Comedian Simon Brodkin handed a fake P45 document to former Prime Minister Theresa May during her Conservative Party Conference speech in 2017 [1].
The incident highlights the intersection of political satire and security at high-profile government events. By bypassing security to deliver a symbolic "firing" notice, Brodkin used the stunt to mock the leadership of the former prime minister and bring attention to his comedic act.
The prank took place in Manchester, England, during the October 2017 [1] conference. Brodkin approached May while she was on stage to deliver the P45, a UK tax form typically issued when an employee leaves a job. The stunt was designed as a comedic political statement regarding May's tenure and performance in office.
Brodkin later discussed the event in interviews, including a segment with reporter Lewis Denison. He said he executed the prank and described the reaction of the crowd and security personnel. The event remains one of the more noted instances of a civilian successfully infiltrating a secured political speaking engagement for the purpose of satire.
While the prank occurred several years ago, Brodkin continues to perform across the UK. He was scheduled to headline a show at a Ringwood venue on May 1, 2024 [2].
The stunt served as a catalyst for Brodkin's visibility in the UK comedy circuit, demonstrating his willingness to target high-ranking officials. The use of the P45 provided a clear, visual metaphor for political failure that resonated with audiences beyond the immediate conference attendees.
“Brodkin handed May a fake P45 document as a political prank”
The prank reflects a broader trend of using guerrilla comedy to challenge political authority. By utilizing a mundane administrative document like the P45, Brodkin translated complex political dissatisfaction into a simple, relatable image of unemployment, effectively using the media coverage of the breach to amplify his personal brand and political critique.
