The last couple of years are summarised in parody and song by two leading online satirists, Augusta Lees and Mike Cashman. They have collaborated to produce “It’s My Party and I’ll Lie If I Want To” a book of satirical songs, sketches and parodies, published by Viewdelta Press. The book contains more than 100 QR codes which link directly to videos showing songs or sketches performed.
Mike has published three previous satirical books, including the lyrics for a Brexit Musical and a Covid Musical, both of which are also available on CD, all published by Viewdelta Press.
Augusta is a classically trained pianist and singer who began writing parody songs when her more usual performances stopped during lockdown.
Mike and Augusta worked together on a set of songs for the National Rejoin March – Mike is a speaker at the National Rejoin March rally in Parliament Square. Songs include “12 Stars on a Flag – UK’s Coming Home”, “EU We Will back You”, “We’re the Rejoiners” and “Sweet EU Time”.
The satire takes up the story from Mike’s previous book, “I Don’t Beg Pardon, I’m Talking Bollocks from the Rose Garden”, and covers the last two years of UK politics (and occasionally American issues, e.g. “The Donald Went Down to Georgia”.
The UK pandemic response is examined with “Covid’s in the Air”, “I’m B16, B1617”, “Boris Bonka and the Variant Factory”, and “Don’t Cry for Me, Matt and Gina” amongst others. The Party culture in Downing Street is of course the subject of the title song “It’s My Party and I’ll Lie If I Want To” and many more. The UK’s sewage challenge is explored including “Close to Poo”, “Stuck in the Midden of Poo” (song title suggested by Michael Rosen).
Mike Cashman said:
“You can be angry, or bitter about corruption in Government; we choose to try to make people laugh about it, and in that way to make more people aware. We both have a following online, but the book provides a package which people can enjoy or can use as a gift to those with similar – or perhaps varying – political views. It’s a unique product with a couple of hundred pages, but also links to more than 100 videos. Augusta is wonderfully witty and you’ll often see comment about the striking combination of an angelic voice contrasted with wickedly funny biting satire”.
Augusta said:
“Due to the Government’s terrible pandemic response and my medical vulnerability I continue to avoid catching Covid-19, so I can be frequently found lamenting the state of the nation through song via Twitter @augustalees and my YouTube Channel Augusta Lees.”
“Mike and I have only recently crossed paths, so I’m delighted to have been taken on this whirlwind journey that has led to my first publication, but also to have found a talented and witty new friend who is a kindred parody spirit.”
Ed: Mike Cashman is one of our writers and you can see all his articles here.
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