The rise of the far right in modern Britain is no laughing matter, yet can comedy, irony, or satire be harnessed for political impact?
Join comedian, actor, and author Alexei Sayle, along with fellow comedy writers Joe Sellman-Leava and Kate Smurthwaite in exploring the role of today’s comedians and satirists on making a difference for communities to combat racism and fascism.
Hosted as part of the 90th anniversary commemoration of the ‘Battle of Cable Street’ organised by United East End.
In the 1930s, P. G. Wodehouse parodied Oswald Mosley’s Blackshirts through his comic creation of Roderick Spode, the leader of ‘The Saviours of Britain’ aka the ‘Black Shorts’. Wodehouse opposed fascists by making them look ridiculous.
Comedy legend Peter Cook however, once dismissed the impact of humour to achieve political change with an ironic tribute to, “All those German political satirists on the Berlin alternative cabaret circuit who did so much to stop fascism in the 1930s”.
In his latest book, ‘How I’ve Tried to Change the World by Walking Down the Middle of the Street Shouting’, Alexei Sayle shares a memoir of his life on the Left: against the Vietnam War, supporting the 1974 Miners’ Strike, against the 2003 Iraq invasion, and recent marches in support of Gaza. He shares his enduring struggle for a better, fairer world, exploring Left ideas, why they matter, and why it’s still worth taking them seriously.
More details on the Modern Cockney Festival website.
