‘You need as many wigs as possible’: a guide to making the perfect pop parody
Ellie White and Natasia Demetriou met at the Edinburgh fringe, went on to become a comedy duo and now, nearly 10 years of ridiculous stage shows later, have their own BBC Three sketch show called, um, Ellie & Natasia. Among characters such as trustafarian teenagers and high-maintenance mums, one sketch is Sexy Baby – a music video that skewers Ariana Grande’s aesthetic and features neon pink, ponytails, adult nappies and so much more. So how do you make the perfect pop parody? Let’s get a guide from the experts …
1. Wig out
Natasia Demetriou You have got to have as many wigs as possible.Ellie White Pop your hair under a wig. You want to take the viewer to a fantasy.ND You want colours that don’t match your eyebrows. You want as much texture as possible. And you want them so wide, they block your co-star, or so short you can see the shape of your skull.
2. Eat to the beat
Both Very heavy, rich catering on set.EW Like a lamb stew for lunch.ND Or, cos I don’t eat meat, a pasta with a rich cream sauce. Preferably with truffles. You have to feel the full bass of the music in your digestive system.I suffer from IBS so I’m severely constipated at all times. I don’t mind you printing that because awareness of IBS is very important. If you can incorporate anything to do with the toilet into a parody …EW … you’re on to a winner.
3. Get into the groove
ND You need a deep understanding of the beat to really hone the parody. And an enthusiasm to move. Don’t be afraid to walk to the catering and help yourself to another truffle. Then number four is …
4. Hide yourself behind some very, very accomplished dancers
ND … pepper the music video with some absolutely unbelievable dancers.EW So they make the whole thing seem legit.ND Having an enthusiasm to move doesn’t necessarily mean that the Lord has blessed you with the feet to do so. You need some other people to take the slack.
5. A deep respect for the people you parody
ND Our parody is a comment on videos that feature young girls talking about mature subjects whilst being really cute. There’s an Ariana Grande song where she sings about …EW … not being able to walk cos she’s been fucked so hard. But she’s got a bow in her hair and looks quite childlike.
6. Avoid pop icons such as …
EWBeyoncé. Wouldn’t touch her with a bargepole.ND She’s got too much self-awareness.EW What are you going to take the piss out of ?ND I would never find it funny to take the piss out of Barbra Streisand.EW And Slipknot. Untouchable. Ellie & Natasia is on the BBC iPlayer now