Alien News from Deep Space

ARCHIVE (2010)

Polyticks Poke

In 1997 ¨Polyticks Poke - Live at Kitty O´Briens¨ was the first broadcast political satire to hit New Zealand´s airwaves in nearly a decade.

That dedicated team of volunteers pinched all fears of libel action spawned by parliamentary privilege behind their stage make-up and got on with the job.

The monolithic TV networks had flatly denied interest in producing or airing political satire, but that did not stop the team.

As word got out that independent spirits were heaving at the stone a gathering storm of suppressed giggles swelled into hoots of laughter.

Some true greats of NZ political satire contributed to the project.

The great comic Jon Gadsby attended the only Polyticks Poke show. That´s him having a chortle in the picture below.

Seen only on Auckland´s Triangle TV and by the live audience including network television and music industry executives, Polyticks Poke was recorded as live cabaret a few days before the announcement of the last series of McPhail and Gadsby.

Around fifty individuals, some great names among them, and several institutions, such as Warner Music, gave generously of their talents, time and resources toward the project.

Renown comic Les Andrews and friend fend off the Euthanasia Persuaders, ¨Just like in ´45, dear.¨

International award winners Rhys Jones (London Parliamentary Press Gallery) was Executive Producer and John Carlaw (Revolution) was Project Director.

These politicians called a snap election, made promises then broke them in record time.

The production team was aware that it was long past time that a little comic relief blew the lid off the greasy, grubby parliamentary tin of truth, and, eventually, the directors of the television networks were persuaded.

The great Les Andrews gave generously of his time, experience and talent.

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