It may come as no surprise to some that Matt Forde pulls no punches when it comes to politics. And even as prepared as you may be to see him rip into parliamentary and global figures, the execution’s flawlessness is stunning.
Personally, I nearly fell out of my chair when I heard his Donald Trump and Keir Starmer impressions. And the content of their hypothetical conversation, imagined by Forde, makes you laugh so hard it’s difficult to reclaim your breath.
Have you ever had the thought of which politician you would rather have as your doctor? Forde can give you a hint. It’s neither Starmer nor Trump — you’re either left with a devastating delivery of positive news or the most ridiculously false statement you ever heard in your life. Forde delivers these in the most entertaining fashion.
Woven into the place where comedy meets politics is Forde’s own journey of surviving cancer with a high recurrence rate and the way it shaped his present life. It comes as unpredictably as the Donald Trump impression. But Forde shapes it in a way that does not dampen but rather uplifts the mood. For example, the (few) highs and (common) lows of erectile dysfunction – which Matt Forde is happy to highlight but definitely does not want to become the face of.
In a world where residents of the UK are all secured by nationalised healthcare,and the rise of the far-right looms over future elections, Forde finds humour in the chaos through a protest that has lasting effects on the audience.
The ingenuity also comes in the structure of the show, keeping every spectator hooked until the final line. Matt Forde solidifies his reputation as one of the leading comedians and impressionists the UK has to offer through Defying Calamity.
Although his work may not be for every and all, for those who see Forde in his element, you are sure to be in for a luxury. And perhaps a lasting life lesson: don’t trust politicians with your drink, and don’t hold back on the gratitude for your privileges.
Matt Forde: Defying Calamity is running until 24 August at Pleasance One at Pleasance Courtyard.
Buy tickets here.
Image courtesy of Avalon Comedy, provided to The Student to use as press material.