Margaret Thatcher: Dear Bill
Dear Bill consisted of spoof letters from Denis Thatcher to his friend Bill Deedes, editor of the Daily Telegraph, about life in 10 Downing Street with Margaret Thatcher. The series portrayed Denis as a sozzled right-wing alcoholic staggering between snifters, with various friends, many of whom, like Bill and Denis, played golf. The putative author was often commanded to accompany his wife on various tours - home and abroad; electioneering, political and statesmanlike, plus 'very' occasional holidays; Denis has his own slant on everywhere he goes, and not infrequently meets an old chummo with whom he is able to partake of a libation or two. The column was written by Richard Ingrams and John Wells. Wells, also a comic actor, developed a sideline as an impersonator of Denis Thatcher. The collected columns were published every year in paperback form.
The parody led to several spin-offs. Wells wrote and starred in a West End stage musical titled Anyone For Denis featuring Denis Thatcher's perspective of life at Number Ten with Margaret Thatcher. Wells also collaborated with Secret Policeman's Ball series co-creator/producer Martin Lewis and Not the Nine O'Clock News series co-creator/producer John Lloyd on the comedy album Iron Lady: The Coming Of The Leader. The album was written by Wells who also appeared on it performing multiple characters. Lewis and Lloyd produced. Margaret Thatcher was portrayed by Janet Brown.
Read more about this topic: Prime Minister Parodies (Private Eye)
Famous quotes containing the words margaret, dear and/or bill:
“Sometimes we can’t avoid giving pain, even to friends.”
—Kenneth Langtry. Herbert L. Strock. Margaret (Phyllis Coates)
“So Lycidas sunk low, but mounted high
Through the dear might of him that walk’d the waves,
Where other groves and other streams along
With nectar pure his oozy locks he laves
And hears the unexpressive nuptial song
In the bless’d kingdoms meek of joy and love.
There entertain him all the saints above
In solemn troops and sweet societies,
That sing, and singing in their glory move,
And wipe the tears for ever from his eyes.”
—John Milton (1608–1674)
“It is my belief that there are “absolutes” in our Bill of Rights, and that they were put there on purpose by men who knew what words meant, and meant their prohibitions to be “absolute.””
—Hugo Black (b. 1922)