The British tradition of satire goes back more than a century, rising to prominence in the Victorian era when life was, frankly, pretty grim.
Things may be slightly better now, but there’s still plenty to moan at and public figures to lampoon. With government cuts, unemployment and desperation – now is a prime time for satire because, well, you’ve got to laugh haven’t you?

So it’s a good job Brighton’s legendary satirical comedy night The Treason Show is heading to The Old Town Hall, Hemel – a fast-moving, gag-a-minute sketch show packed with parody songs written by a team of 40 writers and performed by a multi-talented cast of sketch actors.

Comedy songs form the backbone of the show and there are few pop hits remaining that haven’t had their lyrics mangled in the name of mirth.

“Usually the best songs come to you in a moment of inspiration,“ says artistic director Mark Brailsford. “Your subconscious does this for you, you just have to create the conditions for this inspiration to pop up. You let the stories in the news infuse into your mind, think of songs as you go through your day and let the thought come to you.

“It’s a knack. But you can teach yourself this knack.

“When the audience laugh, it is because they put together two separate elements in their minds, one that is a known element, a familiar song or a character let’s say, then something introduced to them by a line or an idea, and they put them together in their mind – this connection ’explodes’ the laugh.“

The show is in its 13th year, quickly gaining acclaim in Brighton where it started and now on tour around the country.

“We’ll be aiming both satirical barrels at the politicians, bankers and celebrities making the news this month,“ says Mark. “If you like your satire with a bite and your tunes with a topical twist, this is the show for you.“

The Treason Show is at The Old Town Hall, Hemel, on Saturday, March 23 at 8pm. Details: 01442 228 091