of political satire?

Legendary co-creator of Yes, Minister Jonathan Lynn explains how a show designed to make people have a laugh at the expense of some pompous civil servants defined how we now see "the blob".

Sketch-writers Madeline Grant and John Crace give us a peek into their lives of following every twist and turn of parliament. And former Tory MP Michael Fabricant explains what it's like to be the subject of these sharp penned journalists.

Sascha also speaks to Rosie Holt, who shot to comedic fame for mimicking cabinet ministers on the broadcast round in the pandemic. And Andrew Hunter Murray, author, BBC podcaster and Private Eye writer, explains when satire is it's most dangerous for politicians – and powerful for comedians.

And Lib Dem leader Ed Davey explains why he tried to use humour and comedy to make people pay attention.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Westminster InsiderBy POLITICO

  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5

5

27 ratings


More shows like Westminster Insider

View all
Politics Weekly UK by The Guardian

Politics Weekly UK

247 Listeners

The New Statesman | UK politics and culture by The New Statesman

The New Statesman | UK politics and culture

126 Listeners

Politics Unpacked by The Times

Politics Unpacked

118 Listeners

Political Fix by Financial Times

Political Fix

150 Listeners

Coffee House Shots by The Spectator

Coffee House Shots

177 Listeners

Political Thinking with Nick Robinson by BBC Radio 4

Political Thinking with Nick Robinson

107 Listeners

Newscast by BBC News

Newscast

673 Listeners

Rock & Roll Politics with Steve Richards by Steve Richards

Rock & Roll Politics with Steve Richards

52 Listeners

Inside Briefing with the Institute for Government by Institute for Government

Inside Briefing with the Institute for Government

26 Listeners

The News Agents by Global

The News Agents

981 Listeners

Trendy by Tortoise Media

Trendy

1 Listeners

Political Currency by Persephonica

Political Currency

107 Listeners

The Expert Factor by IFS/IfG/UKICE

The Expert Factor

4 Listeners

Politics At Sam and Anne's by Sky News

Politics At Sam and Anne's

39 Listeners

How To Win An Election by The Times

How To Win An Election

23 Listeners