Matt Forde’s Brexit through the Gift Shop is a necessary indulgence for those who are Brexit averse. Forde brilliantly caricatures dominant political figures on the global stage allowing his audience to find rare comfort in an uncertain age. It is a set which is very much aware of its political and social context. His performance is constructed from a variety of impressions, satirical observations and quick wittedness and packaged into an easily digestible format.
His style is conversational yet remains politically astute and relevant. Forde’s central strength is his impressionist tangents in which figures from both the left and right are undermined. Politicians such as Boris Johnson, Jacob Rees-Mogg and Jeremy Corbyn were a particular focus of his derision.
Theresa May, of course, is also unable to escape. Notable is his ability to involve all of the UK in his deconstruction. Observations about the Northern Irish and Scottish governments were shrewd and intensely comical. His ability to recreate Trump was a real highlight; his caricature involving not only the voice but aura and manner. Observations about the American presidency were successful as standalone pieces but also effectively supported his desire to obliterate the Brexit vision.
Forde clearly has a hold over the room. He is easy to listen to and as engaging in his oratory as he is politically engaged. It is not difficult to see why the show has garnered such support; mocking figures from both sides of the political spectrum, he remains balanced with a sense of honesty which keeps him in tune with his audience. If you love political satire, then this show comes highly recommended.
