Mhairi Black: Politics Isn't For Me
August 7-11, 14-25 - Guilded Ballon at the Museum Mhairi Black, who made headlines as the youngest MP elected in 2015 for the SNP to the UK Parliament in centuries, has always been known for her sharp Scottish patter and irreverent personality. Now, after announcing her departure from politics, she's bringing that same cheeky energy to the Edinburgh Fringe with her show, Politics Isn't For Me. Described by Black as "live therapy," the show offers a candid and humorous reflection on her unexpected journey into the heart of British politics at Westminster and her decision to step away from it. When Mhairi Black burst onto the political scene as a 20-year-old MP in 2015, she quickly captured the public's imagination with her authenticity. Her maiden speech, where she criticised austerity measures as “callous,” went viral, showcasing her ability to blend sharp critique with a deeply personal touch. On social media, she wasn’t afraid to call out opponents bluntly, once famously tweeting, "The Tories make me sick." This candid style resonated with a younger generation disillusioned with traditional politics and angered her enemies. However, as the years passed, Black's visibility and personality diminished with the demands of parliamentary life, personal challenges and working alongside a rogues gallery in Parliament and within her party. Her distinctive voice became narrower, and if she had not resigned, it was expected she would have potentially lost her seat too in the recent election. The show is structured in two distinct halves. The first half is irreverent and light-hearted, with Black humorously recounting her experiences in Parliament, Eton, and London, including facing online abuse and navigating the often absurd political landscape. She avoids heavy-handed gossip or grievances for the most part, focussing instead on the more amusing aspects of her time in office. However, the tone shifts in the second half, as the show transforms into a light-hearted tour and an insight into life within the House of Commons. Here, Black walks the audience through the arcane protocols of the House of Commons. The second half of the show may lack the personal insight and comedy of the first, but it compensates by engaging the surprisingly young school-age girl audience with a detailed look at the setup of the House of Commons. Delivered in an engaging way that is likely to resonate with them, becoming the kind of unique knowledge they'll eagerly share with friends or classmates when they return to school in a few weeks. Black closes by reflecting on speaking with Times Radio about her departure, stating that some Scottish MPs had grown too comfortable in Westminster, a remark that led to her being forced to apologise despite the numerous scandals that plagued the SNP Westminster group, from sexual indiscretions to transphobic comments to theft, that didn’t result in a forced apology, making Black to be the first. Her critique reportedly ruffled feathers with Joanna Cherry, a divisive figure within the SNP and the public, for her vile and hardline views on gender issues and her often abrasive style, leading to public clashes with Black, who has been a vocal champion for LGBTQ+ rights and must be relieved to be free of working alongside Cherry and who can blame her. With a sellout run throughout the month in Edinburgh, it's likely that Black’s show will extend into a highly anticipated tour, especially given how many missed out on tickets despite the month-long run at the Fringe. What lies ahead for Black remains uncertain, whether it’s a return to politics, a foray into punditry, or something entirely different. However, whatever path she chooses, one thing is clear: her voice is coming back! 4/5 Lee Hutchison |