Narc. Magazine Online
Reliably informed
Matthew Brown enjoys a night of well-timed satire and personal reflection from the celebrated comedian
Matt Forde’s End of An Era show at Middlesbrough Town Hall was a sharp and well-timed mix of political satire and personal reflection, offering up his usual biting commentary on the state of UK politics while also weaving in the more personal aspects of his last year, which included a battle with cancer and surgery to remove part of his spine. His return to the stage felt like more than just a comeback, with his resilience and razor-sharp humour giving the performance an added layer of depth.
The real highlight of the night was Forde’s knack for impressions, especially his spot-on takes on Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer. His portrayal of Johnson captured all his chaotic, bumbling energy, and the physical accuracy of his mannerisms was something to behold. Starmer didn’t escape either, with Forde brilliantly exaggerating his stiffness, poking fun at his often-awkward public persona. His impression of Rishi Sunak was similarly on point, while Ed Miliband’s distinctive tones and Donald Trump’s brashness were expertly mimicked. Forde’s take on Rachel Reeves, complete with an exaggerated Cockney accent, went down extremely well.
Forde’s willingness to joke about his own experience with cancer brought a personal touch to the show, and he handled the subject with just the right balance of sincerity and humour. His ability to laugh at what he’s been through without turning the show too serious or sentimental made for some genuinely moving moments, as well as some of the night’s funniest.
One spontaneous moment that stood out was when Forde realised he’d forgotten to tell a key joke earlier in the set that would have set up a punchline for later. Instead of skipping over it, he paused, admitted his mistake, and went back to deliver the missed joke, which made the eventual punchline even funnier. His ability to roll with it showed his quick thinking and charm.
If there was any downside to the show, it was that the first half, at only 20 minutes, felt a bit short – though the real disappointment came from the fact that I’d have loved to hear more. The second half, though, more than made up for it, packed with Forde’s usual witty observations and political barbs.
Overall, Matt Forde’s End of An Era wasn’t just about politics. His mix of spot-on impressions, sharp commentary, and personal anecdotes created a performance that felt fresh and full of heart, showing that even after a tough year, Forde hasn’t lost his ability to find humour in the darkest places.
