Impressionist Matt Forde Offers Some Brexit Relief At Soho Theatre

Brexit, Pursued by a Bear, Soho Theatre ★★★☆☆

By Hannah Foulds Last edited 50 months ago

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Impressionist Matt Forde Offers Some Brexit Relief At Soho Theatre Brexit, Pursued by a Bear, Soho Theatre 3

There are many people who would rather scoop their own eyes out with a butter knife than experience a whole evening dedicated to Brexit — but hear us out. Matt Forde, in his show Brexit, Pursued by a Bear, leads you through the absurd promises and misguided pledges of the election campaign through spot-on impressions and political commentary.

Forde could be easily confused as a politician himself, fashioning a squeaky clean suit and slick-back hair. That's not at all surprising — he’s a former advisor to the Labour Party. But his career has taken an about-turn, with regular TV appearances, usually political comedies such as Have I Got News for You. Forde is now an extremely talented impressionist who covers a whole gamut of politicians, from all sides of the political landscape. Funniest? Johnson and Farage, of course.

Between impressions, Forde gives commentary that compares politics to real life, cleverly revealing the ridiculousness of it all: “During the election campaign, many people said they supported the Labour manifesto but wouldn’t trust Labour to deliver it. That makes sense to me — it’s like asking someone ‘Would you like a hand job’, them saying ‘yes’, then you adding: ‘Would you like Jeremy Corbyn to deliver it?’ — ’No!’

Although Forde’s commentary is clever, it’s the impressions that really entertain, so we wish there were more — actually, a lot more — of them peppered throughout the show. The commentary is good, but at times sinks into complex monologues which last slightly too long and get too serious, compared to the whimsy of the fantastic impersonations.

Brexit, Pursued by a Bear, Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street, W1D 3NE. Tickets from £18.50, until 25 January  2020.

Last Updated 22 January 2020