Performed by Melissa McGlensey

For those familiar with the anxieties of the Trump White House years, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the Press secretary, infamous for her disdain of the mainstream press, proved to be an unexpected source of entertainment for those interested in US politics. Her directly indirect answers to the simplest of questions from journalists were a feat of political slime. In The Briefing with Melissa McGlensey, McGlensey does an impressive impression of Huckabee Sanders, whilst playfully making fun of the corruption rife within America’s political sphere. 

The show opens with McGlensey’s notably accurate caricature of Huckabee Sanders taking audiences through a slideshow of her life. It was a solid start to the show, as it humorously filled in any gaps the audience might have had regarding America and the life of Huckabee Sanders herself. Another moment of note in the show was a run-through of the key liberal opponents of the Republican party, with their danger levels being given wonderfully vivid descriptors- prepare to gasp at the one for beloved politician Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

The strongest elements of the show are a result of McGlensey’s impressive improvisational skills and crowd work. To play such a controversial character as Sarah Huckabee Sanders and have the audience on their side throughout the performance is more than tricky, and McGlensey made it seem like a walk in the park. Audience participation is encouraged throughout, and McGlensey feeds off it.

Before the show, the audience was asked to write fake tweets from Donald Trump which were to be addressed by Huckabee Sanders later in the show. McGlensey’s version of the press secretary had a witty retort to each of the audience’s entertaining attempts at mimicking the ex-President’s online struggles. If anything, McGlensey’s quick responses were too good, as she responded much faster than the ex-Press Secretary would ever have done.

Political enthusiasts rejoice for Melissa McGlensey is a voice of wonder in the world of political satire. To those experiencing government-induced fatigue, take The Briefing as a chance to laugh at the painful truth of political integrity. Or, as a matter of fact, just go and watch it because the show is truly funny.