Munya Chawawa to front a BBC election satire

Three-part series for Radio 4

Munya Chawawa is to host a satirical Radio 4 show about the general election campaign, it has been announced today.

His three-part series, Munya Chawawa's Election Doom Scroll, will start next Tuesday in the station’s 6.30pm comedy slot.

It will comprise sketches mocking politicians, linked by the idea of eavesdropping in on the party leaders' mobile phones.

Chawawa, who will write as well as perform the show, said: ‘Politics has alienated many of us recently, but hopefully satire will be the superpower to get us interested and engaged again.

‘By imagining Rishi Sunak practising his Peasant English on Duo Lingo, Keir Starmer posting thirst traps on Insta or Ed Davey beating his exercise balls on TikTok - I'd like to think people will take a new interest in the figures vying for our votes.

‘Ultimately, if even only a few more people turn out to vote on July 4, the mission will have been a success.’

The show is being made by production company Expectation, whose creative director Ben Wicks said: ‘After working with Munya on the Bafta-nominated Race Around Britain, I know he's the sharpest satirist around - so I’m delighted that thanks to the BBC he's setting his sights on the business end of the 2024 General Election.

‘Over three episodes he will provide a hilarious, yet vital public service, in helping people with the arduous task of deciding who not to vote for.’

The show was ordered by Radio 4 comedy commissioner Julia McKenzie, who said, ‘I am absolutely delighted that Munya will bring his inimitable fresh satirical take to Radio 4, joining The News Quiz, Jonathan Pie, Michael Spicer and The Skewer to give listeners an unrivalled selection of election satire and topical comedy.’

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Published: 13 Jun 2024