Imitation Nation

How Mimicry Has Evolved from Classic TV to Social Media

Social media is currently awash with people impersonating Parker Posey’s character, Victoria, from TV series, The White Lotus - or, more specifically, her deep soothing Southern drawl.

“PIPER, NO!”

It’s the latest example of a timeless human impulse: to mimic mannerisms, repeat phrases, and absorb accents that captivate us. We’re undeniably drawn to certain ways of speaking - whether it’s actors perfecting an accent for a role, comedians exaggerating speech patterns for effect, or everyday people unconsciously adopting a friend’s phrasing.

This fascination with mimicry isn’t just a passing quirk - it’s long been a source of entertainment. For decades, impressionists were primetime television staples. If you’re of a certain age, you’ll remember Mike Yarwood as one of the biggest stars in Britain. His affectionate takes on public figures drew in record-breaking audiences, and his 1977 Christmas special remains one of the most-watched shows in UK history.

But then of course we were spoilt for choice, at a time when three channels, and one platform TV viewing was a shared experience for young and old alike. When Yarwood pulled his face and gestured just so, we all instantly recognised Prince Charles stepping into the room. Same went for his portrayal of pipe puffing PM, Harold Wilson. And with Margaret Thatcher at the helm, female performers got their chance to shine, with Janet Brown the go-to impressionist on election night.

So it’s probably no surprise that, growing up, I became fascinated with impersonations. Frank Spencer, Dame Edna, the exaggerated French accents of ‘Allo ‘Allo! (“Listen very carefully, I shall say this only once...”) and Officer Crabtree’s dreadful Franglais (“Good moaning!”) were playground gold.

There’s a certain thrill in mastering an accent, a voice, a mannerism - and in its purest form, I’ve always seen it as flattery.

However, by the late 1980s and early 1990s, the traditional model of impressionist comedy began to lose its footing, overshadowed by the rise of biting satire in shows like Spitting Image, Have I Got News for You, and the stand-up comedy scene, where figures were parodied in more exaggerated, political, or absurdist styles. While we still had the likes of Harry Enfield, Kate Robbins, Jon Culshaw, and Alistair McGowan, the old-school impressionists have mostly faded from the mainstream, with a handful of exceptions, such as Rob Brydon. But they’re in the minority.

Perhaps that shift is because mimicry has increasingly become viewed as mean-spirited, as opposed to a skilful homage. Nowadays, it’s only considered acceptable if the target is presumed to be universally disliked. In the US, for example, Saturday Night Live continues to feature impressions of political figures and celebrities. Alec Baldwin’s portrayal of Donald Trump was a recurring feature from 2016 to 2020, even earning him an Emmy, and more recently, Dana Carvey showcased his developing Elon Musk impression on Real Time with Bill Maher.

Proving that, even as impressions adapt to suit our landscape, the ability to ‘take someone off’, continues to captivate audiences. When Parker Posey is interviewed, it’s not just her character that people fixate on; it’s her accent and mannerisms - elements that are endlessly discussed and imitated by those who engage with her portrayal.

Anthropologists agree - mimicry is an inherent human trait, rooted in social bonding and communication. From childhood, we instinctively imitate the speech patterns of those around us, helping us connect, belong, and navigate social hierarchies. It’s why accents shift, depending on who we’re speaking to, why we pick up slang from our peers, and why certain vocal quirks go viral in popular culture.

But it could get you into trouble. I once worked alongside a lovely Russian woman. Although sunny in her demeanour, certain comments she made, no matter how innocuous, were serious in tone - and made me feel like I was sat on a park bench, looking resolutely forward, before we swapped briefcases.

“The pigeon flies south when the bell tolls twice…. I hear the tulips bloom early in Amsterdam…Is the boss paying for our drinks at the Christmas party?”

Whenever I spoke with her, I couldn't help but mirror her accent. Half the time, I didn’t even realise I was doing it. And get this - she wasn’t the least bit offended. In fact, she’d often return the favour, slipping into a ‘Cor Blimey Guvnor’ Cockney brogue to match mine too. We were all at it.

And it’s not just humans who enjoy a bit of impersonation. For instance, a few months ago, my husband Danny was involved in an SES rescue operation in Queensland, searching for a hiker stranded along a notoriously treacherous stretch of mountain. As he blew his whistle and called out, hoping the missing person would hear and respond, imagine his surprise when a voice - clearly mimicking his calls - responded. Danny rushed towards who he hoped was the hiker, only to discover a mischievous lyrebird, copying the very sounds he had made in his search.

This fascination with imitation isn’t going away, but it continues to evolve. In today’s digital age, the internet plays a central role in this shift. Gone are the days of multigenerational TV viewing; we now live in a multi-channel, multi-platform world, where shared cultural reference points are no longer a given.

Yet, as this article suggests, the end of pier act may have lost some of its mainstream appeal over the years, but it has not disappeared - it’s simply adapted to fit the digital landscape. The catch? Many of us oldies (I include myself in that slur) are just not tuned into it.

The emergence of platforms like TikTok has given rise to a new breed of impressionists. Brian Hull, for example, has gained popularity for his diverse range of voices, sharing his work across Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. These platforms enable impressionists to reach a global audience, showcasing their talents in ways traditional TV never could.

However, the larger-than-life characters of the past no longer exist in the same way. Politicians, comedians, and stars of stage and screen have given way to a new wave of social media personalities - many of whom, in their quest for likes and trends, end up parodying themselves. Their carefully curated online personas leave little room for genuine traits to be imitated.

Relying on rehearsed content, they present static, self-conscious versions of themselves - devoid of distinctive vocal quirks or unconscious mannerisms that performers once relied on. The impulse to mimic remains, but the material has shifted, leaving impressionists with a different landscape to navigate.

Perhaps that’s why our collective focus has turned elsewhere. Instead of mimicking politicians and pop stars, we latch onto fleeting moments - accents, phrases, or speech patterns that strike a chord. Whether it’s Parker Posey’s Southern drawl or a viral clip from TikTok, the instinct to imitate endures. It’s not that we’ve stopped mimicking; we’ve just found new voices to echo.

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Thanks to those who read, liked and shared my previous post - Soundtrack to My Life. I had a lot of fun writing it. And if the subject of impressions tickled your fancy, you might also enjoy this piece I wrote a while ago, about the changing face of comedy:

What's So Funny?

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