Type and hit ENTER

Commonly used tags...

Brighton Festival Brighton Fringe Brighton Pride British Sea Power Cinecity Lewes Psychedelic Festival Locally Sourced Lost & Found Love Supreme Festival Mutations Festival Nick Cave Poets Vs MCs Politics Rag'n'Bone Man Record Store Day Save Our Venues Six Of The Best Source Virgins Streets Of Brighton Street Source Tattoos The Great Escape Tru Thoughts Unsung Heroes
  • Home
  • News
  • Previews
  • Reviews
  • Features
  • Food
  • Tickets
  • Contact
  • Contribute
  • Advertise
  • Home
  • News
  • Previews
  • Reviews
  • Features
  • Food
  • Tickets
  • Contact
    • Contact
    • Contribute
    • Advertise
Reviews

Jonathan Pie Review

Mar 4, 2018
-
Posted by Steve Clements

You’ve got to love Jonathan Pie. His off-camera rants have come at the perfect time with Trump in the White House, the Brexit shambles and May and Corbyn seemingly about to swap places. It’s always a joy when a new video pops up on Facebook or YouTube; the modern equivalent of waiting for Spitting Image to appear on a Sunday night in the 1980s, so would Tom Walker’s exasperated, zeitgeist-capturing political commentator be able to make the jump to the live arena?

The short answer is an emphatic yes. Billed as a dry-run for a proposed TV show called The Jonathan Pie Political Roadshow the show uses a set with a laptop podium, big screen and interview area and the promise of two ‘fucks’ a show. It began with Andrew Marr style opening titles and an opening rant on the fate of retired news reporters. A Jill Dando joke was a good test of the audience and it was clear early on that this was a well-scripted performance from a fully-formed comedy character that sits somewhere between Mark Thomas and Alan Partridge delivering a David Icke lecture. Millennials (or “Generation Twat”) got the Pie treatment with the threat of being beaten up afterwards if anyone was found texting during the show.

Obviously the Tories bore the brunt of his scorn beginning with those that keep voting them in “like flies repeatedly diving into a cafe light zapper and being surprised at the outcome”. His comment that everything wrong with the country is Thatcher’s fault and he’s glad that she’s dead went down well as did his description of Theresa May as a mangy barn owl Jim Henson creation. His political rhetoric is as well-researched as Peston and co which adds to the authentic feel of the character.

A look at Twitter provides a peek into Pie’s backstory as he sees that his ex-wife and child are having a great time with her new partner but he soon composes himself as he launches into Trump, the greatest gift for modern satirists. He’s a fan of political correctness but not how it’s been turned into the ‘Offended Olympics’ and delivered an incisive piece on racist language.

He’s called aside by an assistant to be told that someone has posted a clip of the show and browses through a wave of outrage on a ‘live’ Twitter feed that sees Mary Berry calling him a wanker and causing another perfectly executed meltdown.

This was a political comedy tour-de-force from a skilful, supremely talented character actor brave enough to tread on toes and test an audience’s moral compass. Long may he continue.

Brighton Dome Concert Hall, Saturday 3rd March 2018

Politics
Mar 4, 2018
Email
Steve Clements
Steve has been a SOURCE contributor since Summer 2010. Favourite quote - "There's no such thing as a sold out gig".
← PREVIOUS POST
Zara McFarlane Review
NEXT POST →
Hollie Cook Review
Mailing List

Recent Posts
  • Oral Habit Release Garage Frock! ep With a Family Store In-Store
    Jul 5, 2025

    Is this the best new band in Brighton? Team Source says "Hell Yeah!"

  • Ger Ready for Some Summer Hi Jinx
    Jun 26, 2025

    New promotions Team Hi Jinx are inviting you for beer, and free live music beside the sea side. What is not to like?

  • Big Long Sun Launch Album No 2!
    Jun 25, 2025

    With two slamming singles the new Big Long Sun album should be the soundtrack to late night summer parties across the land.

  • Great Escape 2025 Day 4 Review
    Jun 13, 2025

    Day 4 started with a party whistle thrash punk Extravaganza and ended with the glorious debut of Post Common. We love you TGE.

  • Great Escape 2025 Day 3 Review
    Jun 9, 2025

    One of the real joys of the Great Escape is you can often see the bands that really grab you more than once. Day 3 delivered.

  • Great Escape 2025 Day 2 Review
    Jun 7, 2025

    Day 2 provided a diverse range of acts. Within 30 minutes we went from beautiful Australian folk to riotous Korean DnB and that was before tea time!

  • The Girl On The Train Review
    Jun 7, 2025

    A fantastic adaptation of Paula Hawkins’ bestselling novel which is a beautiful balance of acting, theatricality and gritty story telling.

  • Great Escape 2025 Day 1 Review
    Jun 6, 2025

    No longer just a day for getting your wrist band; some serious heavy hitters were brought out for a cracking day one.

Website developed in Brighton by Infobo
Copyright © Brighton Source 2009-2023
Jonathan Pie Review - Brighton Source