Boris Johnson’s downfall proves fruitful for Edinburgh Fringes comedians | Ents & Arts News
As Boris Johnson readies to bow as prime minister, whatever your politics, satirists at Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival are making the most of their last chance to mock the man who provided give them a punch or two, to say the least.
Comedian Matt Forde admits: “There are times when you think there isn’t enough to write jokes.
“And then God bless the Tory Party, right before the Edinburgh Festival, they gave me a lot to write jokes about.
“So, on one level, I’m extremely nervous, and on the other hand, I’m incredibly grateful to Boris Johnson and the rest of us for helping me write this show.”
For Rosie Holt – who has fooled many with her fake Tory MP videos created during the lockdown – ahead of her Edinburgh run, the Conservative Party leadership race has given her opportunity to hone in on what she does best.
“Usually… Scotland is ignored,” she told Sky News, speaking with her MP-like nervousness. “And it’s been hard for them because Nicola Sturgeon is quite the attention-getter. So I’m here to really get my own attention, and and promote my leadership bid, which I feel has worked. ignored by the mainstream media.”
The show must continue with Boris the Third – a play that recreates the 18-year-old Eton, the prime minister playing Richard III.
Its screenwriter, Adam Meggido, says that the events at number 10 inadvertently made his film – written months earlier – feel more trendy.
“Richard season three was, of course, a story of ups and downs and when I first wrote the play there was no downfall,” Meggido told Sky News.
“Now that he’s on his way out, it’s a perfect story of ups and downs. And it gives us a chance to reflect on what’s happened over the past two years.”
Matt Forde: The Clowns on My Left, the Jokers on the Right in 2000 at Pleasance Courtyard Aug 6-28
Rosie Holt: Women’s Hour at 1800 at Pleasance Courtyard August 6-15
Boris III takes place at 16:10 at Pleasance Courtyard August 6-14, 16-29