Latest political/media satirical comedy is the already internationally acclaimed IN THE LOOP,a smart new comedy and Sundance Film Festival hit from theteam behind the award-winning BBC TV comedy series THICK OF IT. In the tradition of WAG THE DOG, THANK YOU FOR SMOKING and MONTY PYTHON. with razor-sharp, truly laugh-out-loud dialogue the film pokes fun at the absurdity and ineptitude of our highest leaders. Thanks to the good people at trigger marketing & publicity we have 6 tickets to give away to the preview screening at Rialto Newmarket at 6.15 pm on Monday 24 August.  Email michelleboag@momentum.co.nz and if you can tell me who is doing PR for Kids Can you'll get put to the top of the list.  I haven't seen anyone fronting up on behalf of the operators of the charity although I do know who was involved in the launch of the Telethon and they are not involved now!  All around town PR companies are advising their chosen charity clients on proactive disclosure strategies so there is plenty of activity in the not for profit sector this week after revelations about how much of the Kidscan money actually gets to the programme end of the operation and how much is spent on administration and marketing staff on the way there.

 Speaking of political and media satires, I enjoyed Tom Scott's Separation City, also at Rialto Newmarket last week. The experience was enhanced by the presence of the delightful and charming lead actress Danielle Cormack who gracefully answered questions at the end while the audience enjoyed a glass of wine.  Sigh - so civilised!   Best part about the movie for old politicos like me was identifying the "true bits" of the film which weren't down to Tom Scott's imagination at all but were genuine recollections of some of the more interesting parts of realpolitiks in the 70's and 80's.  A must for past press secretaries and political advisors who will recognise many of the cameos and good entertainment for everyone else who doesn't.