Why nothing is off-limits for Britain’s most confrontational pranksters
- Text by Michael Segalov
- Photography by Tom Jamieson
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.
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.”
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
In photos: Black Texas life since emancipation
Kinship & Community — A new photobook and exhibition showcases the rich culture, history and community of African American folks in the Lone Star State, whose existence in the region predates colonial Britain.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Youthful joy & end-of-era poignancy at a London school prom
Leavers — For several years, Lewis Khan documented young people as they celebrated the last of their school days and the completion of their exams. The series is now collated in a new self-published photobook and short film.
Written by: Zoe Whitfield
Harry Gruyaert’s vintage, kaleidoscopic scenes of New York
A Sense of Place — For 50 years, the Belgian photographer and Magnum Photos member has been capturing NYC’s colourful chaos. A new photobook and exhibition showcase his unique, technicolour view of the city.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Inside Lower Duck Pond, the nicest town on the internet
/r/HaveWeMet — With a population of 2,500 and no fixed location, the subreddit is a space for roleplaying citizens to solve mysteries, host fictional events and ultimately connect. In an internet that’s often divided and toxic, Vicky Jessop hangs out in one of its most wholesome corners.
Written by: Vicky Jessop
A major Nan Goldin exhibition is coming to London
You Never Did Anything Wrong — Opening at the Hayward Gallery in November, the show will debut a new film from the artist and activist, alongside a slate of recent work.
Written by: Jack Dennison-Thompson
Sepia splashed memories of Britain’s ’90s squatting and free party scene
Bygones — Moving into a Hackney squat at the age of 19, Tom Hunter spent years living on London’s edges, while documenting the vibrant, creative community and culture that it enabled. Huck’s art director Sam White chats to him about the freedom that existed, the collectivism and what’s been lost over the decades since.
Written by: Samuel White
