Why nothing is off-limits for Britain’s most confrontational pranksters

A revolting pair — From standup to satire, jokes can be a saviour. But in the right hands, they can also trigger change. To help resist – with humour – we’re celebrating radical voices that rise above the rest. In this instalment, we learn why the in-your-face comedy of Heydon Prowse and Jolyon Rubinstein spares no one – fearlessly satirising issues across the dial.

According to an online petition, the British public are absolutely fuming. All 328 of them.

Their vitriol is directed at a clip for a new show from the BBC called The Real Housewives of ISIS.

“It’s only three days until the beheading,” says a woman in a black jilbāb, pouting for a selfie. “And I’ve got no idea what to wear.”

The programme, quite clearly, isn’t real. It’s a new sketch from comedy duo Heydon Prowse and Jolyon Rubinstein. Y’know… satire, a joke, an opportunity to laugh at this sad, ridiculous world that was funny to everyone but 328 people.

Heydon and Jolyon have been masquerading in disguise for their own amusement (and hidden cameras) for years, pulling pranks on corporate crooks and politicians – like getting MPs to sign a ‘Sorry’ card to Iraq – and calling shit on outright fascists.

Jamieson_HUCK_ProwseRubenstein15
From their first series, The Revolution Will Be Televised, to their current offering, Revolting, they’ve pioneered a new strand of comedic activism that makes you want to laugh and scream with frustration at the same time.

Corruption and hypocrisy are always in their line of sight – from Google’s tax avoidance to Ireland’s abortion laws. Even ISIS can’t escape their fire.

“We made a decision that nothing would be off-limits, and it’s just been our attitude from the very beginning,” says Jolyon.

“We’ve done stuff on every major issue facing society: religion, politics, big business,” Heydon chimes in.

“In 2016, the Islamic State was a pretty big story. Gay people were being chucked off buildings, women were being raped, endless massacres. For us, not doing something on the Islamic State would be absurd.”

But what if those 328 people had a point? After the year-long depression that was 2016, many commentators declared satire dead. The world was too broken to laugh at.

“That’s straight-up bollocks… and a lazy thing to say,” argues Jolyon. “Whether it’s fashion, music or comedy, everything is about trends and reinvention. I think that a lot of people, the older generation, aren’t really sure how to deal with our form of very in-your-face confrontational stunt comedy, and I think that’s fine.”

Sitting in the cold London office where they write their show, Jolyon and Heydon are proof that the form lives on. What started out as a few pranks on YouTube for their mates became must-see prime-time TV – the perfect vehicle for mass dissemination.

“We were both quite militant as students,” explains Heydon. “I used to smash in the windows of arms companies. After maturing a bit, I found myself looking for a funny way to get my message across rather than just shouting.”

Jamieson_HUCK_ProwseRubenstein03
Both Jolyon and Heydon believe it’s vital to pick away at the full political spectrum. This might mean taking on politicians who they agree with, or tackling issues that cause a stir.

“I think having something that is nailing everyone – left, right, on the extremes and everywhere – is a good way of tempering the extremities of people’s political opinions right now,” says Heydon.

“A bit of temperance and being rational at moments like this, where everything feels like it’s fucking ridiculous, is really important.”

This article appears in Huck 59 – The Game Changer Issue. Buy it in the Huck Shop or subscribe to make sure you never miss another issue.

Check out the rest of our Kings of Comedy series.

Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.


You might like

Group of young people dancing and embracing at a nightclub, with neon lighting and colourful outfits.
Culture

On a night out with the cast of Skins, Ewen Spencer captured millennial hedonism in all its unabated, messy glory

One Night in Watford — Commissioned to take promotional pictures for the generation-defining teen drama before it hit screens, the legendary youth culture photographer revisits the fun-fuelled evening, which was equal parts work and play, in his new photobook. 

Written by: Isaac Muk

Colourful collage of album covers and record sleeves on display in a gallery or museum setting, with glass panels on either side reflecting the vibrant arrangement.
Culture

Largest-Ever Display of UK AIDS Memorial Quilt Opens at Tate Modern

Grief Made Visible — Comprising hundreds of panels made by lovers, friends and chosen family, the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt returns in full for the first time since 1994 – a testament to grief, friendship and the ongoing fight against HIV stigma.

Written by: Ella Glossop

Children playing in a park fountain, black and white image
Culture

The carnival and community of New York’s block parties

Soul of the Summer — Since attending his first street party in Crown Heights two decades ago, photographer Anderson Zaca has spent his summers travelling across New York’s five boroughs, documenting over 300 in the process.

Written by: Miss Rosen

Three smiling women wearing glamorous dresses and fur coats posing together.
Culture

The Getty Center’s first exclusively queer exhibition opens today

$3 Bill: Evidence of Queer Lives — Running until September, it features paintings, ephemera, video and photography to highlight LGBTQ+ histories, culture and people from 1900 to the present day.

Written by: Isaac Muk

Diverse group of people with various expressions and styles, surrounded by bold text and graphics in dark colours.
Culture

Remembering New York’s ’90s gay scene via its vibrant nightclub flyers

Getting In — After coming out in his 20s, David Kennerley became a fixture on the city’s queer scene, while pocketing invites that he picked up along the way. His latest book dives into his rich archive.

Written by: Miss Rosen

Black and white image of several people in suits, some with long hair and unconventional appearances, alongside a large ship or boat model. Text overlaid: "FREAKS AND FINANCES".
Culture

On Alexander Skarsgård’s trousers, The Rehearsal, and the importance of weirdos

Freaks and Finances — In the May edition of our monthly culture newsletter, columnist Emma Garland reflects on the Swedish actor’s Cannes look, Nathan Fielder’s wild ambition, and Jafaican.

Written by: Emma Garland

Huck is supported by our readers, subscribers and Club Huck members. It is also made possible by sponsorship from:

Accessibility Settings

Text

Applies the Open Dyslexic font, designed to improve readability for individuals with dyslexia.

Applies a more readable font throughout the website, improving readability.

Underlines links throughout the website, making them easier to distinguish.

Adjusts the font size for improved readability.

Visuals

Reduces animations and disables autoplaying videos across the website, reducing distractions and improving focus.

Reduces the colour saturation throughout the website to create a more soothing visual experience.

Increases the contrast of elements on the website, making text and interface elements easier to distinguish.