Britain may have spawned some of the greatest comedians of our time, but it seems their humour comes to a screeching halt when it involves the Royal Family. Australia let out a collective sigh last night as an order from Clarence House, the private office of the Price of Wales, gagged the ABC from broadcasting The Chaser’s satirical Royal Wedding special. Fear the satirical humour of convict island!
As the palace got wind of The Chaser’s plans over the Easter break, new conditions were made between the Royal Family and the BBC, conveniently stipulating that official footage could not be used “in any drama, comedy, satirical or similar entertainment program or content”. The ABC were stuck in a bind; faced with the choice of broadcasting static all day Friday or sacrificing The Chaser’s special, they obviously chose the latter.
Staff and fans of The Chaser have condemned the Royal Family for their lack of humour, “For a monarchy to be issuing decrees about how the media should cover them seems quite out of keeping with modern democratic times… but I suppose that’s exactly what the monarchy is,” said Chaser member Julian Morrow.
The ABC were “surprised and disappointed” at the last minute gagging order, especially when similar light-hearted commentary by Dame Edna and by the 7PM Project did not attract the same scrutiny.
UPDATE: The Chaser have issued a reply!
Words By Carla Efstratiou
Via The Age
