The Catalyst
Ideas with a spark, energy, range and the ability to start things.
Jan Ravens earns The Catalyst by treating impressions as diagnosis rather than mimicry, weaponising comedy against power itself. Her readings of leaders like May and Truss expose what she calls their tragic flaw, framing satire as giving people back the power.
“It is very important to prick pomposity. To be able to laugh gives people back the power in a way. And I sort of think, yeah, have some of that.”
On the purpose of satireundated
“We may not be able to change the world, but at least we can embarrass the guilty. And I sort of think, yeah, have some of that.”
Citing Jessica Mitford on satire's roleundated
“I flatter myself in thinking that my impression of them portrays their tragic flaw. With Theresa May, it's the tension — I want to smile, but the rest of my face won't let me.”
On impressions exposing political characterundated
Ways to Change the World with Krishnan Guru-Murthy: “From Theresa May to Liz Truss - how impressionist Jan Ravens exposes flaws of the powerful”
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