Mad, Sad and Bad with Paloma Faith Zack Polanski: Reform Want To Protect The 1%
Mar 3, 2026
Zack Polanski, Green Party politician and activist known for growing membership and campaigning on climate and social justice. He talks about why fear-based storytelling wins votes and the power of hope. He describes community theatre and local hubs as political training grounds. He warns about NHS data risks and explains how inclusive, people-first leadership can challenge parties protecting the wealthy.
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Theatre Practice Led Him To Politics
- Zack Polanski moved from Theatre of the Oppressed to politics because rehearsing change repeatedly revealed a gap that only political power could fix.
- He used Augusto Boal's method of pausing scenes to empower audiences to practice confronting oppression, which made politics feel like a natural next step.
Table Tennis Club Became A Model For Integration
- Zack describes visiting a Brighton table tennis club where refugees, local community and people with special needs integrated through play.
- He said the room's atmosphere felt like a gig: tangible love and connection that showed community work can transform local life.
Palantir In NHS Creates Privacy And Ethics Risk
- Zack warns about Palantir's embedding in the NHS and ties to Israel, raising privacy and ethical concerns about data and military links.
- He fears health data could affect insurance, treatment access, and fund decisions that indirectly finance global harms.